China will grant Namibia approved destination status for Chinese tourists, it was announced yesterday.

The announcement was made during talks between visiting Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

Eight African countries, including Kenya and Zimbabwe, opened their travel markets to China at the end of last year, while Egypt and South Africa signed travel agreements with China in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Including newly approved Namibia, a total of 12 African countries are now approved destinations for Chinese tourists.

Tourism insiders predict that Africa will be a growing tourism market for Chinese travelers since the continent offers a totally different experience to Europe and North America.

(China Daily December 20, 2005)