Around 2000 Chinese tourists visited Nuku’alofa on Friday, December 16, on an Italian cruise ship Costa Atlantica, which began its journey from China. They are the largest group of Chinese tourists to arrive since visa waivers were introduced this year.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador HE Mr Huang Huaguang toured the ship, during a welcoming ceremony at Vuna Wharf.

The Ambassador said this is the first time Tonga has received such a big group of Chinese tourists.

“China is a country with big tourism industry. Every year, over 120 million Chinese people travel abroad so there is broad prospect to deepen cooperation in tourism between China and Tonga,” he stated today.

Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva who visited the ship, said having this big tourist group visit promotes the improvement of tourism infrastructure, quality of services, sustainable development of tourism and protection of Tonga’s culture and environment.

“Tonga welcomes more Chinese tourists. The Government of Tonga is committed to the development tourism and is willing to deepen mutual beneficial cooperation with China in tourism and other fields,” he said.

This group is visiting Tonga after a visa waiver agreement between China and Tonga was introduced this year.