According to the latest statistics published by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau last month, the number of Chinese visitors to Paris in 2004 increased by 14 percent from the previous year to reach 400,000.

An official in charge of tourism affairs in Paris predicted that Paris would have at least 600,000 Chinese visitors this year, and the number would grow to 1 million next year.

According to a survey by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, a Chinese tourist spends about 120 Euros on accommodation per night and 400 Euros on shopping.

The total spending of a Chinese tourist is about 6900 yuan. A survey shows that an average Chinese tourist spends more than the average American tourist, and is a close second behind the typical Japanese tourist.

The Asian specialist at the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau predicted that China would surpass the U.K., the U.S. and Japan to become the second largest source of tourists for Paris by 2015.

Christian Sautter, the Deputy Mayor of Paris, said that Paris was going all out to create a Chinese-friendly environment for the convenience of its Chinese visitors.

The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau stated that they have requested all their partners to prepare a set of explanatory material in the Chinese language.