Cuba is expecting the arrival of many more Chinese visitors to its shores.Cuba was the first outbound tourist destination for Chinese travellers in the western hemisphere. To attract still more Chinese tourists, the Cuban Embassy has endeavoured to reduce the time necessary to issue a tourist visa.

The Cuban Tourism Ministry also plans to open a representative office in Beijing to provide better services to Chinese travellers.

The civil aviation authorities of the two nations are now discussing the possibility of opening the first direct flight from Beijing to Havana, aiming to make the city a gateway for Chinese tourists in their southern American tour.

At present, Chinese travellers must transfer via Frankfurt, Paris, Moscow, or Vancouver to reach the tropical nation.

Cuban tourism authority has approved nine travel agencies to offer services for Chinese travellers, and has improved the training of tour guides in communicating in Chinese.

Renovated terminal ready for flights

After a 14-month overhaul, the old terminal building at the Capital International Airport is ready to relieve some of the mounting air traffic pressure in Beijing.

Airport authorities said last week the renovated terminal will be used exclusively by China's largest air carrier, China Southern, for domestic air routes starting on September 20.

It is the first time in China's civil aviation history that an airport terminal has been "monopolized?by a single airline company.

Industry regulators said the move will encourage more airlines to offer ground services.

Under the contract between China Southern and the airport, the two sides invested 18 million yuan (US$2.2 million) to launch a split share company to operate the refurbished terminal.

China Southern, with its affiliates China Northern and Xinjiang airlines, will move into the renewed terminal next month. Its two share-holding airlines, Xiamen and Sichuan, will be introduced to the terminal later next year.

HK Disney Land to open

Disney is expanding its continental flavour in opening its first centre for Asia in Hong Kong.

The family amusement park will open by the end of next year. The price structure of admission is still being discussed by the local government and Disney.

Local transportation authorities are in full swing to prepare for the anticipated influx of visitors.

The Hong Kong Tourism Bureau estimates over 5 million visitors from around the world will visit the new Disneyland in its first year.

Shanghai bullfights

Shanghai plans to stage its first bullfights in October, after a similar plan in Beijing ran foul of animal rights groups. An official from Beijing's Daxing District in March said a 3,000 seat arena had been built in Beijing to bring the event to the mainland, but the idea was ultimately shelved.

The Shanghai Sports Association will invest nearly 20 million yuan (US$2.4 million) to bring three matadors and six fighting bulls from Spain for the four-hour spectacle, a first for the Chinese mainland.

The city expects to pack the 80,000-seat Shanghai Stadium for the fights on October 6 to capacity. Organizers have promised spectators that the bullfighting will have an "Original Spanish flavour.?

Tickets will go on sale next month but prices had yet to be set.

Top 15 travel destinations for US

China has become one of the fifteen top travel destinations for US tourists.

A recent survey of over 2000 US citizens included China as a popular tourist destination for the first time, with a ranking of 15th place.

Australia leads the list, followed by Italy, Britain, France, Ireland, and Germany.

According to the survey, Europe still enjoys high popularity among US holiday makers with over 50 per cent of those surveyed choosing countries from this continent as their top travel destination.

Pilgrimage to Confucius home

With Teacher's Day being celebrated on September 10, thousands of Chinese teachers and foreign teachers will be invited to attend a trip to the home of Confucius.

Sponsored by Beijing Fantasy International Travel Service (BFITS), the event aims to celebrate the 2,555th anniversary of Confucius?birth at his hometown of Qufu in East China's Shandong Province.

A grand celebration party will be held in Qufu and teachers will also have the chance to tour destinations around the city.

Detailed below is an itinerary for a two-day trip to Qufu.

Day 1: Leave Beijing early to arrive at Tai'an to stay overnight. In the evening, celebration party will be held and lots of lucky draw is prepared for members of the trip.

Day 2: After breakfast, visit Qufu, the Confucius Temple and Confucius Wood. After lunch, return Beijing.

Price: 456 yuan (US$55) per person, including accommodation at a three-star hotel, transportation, tickets to enter all scenic spots, guides and dinner.

For more information, call (010) 6213-9924 or 6213-8740, or email ab521550@sina.com

Xinjiang Grape Festival

The annual 13th Silk Road Grape Festival in Turpan is underway to commemorate the 2113th anniversary of the forming of Silk Road.

The Silk Road stretches 4,000 kilometres in China, with 2,000 kilometres within Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The grape festival was first held in August 1990. As part of the festival's exhibition of tours, trade, and culture, the Urumqi Border Trade Fair will also be held to attract investment for local economy.

The Grape Festival is not just an ode to Turpan's most important agricultural product, but a chance to celebrate the local way of life.

Turpan is a Silk Road settlement that remembers the names of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great. Populated by the Muslim Uygur people today, almost every household has a hand in the grape business, from wine to sweet dried raisins.

Local tours invite you to retrace Marco Polo's footsteps, and desert landscapes let your imagination run riot with the mirage of Silk Road caravans traversing the hot sands.