Brazil is opening her arms to Chinese tourists later this year.

The Brazilian Tourism Administration says package trips for Chinese tourists will be available as soon as direct air routes open between China and Brazil.

According to Brazilian Airlines, direct flights between Sao Paulo and Beijing will start operating around September this year.

It is estimated that the opening of the new direct air link will bring 200,000 Chinese travelers to Brazil every year.

Meanwhile, Cuba has also opened up to Chinese tour groups and some agencies are attempting develop trips that stop in this Caribbean country and Brazil.

However, due with the long distance in between, it is almost impossible to arrange tours covering both places.

According to the agencies, a single tour to Brazil costs about 20,000 yuan (US$2,400).

Also, the 11th Session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development will open in Sao Paulo this year, and is expected make Brazil a popular place for Chinese business tourism.

(CRI.com April 1, 2005)