"I will ask the government to consider adding Israel to its list of approved destination sites (ADS)," said Chinese Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan today at a meeting with Minister of Tourism Gideon Ezra at Jerusalem's King David Hotel.
If Israel is included in the list, it will significantly increase the flow of tourists from China, since Chinese tourist agencies will be permitted to market group tours to Israel. China included only 29 countries in its ADS list as of the end of 2003. This number increased to 55 in September, and is likely to rise to 63 by the end of the year, including Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and EU countries. Israel's efforts to be included in the list have not yet succeeded. The last attempt was during a World Trade Organization meeting in October 2003.
Tang said it was very important to strengthen bilateral ties. Ezra replied that he would be pleased to host China's minister of tourism.
The number of Chinese tourists has been showing signs of recovery lately. 2,350 Chinese tourists visited Israel in January-October, 40% more than in 2003. Over 12,000 Chinese tourists came during the peak year of 2000. 20,000 Israelis visit China every year. Israel and China signed a tourism encouragement agreement in 1994.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on December 28, 2004