The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong closer tourism cooperation agreement was signed in Hong Kong Friday, signifying their closer tourism cooperation and exchange.  

The documents were signed by the Director of the China National Tourism Administration, He Guangwei, and Hong Kong's Secretary for Economic Development and Labor, Stephen Ip.

After the signing ceremony, Ip said the agreement marked a milestone in the growth of the tourism industries for both the mainland and Hong Kong.

According to the agreement, 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 draw more tourists to the mainland and Hong Kong; and to take measures to protect tourists' rights.

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, said Ip.

He Guangwei said that Hong Kong has become the largest overseas destination of mainland tourists. Over the past six years, more than 32 million mainland tourists have visited Hong Kong.

At the same time, Hong Kong is the major source of overseas tourists visiting Chinese mainland. The newly signed agreement will benefit the both sides, said He Guangwei said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2003)