Ambika Soni said that the numbers of tourists coming to India from China was 88,000 in 2007 whereas in 2006, 40,50,912 tourists from India went to China. She said the gap is substantial and should be bridged. Soni said the visa regime has been streamlined for Chinese tourists coming to India. India has many attractions for travelers from China such as Buddhist tourism circuit with a special train for tourists, Chinese food and budget accommodation. She said according to UNWTO by 2020 AD India and China will have the largest number of outbound tourists in the world. The Minister said both the countries must take steps to strengthen tourism potential in each other’s country. Soni invited entrepreneurs from Yunnan province to invest in tourism infrastructure in India.

         Qin Guangrong said that there should be further cultural cooperation and exchange of cultural troupes and tourism delegations between the two countries to promote tourism. He said India should participate in tourism shows and travel marts in Yunnan province as it is a leading province in tourism in China and closer to India geographically. He proposed that a consulate office be opened at Kunming so that further tourism can be promoted in India.   
-Nov 15, 2008