Shandong Airlines has flown its maiden international flight into Singapore's Changi Airport. It will be followed by a twice-weekly service.

Shandong Airlines joins Air China International, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines in serving Singapore.

The frequency of flights to Singapore from China has mushroomed in recent years as the country's economy booms.

China's government has made it easier for Chinese to get passports and foreign currency.

Additionally, many countries have eased restrictions on visas for Chinese nationals.

In 1998, some 293 thousand Chinese visited Singapore. By 2002, Chinese arrivals had more than doubled to 670 thousand.

Tourism accounts for about 7 percent of Singapore's economic activity each year.

(CRI.com May 31, 2004)