The National Tourism Administration approved destination status agreements with 13 European countries earlier this year to simplify the application process for tourism visas.

However, May Day holiday tours for many popular destinations such as France, Italy and England may be out of reach, because travel agencies are still waiting for permission for tour packages from the administration, the Daily Sunshine reported.

Some travel agencies, however, have turned to business tours which only include sightseeing. Business tours require much more complicated application procedures.

| China Travel Update |