More details will be discussed by the two sides before organized Chinese tourist groups can finally go there.

"Both India and China used to be ancient civilized nations. Currently we are two largest developing nations. I believe tourismwill promote bilateral exchanges in different areas," said Dinesh K. Patnaik, head of commercial division of Indian Embassy in Beijing.

In the past one year, Indian tourism administration and travel agencies actively took part in Chinese tourism exposition, in the hope that Chinese people will be more familiar with India. The unique curry taste and wonderful Indian dancing in the local Indian restaurants have aroused Chinese people's deep interest in India.

Travel agencies will charge around 10,000 yuan (1,250 US dollars) from each customer of going to India. Those who have highincome and good education will be potential customers, predicted Zhang Zhiguang, an official with China Travel Service Head Office.

China Eastern Airlines opened direct flights from Beijing to New Delhi in March. Chinese people can also fly via Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.

(People's Daily Devember 16, 2002)