China joins South Pacific Tourism Organization
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-04-21 09:58

China joined the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) on Tuesday, becoming the organization's first member from outside the region.

Officials attending the ceremony held in Suva, capital of South Pacific island state of Fiji, said China's presence in the organization will help boost the regional tourism and enhance the understanding between China and the island countries.

Reports reaching here quoted Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Cai Jinbiao as telling the ceremony that China attaches great importance to developing relations with South Pacific countries.

As the world's most important tourist market, China is willing to share with South Pacific countries the experience and the profits in the development of tourism, he said.

On behalf of SPTO, the CEO of Fiji's Tourism Ministry Ratu Napolioni Masirewa welcomed China to be the organization's 13th member state.

He pointed out that China, with her great market potentials, will not only bring in economic benefits, but serve to encourage more powers from outside the region to join the SPTO.

The SPTO, established in 1986 and based in Suva, is a regional inter-governmental organization for the joint promotion of the region as a tourist destination.

Besides China, the SPTO has 12 other member countries or regions: the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiritati, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tanga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

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