China
First Chinese leisure travelers to U.S. greeted by music, hospitality
Source: Xinhua | 06-18-2008 16:39
Special Report: 4th China-U.S. SEDWASHINGTON, June 17 (Xinhua) -- First groups of Chinese leisure travelers to the United States arrived Tuesday night at Dulles International Airport in Washington and found themselves surrounded by Jazz music, smile and hospitality.
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Representatives of overseas Chinese travel agencies wait |
About 40 Chinese visitors walked through airport alley with banners on both sides saying "welcome to the U.S. capital."
"It is so exciting and makes me looking forward to this tour," said Mrs. Xing, a 70-year-old visitor from Beijing, adding that she felt very honored to be among the first leisure groups to the U.S.
Another visitor, Ms. Han, said she enjoyed the jazz which she described as an experience of American cultural and expected an overview of the country during the tour.
"Knowing will lead to understanding," she said, "I hope mutual understanding can help bridge gaps between two countries."
Their 11-day tour marked the implementation of a memorandum of understanding to facilitate outbound tourist group travel from China to the United States signed on Dec. 11, 2007, a milestone in the history of U.S.-China tourism and economic cooperation.
"They bring in enthusiasm, curiosity and wonderful spirit, and we really look forward to hosting them," William G. Sutton, Assistant Secretary of U.S. Department of Commerce, told Xinhua.
"The start of Chinese leisure group to the U.S. will deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between two peoples and contribute to the development of strategic partnership between two countries," said Shao Qiwei, director of China National Tourism Administration who led the first group of Chinese travelers.
