The First International Forum on Chinese Outbound Tourism and Marketing at Shangri-La Hotel on Tuesday abounded with Chinese and overseas tourism operators meeting to promote business.

Taka Munyanyiwa of Zimbabwe displayed a handful of business cards he had received, saying he was satisfied with the turnout and interest shown by Chinese travel agencies.

Speaking in fluent Chinese, Vietnamese Ngo Lan Phuong told the Shenzhen Daily that her company was trying to attract more Chinese visitors.

With more than 20 tourism agencies represented at the forum, the German delegation attracted many Chinese counterparts.

While enthusiastically introducing their attractions, the Germans did not compromise quality for price.

Liu Jia, a representative of a tourism firm in Schwerin, Germany, said: "At present, an eight-day tour to Germany run by some Chinese companies is priced at 8,580 yuan. However, with 5,000 yuan for airfares, only 3,580 yuan (400 Euros) is left for catering, accommodation, transportation and tickets. How can we make a profit and how can Chinese tourists have a good trip The price for an eight-day tour should be at least doubled."

(Shenzhen Daily November 19, 2003)