By Zhang Zhao(China Daily USA)

Co-organized by the China National Tourism Administration and the US Travel Association, the eighth China-US Tourism Leadership Summit will open in Xiamen, Fujian province on Monday and last through Thursday.

Organizers said the summit is a venue for both China and the United States to increase mutual understanding and enhance cooperation. The Chinese side also will use the opportunity to promote tourism in Fujian, especially Xiamen, and explore the US market.

The summit is expected to attract around 200 delegates representing government departments, industry associations, travel agencies and airline companies.

The four-day event will include meetings of officials, promotional campaigns, seminars and press conferences. An agreement is expected to be reached and announced in the form of declaration.

The delegates will also be invited to visit tulou, or earthen buildings. The large communal residences, some dating back to the 12th century, have received UNESCO World Heritage designation.

The annual leadership summit is held by Chinese and US cities in turns, with Shanghai, Qingdao and Nanjing host to previous session. It will be the most important tourism meeting in Fujian in recent years.

Contributing 379,400 overnight visitors in 2013, the US is the largest overseas tourist source for the province.

zhangzhao@chinadaily.com.cn