Beijing: India has decided to open its first tourist office in China, recognising the huge untapped potential in this sector, which could be utilised to improve people-to-people relations.

The on-the-spot decision was taken by Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan who is in Beijing to participate in the 15th World Tourism Organisation (WTO) assembly, which begins in Beijing from October 20, official sources told reporters.

So far, the huge China market was looked after by India's tourist office in Tokyo.

Sources also said that the Department of Tourism would soon start scouting for a prominent location in Beijing to open its China office.

The China National Tourism Authority (CNTA) has already decided to open its New Delhi office to attract more Indian tourists to the Middle Kingdom, now the world's most popular tourist destination.

China recently granted the Approved Destination Status (ADS) to India that would allow Chinese group tourists to visit India.

Following Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit to China in June, India had also eased its Visa regime allowing Chinese tourists and business visitors to get the Indian Visa to travel to the country, which is promoting its tourism potential with a new campaign under 'Incredible India'.

The key decision comes on the heels of the national carrier, Air India announcing that it would start flights to China for the first time on December 11.

The twice-a-week flight would connect the commercial capitals of both countries- Mumbai and Shanghai via New Delhi and Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the tourism stall at the largest-ever 'Made in India' show, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Beijing has attracted much attention of Chinese tour operators, an official source said.

PTI