The event is a follow-up of the "Visit India Year," which run through 2015 in China.

 

China National Tourist Administration chairman Li Jinzao says a big increase in tourism numbers is expected on both sides.

 

"Last year, 900,000 two-way visits we've recorded between China and India. However, compare to our combined population of 2.5 billion, the potential of tourism exchanges is yet to be fully¹ released, but we are confident that we will set a record of one million two-way visits in 2016 this year."

 

The idea to host the Tourism Year events was agreed on in 2014 by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

India's Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma says the event is expected to enhance people to people contact between India and China.

 

"Travel and tourism can play a significant role in fostering better understanding, effective communication, and closer cooperation between the two societies. I'm happy that the E-visa facility that was extended to Chinese nationals traveling to India for tourism since July, 2015 has a positive impact. I wish Visit-China Year in 2016 all success, and hope this will further promote people to people exchanges between India and China."

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