Hawaii is promoting a Tropical Island Tour to Chinese tourists at the 2006 China International Travel Mart, which wrapped up yesterday.

 

Compared with icy Alaska, Hawaii is much more familiar to Chinese people, and the historic and cultural bonds between China and Hawaii are long and broad.

 

"Many Chinese tourists find Hawaii a familiar land when they tour the island. The sandalwood of Honolulu has been very popular in China, from as early as the 19th century. The place is also a base from where Dr. Sun Yat-sen led revolutionary activities," said a staff member at the Hawaii Exhibition Desk.

 

According to statistics, the number of Chinese citizens visiting the US increased by 24 percent last year, while China has become US citizens' 12th largest tourist destination country. The prospect of tourism cooperation between the two countries is very promising.

 

(CRI November 21, 2006)