Xinhua News Agency reported today that the
Australian immigration minister said an agreement has been reached
with the China National Tourism Administration to allow tourist
groups from all parts of China to visit Australia.
Amanda Vanstone, Australia’s Minister for
Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, said the
agreement was made yesterday and would provide easier access for
Chinese group travelers.
Only residents from nine regions are currently able
to travel to Australia, including those from Beijing, Shanghai,
Tianjin, Guangdong, Hebei, Shandong and Chongqing.
China has already become the fastest inbound
tourism market for Australia, with tourist numbers hitting 251,300
last year, up 43 percent on the previous year.
(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2005)