The Guatemalan government would take practical measures to attract more Chinese tourists, an official from the country's tourism ministry told Xinhua on Saturday.

Willi Kaltschmitt, who also serves as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), hoped that the IOC's full session in the capital city could promote the country's tourism.

On Wednesday, the IOC will decide on the host city of the 2014 Winter Games.

The IOC meeting, Kaltschmitt said, is a rare opportunity for Guatemala to publicize its culture, archaeology and local customs.

China is of great importance to the development of global tourism, he said, adding that China and Guatemala sahre similarities in their cultures

He said Guatemalan tourism authorities were seeking ways to make it easier for Chinese tourists to get visas, adding that Guatemala is holding consultations with the Chinese side, hoping to bring about a solution to the problem soon.

Source: Xinhua