Press Release: European Union signs landmark tourism accord with China today in Beijing

On 12 February 2004, the European Community and the China National Tourism Administration signed a landmark accord that will facilitate Chinese group tourism to Europe. Chinese tourists going through selected travel agencies will benefit from simplified and facilitated procedures to apply for tourist visas from the Member States of the European Union which have been granted 'Approved Destination Status' (ADS) by China. The agreement also includes provisions allowing return of possible Chinese over-stayers. The new accord is expected to enter into force before the summer and will generate significant flows of Chinese visitors to Europe, thus boosting EU-China tourism exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

http://www.eeas.europa.eu/china/index_en.htm http://www.eeas.europa.eu/china/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/justice_home/fsj/freetravel/fsj_freetravel_intro_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/justice_home/fsj/freetravel/fsj_freetravel_intro_en.htm

---