Clinton visit to lift US tourists

The mainland is expecting a boom in tourists from the United States on the back of President Bill Clinton's visit starting on June 25. 'About 700,000 visitors from the US are expected to visit China this year, some 16 per cent up from 1997,' the China Daily quoted China National Tourism Administration spokesman Cai Jiacheng as saying. In addition to Mr Clinton's visit, the strong US economy, cheaper air fares and simplified visa procedures would also boost numbers, he added.