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China expects broader tourism co-op with US

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-21 14:08

WASHINGTON -- As the inaugural group of Chinese travelers arrived in the United States, both US and Chinese tourism officials are pondering how to establish more mature, persistent and broader cooperation for mutual benefit.

Tourists from China pose for a picture with Disney characters Mickey (R) and Minnie Mouse during a cruise for the first official Chinese tour group to the United States under a new bilateral travel agreement with the United States government, in Washington June 19, 2008. [Agencies]

About 250 Chinese travelers from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou ended their four-day tour in Washington D.C. on Friday, saying that they have received unprecedented high-level welcome.

Their arrival at the International airport were awaited by a US jazz band and senior officials of US Commerce Department including assistant Secretary William Sutton with greeting banners.

They were offered special and exclusive tours to the US Congress and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and a welcome ceremony at a Senate building by Senator from Hawaii Daniel Kahikina Akaka, who congratulated the Chinese guests for witnessing the milestone in the tourism cooperation between the two countries.

At a reception on the Odyssey Cruise Thursday night, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez wished them "good cultural experience, happy memories, great photographs and new friends" in the United States.

He also praised China's good handling of the earthquake and its victims and congratulated China on its successful preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"I feel warmly welcomed here," said a visitor, Ms. Peng. "I would bring back these good memories and advise my friends to visit America."

Peng said the hotel she stayed in added Chinese food to its breakfast buffet, which made her really feel at home.

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