The first Europe tour group, consisting of 150 tourists, set off from the Guangzhou New International Airport on September 1st. They would arrive in Paris 12 hours later.

The first-ever European tour package develops by China International Travel Service together with five other travel agencies, which will cover France, Switzerland and Italy over a twelve-day period. Under agreements between China and the European Union, 29 European countries will open their doors to embrace Chinese tourists starting this September.

The Overseas Chinese Town China Travel Service said the tour fees were around 10,000 yuan (US$1,200). It cited a five-day, nine-country tour at 9,900 yuan and a 12-day tour to eight countries at about 15,000 yuan.

A 13-day, 16,000-yuan package from the Shenzhen Tourism Group¡¯s Outbound-Travel Department departs Hong Kong for 15 cities in Germany and France.

The 11-day, 16,800-yuan package from the Overseas Chinese Town China Travel Service departs Guangzhou for France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy and the Vatican.

It's reported that from November 1st, the timetable from Guangzhou to Paris will be adjusted. The departure time from Guangzhou is at 0:50 p.m. and the arrival time is at 6:40 a.m. Paris time.

At present, the Guangzhou airport has opened 22 international flights. Next year Guangzhou will open 40 international flights.

Editor: Olivia