US / China Tour Pact

 The department expects 579,000 Chinese travelers to the US by 2011.

On average, Chinese citizens spend more during their stay than visitors from other countries. In 2006, average per visitor spending by Chinese citizens traveling to the United States was more than $6,000.

Previously, Chinese regulations prevented companies from organizing and marketing packaged tours for leisure purposes to countries that did not have Approved Destination Status agreements.

The National Tour Association (NTA) has submitted a proposal to the Department of Commerce that would create a program to ensure that US tour operators provide quality experiences for Chinese group visitors, according to NTA chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP.

"NTA is well positioned to assist US travel companies in arranging Chinese leisure group travel and is ready to work with industry professionals in both countries," said Hoelscher.

Citing World Tourism Organization statistics, NTA president Lisa Simon said, "China is the fastest growing travel market in the world. This agreement will enable the United States to be competitive in the global marketplace and welcome new visitors to our great country."