Pacific Island countries will be the likely beneficiaries of a tourism boom, after China this week joined the region's main tourism-promoting body, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.
China's membership of the SPTO is seen as a major stepping stone towards Pacific island countries getting approved destination status for millions of Chinese tourists.
And the Chinese ambassador to Fiji, Kai Jinbiao, has confirmed that Fiji and Vanuatu are now being examined as approved destinations.
"These are two little countries that have already asked our side to approve them as Chinese tourist destinations and the department concerned in China are very actively and positively considering their request."
The Chinese ambassador to Fiji, Kai Jinbiao.
