China and the United States have made great strides in tourism with an agreement just announced at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade in Beijing that allows more group leisure travel from China to the U.S. beginning in Spring 2008.

"Today's announcement is a valuable advancement for the United States' travel and tourism industry – and New York City in particular," said Jonathan Tisch, chairman, NYC & Company. "With this historic agreement, New York City is poised to tap into the vibrant and growing Chinese market, which will create positive economic benefits and more jobs for New Yorkers."

NYC & Company established a representative office in Shanghai in June 2007, to develop its presence in the growing China market, which last year welcomed 145,000 visitors. New York City expects to welcome 159,000 visitors by the end of 2007, with continued growth expected in the years to come. This new agreement also permits America's destinations to market themselves in China.

Chinese visitors spend more money per trip than international visitors from other markets, spending more than US$6000, on average, per visitor trip in 2006. New York City is the most popular U.S. destination for Chinese visitors, with 44% choosing the NYC destination.

"We applaud the announcement today of the tourism agreement signed between the U.S. and China," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International. "The announcement represents a great step in unlocking the pent up demand among the Chinese for travel to the U.S. The travel industry will benefit. The U.S. economy wins, too, as spending in the U.S. by international visitors counts as a U.S. export. We congratulate Secretary Gutierrez and the Administration for accomplishing this important goal, and support continued efforts to make America a more welcoming destination for visitors."

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