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The Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Mr He Guangwei, and the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, signed the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Tourism Cooperation Agreement at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (December 19).

The agreement signifies closer tourism cooperation and exchange between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

Mr Ip said after the signing ceremony that the agreement marked a milestone in the development of the tourism industries for both the Mainland and Hong Kong. He welcomed the agreement with the CNTA.

Both parties agreed to encourage more travel between the two places; to support the tourism industry via mutual tourism trade and promotion; to step up tourism publicity overseas to attract more tourists to the Mainland and Hong Kong; and to take measures to protect tourists' rights, etc.

It is expected that the agreement will bring more business opportunities for the tourism industry in both the Mainland and Hong Kong. Both sides will strengthen cooperation to promote tourism development and products more actively.

Led by Chairman He Guangwei, the 43-member delegation comprises senior officials of the tourism authorities of provinces and cities in the Mainland. The delegates started their three-day visit to Hong Kong today. During their stay, they will also exchange experiences with the Tourism Commission, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the tourism industry in Hong Kong.

Ends/Friday, December 19, 2003

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