An influential group of visitors made history recently as the first Chinese tourist group welcomed to The Bahamas since The Bahamas received the strictly regulated Approved Destination Status from the Chinese Government in February, 2005.

The group of 10 included three of China's top tour operators and writers for some of the highest-circulated publications, including Golf Magazine and Cosmopolitan (China) Magazine. As guests of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Chinese delegation travelled to three major islands to become familiar with the country's tourism product.

Vernice Walkine, director general of Tourism, welcomed the group on their June 2 – 11 visit, encouraging them to share their Bahamas experiences with their readers and clients.

"The Bahamas has much to offer, and we will fit in as many of those offerings as possible during your stay," Ms. Walkine told the delegation with the assistance of an interpreter. "We want you to have the best possible experience, and we want you to tell others about what is available here. We hope that you would find this trip deserving of recommendation to your fellow countrymen so that we can welcome more and more of our Chinese friends each year to The Bahamas."

The historic visit was part of the Ministry of Tourism's thrust to tap into rapidly developing Chinese tourism opportunities. International travel by Chinese citizens is growing at a rate of 10 – 15 percent annually, making it the country with the fastest growth in outbound tourism. It is estimated that China's outbound travellers will exceed 56 million by 2010, and the World Tourism Organization predicts that number to exceed 100 million by 2020. If this is achieved, China would be the fourth highest tourist generating country in the world.

The first Chinese group to visit The Bahamas travelled to Nassau/Paradise Island, Harbour Island and Grand Bahama. They learned about plans for the expansion of Atlantis Resort and the development of Baha Mar, Ginn and others.

"There are other major hotel and resort developments that you will not get to see while you are here, but these will give you reasons to return," Ms. Walkine said. "On islands such as Mayaguana, and Rum Cay and Eleuthera, there are major developments under way or planned, which will provide luxury accommodations and amenities in the most beautiful surroundings."

The group's itinerary allowed them to dine at various restaurants and participate in golfing, diving and shopping. Tourism officials said it was important for the visitors to become acquainted with the country's shopping experiences because it is a major interest of Chinese tourists.

According to statistics of the WTO, the outbound travel expenditure of Chinese citizens in 2002 was (U.S.) $15.4 billion, and ranked 7th in the world (3.2 percent of the total global expenditure of outbound travel). The average spending of Chinese travellers is $1,083.00 (excluding air & hotel) - 71.2. percent shopping (gifts & souvenirs), 12.9. percent entertainment, 11.6. percent sightseeing, 1.2 percent food, and 3.1 percent other items.

Ministry of Tourism officials said they hope to welcome other groups from China in the near future.

CHINESE VISIT — Director General of Tourism Vernice Walkine, centre, and her Ministry of Tourism team members are pictured with the first Chinese tourist group to visit The Bahamas.