They will fly with Egyptian Airlines from Beijing to Cairo, stay there for five days and then fly to Malta. The total cost will be around 16,000 yuan (2000 US dollars).

The Mediterranean island of Malta attracts tourists worldwide with its clean sea, blue sky and mild climate. Egypt, one of the four ancient civilizations, is also popular with tourists.

Malta became the first European country to gain Authorized Destination Status (ADS) from the Chinese government in 2001, while Egypt was the first African country to gain the same status in 2002. Egyptian Airlines launched direct flights between Cairo and Beijing in January 2003.

(People's Daily February 24, 2003)