NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Embassy in the People’s Republic of China has implemented a system for the “timely” processing of visas, to allow Chinese easier travel access to this country, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette said Thursday, August 14, 2008.

He made the statement at a press conference for the presentation of Language Scholarship Awards by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to four Bahamians in the areas of tourism and the tour/travel industries.

The recipients -- Terrance Strachan and Francenia Clarke from the Ministry of Tourism and Crystal Evans and Crystal Fowler from Majestic Tours company -- will study Chinese culture and language, specifically Mandarin, from August 20 to December 17 at the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College.

“The Bahamas’ Embassy in China is working in the interest of Bahamian students in China. The Embassy is also concerned with causing applications for visas to be processed in a timely manner so that Chinese citizens would not be unduly delayed when attempting to travel to The Bahamas for business and recreation,” Mr. Symonette said.

He said that The Bahamas recognises that making visa application a convenient process is not only in the best interest of Chinese citizens, but will also be a great asset to Bahamian tourism.

“Chinese travellers have many choices of vacation destination, many of which are much nearer to them. We must do all in our power to ensure that Chinese travellers to The Bahamas are rewarded with efficiency and a dynamic tourism experience,” Mr. Symonette said.

The Bahamas established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1997. Since then, China has proven itself “a good friend” of The Bahamas, Mr. Symonette said.

In July, Her Excellency Elma Campbell was appointed The Bahamas Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, a move to further strengthen Bahamas/China relations.

It is predicted that the number of Chinese travelling abroad will increase by an annual growth rate of 10 to 15 per cent. By 2010, the number of Chinese travelling abroad is expected to exceed 56 million.

The 2007 Nielson China Outbound Travel Monitor found that more than one third of Chinese outbound travellers choose to stay in four-star hotels. A further 10 percent opt for five-star luxury accommodations when heading overseas.

The survey, conducted late 2007, also states that the average spend per person per trip was nearly $3,000. This includes expenses prior to the trip, such as prepaid packages, airfares and accommodations.

“A part of the mission of the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is to make it increasingly easy to access Bahamas vacations,” said Director-General of Tourism Ms. Vernice Walkine. “Of course, this means we must find the most convenient and least expensive ways for visitors to enter the country by air and sea.

“However, it also includes the ease with which they are able to access amenities and enjoy attractions when already in The Bahamas. Communications is no small part of this. They must be made to feel comfortable in Bahamian surroundings, and the mission of our scholars will bring these goals much closer to reality.”

She said other Bahamians will eventually learn the languages and traditions of China, making Chinese guests more relaxed in The Bahamas.

“We will better be able to assist them in our airports, in our hotels, and on our streets. They will be able to enjoy the simple things that count for so much to visitors, such as being able to receive directions and being able to participate fully in tours of historic sites and landmarks,” Ms Walkine said.