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In 2000, CNTA continued to consolidate and develop its ties with tourist generating countries (regions) and foreign official tourism departments. Last year, CNTA signed 12 bilateral agreements and 2 multilateral agreements with foreign official tourism departments, setting a new record. CNTA delegations visited 20 countries. Meanwhile, CNTA received ministers, vice ministers and heads of tourism administrations from different countries. In August of 2000, the ministerial meeting attended by China, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore was held in Kunming. At the meeting, through discussion and consultation, agreements on outbound tours made by the Chinese citizens were signed, with the aim to make joint efforts to administer the order of outbound tourist markets.
????Besides, taking advantage of the China International Travel Mart, CNTA actively developed bilateral tourist relations with many countries and regions. More than 110 distinguished guests attended the opening ceremony of China International Tourism Fair, including ministers, vice ministers and heads of tourism administrations from different countries and regions as well as secretary- general of the World Tourism Organization, and president of the International Convention Association. During the meeting, these distinguished guests met Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, and respectively had talks with CNTA leaders.
????In 2000, CNTA played an active role in major international tourism organizations, and enjoyed an increasing reputation in the world. CNTA attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Organization's Tourism Forum held in Hong Hong in May; the Ministerial Meeting of Tourism sponsored by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Organization held in Seoul of Republic of Korea in July; the International Conference on Sustainable Development of Asia Pacific Island Tourism sponsored by the World Tourism Organization and the UN Environment Office held in Hainan's Sanya in December; the 17th Annual Meeting of Asia Meeting and Sightseeing Administration held in Shanghai; the APEC Tourism Working Conference held in Mexico; the East Asia-Pacific Working Conference sponsored by the World Tourism Organization and held in Sakai, Japan; two meetings of WTO Executive Committee held in Madrid. In November, CNTA and the UN Asia Pacific Economic and Social Cooperation Organization jointly sponsored "Symposium on Sustainable Development of China's Tourism" held in Tianjin, where more than 10 experts from Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Canada were invited to give lectures. Leaders of various provincial tourism administrations and representatives of related departments were also invited to attend the symposium. |
