BEIJING (APP): A 17-member delegation, representing tourism industry in Pakistan arrived here Monday to attend the three-day Beijing International Tourism Expo 2005.

"A special Pakistan's pavilion is being set up at the exhibition, beginning Wednesday. Hashim Khan, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation who leads the delegation told APP that it would be a big show to demonstrate the country's rich tourism potential.

"We are confident that it will be a major step forward strengthening their bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector. We also enjoy extra advantage since the Chinese government has granted Pakistan Authorized Destination Status (ADS)".

Accordingly, the two sides have exchanged lists of approved tour operators and traveling agencies to arrange tour groups.

Pakistan could be the most attractive place, if the departments concerned offer special group-tour packages for the Chinese citizens. There is need to promote awareness about the country's prominent tourism features as well, the sources added.

The travel agencies and tour operators of the two countries are also required to coordinate in preparing tour packages facilitating their tourists, said a senior official of the Travel Service Group of China (CTS).

It is also imperative for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to reduce its existing fare on Pakistan-China route for achieving the desired results.

Most of the Chinese tourists avoid travel to Pakistan only because of the existing higher airfare. The national carrier has to reduce the fare drastically in order to attract more and more passengers, said a local businessman.

The Chinese government laid special emphasis consolidating relations with the regional countries through tourism. Recently, there has been rapid growth of Chinese tourists, as record 14.3 million Chinese went abroad last year, spending over 20 billion dollars.