Xinhua News Agency reported today that the Australian immigration minister said an agreement has been reached with the China National Tourism Administration to allow tourist groups from all parts of China to visit Australia.

Amanda Vanstone, Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, said the agreement was made yesterday and would provide easier access for Chinese group travelers.

Only residents from nine regions are currently able to travel to Australia, including those from Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangdong, Hebei, Shandong and Chongqing.

China has already become the fastest inbound tourism market for Australia, with tourist numbers hitting 251,300 last year, up 43 percent on the previous year.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2005)