China's National Tourism Administration (CNTA) has begun to accept applications to operate domestic citizens for outbound tours by Chinese-foreign joint venture (JV) travel agencies, according to reports Wednesday.

This action marks a substantial step taken by CNTA to further open the Chinese tourism market.

CNTA and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) will select JVs with outstanding achievements and good management as pilot travel agencies. And based on the experience that CNTA will gain from the pilot project, China may invite foreign capital in outbound travel business.

JVs should file their applications before September 30, and send them to CNTA.
Currently, there are totally 17 Chinese-foreign travel agencies in China, whose main focus is on business trips.