Hawaii makes a deal with China

The islands of Hawaii could receive a tourism boost and in return help develop China's tourism expertise thanks to a new agreement signed by both nations this week.

The Chinese vice premier, Wu Yi, who made the trip to Hawaii as part of a visit to the US for bilateral trade talks, expressed her interest in Hawaii's specialist knowledge in the areas of tourism planning, management and personnel training, Chinese news site China Through A Lens reports.

Wu Yi commented that this expertise could "serve as valuable reference for the Chinese tourism industry".

Hawaii is also keen to attract increasing numbers of wealthy Chinese holiday makers, an estimated 27 million of whom traveled overseas in 2004.

Hawaiian governor Linda Lingle said: "The agreement helps us to continue to spread the word in China about Hawaii.

"When they think of a place to visit, we'd like them to think about Hawaii."

Japan currently provides Hawaii with the largest single number of foreign tourists to the pacific island state each year, with1.48 million Japanese holiday makers having visited in 2004.

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