Some 80 Chinese tourists from Beijing and Shanghai disembarked at London on Sunday to start their 6-day tour of the United Kingdom as the first group of package tour from China after the UK was officially approved as a destination for Chinese tourists.

From July 26 to 29, the group will visit key destinations around Britain including the British Museum, the London Eye and Oxford. Shopping will also feature high during the tour with Britain's attractive VAT-refund policy.

Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge, chairman of VisitBritain, the national tourism marketing agency, said: "Previously, the Chinese were only able to visit the UK on business or as students, Chinese citizens can now obtain UK visas for holiday groups of five or more."

With fierce competition for Chinese visitors from destinations around the world, next week's visit is a great opportunity for Britain to truly shine as a world-class destination, he said.

"The natural beauty of our landscapes, countryside and beaches, as well as iconic and historic landmarks, our rich cultural heritage, and superlative shopping and dining, will all drive Chinese visitors to choose Britain for their holidays," he added.

James Bidwell, chief executive of Visit London, noted: "China is a powerhouse economy and there is a huge potential market for visiting London. There are already many thousands of Chinese people who choose London as their preferred destination to study or do business. We are delighted to welcome the first group to London this week."

Bidwell believes that next year's "China in London" season will be the largest outside Asia and will be a fantastic celebration for Chinese visitors and residents alike.

VisitBritain, organizer of the trip, said the number of Chinese visitors grew 41 percent last year, contributing 31 million pounds (US$54 million) to the economy.

VisitBritain and the tourism industry aim to at least double the value of inbound tourism from China to over 200 million pounds(US$360 million) by 2010.

Previously, Chinese citizens were only allowed in the UK for business, study and to visit relatives.

An agreement between the British and Chinese governments will see flights between the two countries almost double to 31 a week by next March.

In the next five years, 200,000 tourists are expected to travel to the UK reaching one million by 2020.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2005)