China has opted out of attending Asia’a biggest travel fair. The 2012 Japan International Travel Fair was held in Tokyo on Saturday. Delegations from across 150 countries and regions attend the expo. Organisers say that China’s absence was the biggest regret for the expo.

Kazuyoshi Hasegawa, Dir. & Sec-Gen. of Japan Association of Travel Agents, said, “It is very regretful that China did not participate in the expo. I hope the relations between the two nations can return to normal as soon as possible.”

China’s decision comes after Japan’s so-called “purchase” of the Diaoyu Islands .The purchase aroused strong opposition from the Chinese government and public, with anti-Japan protests seen across the country over the past few days.

As one of the biggest travel and tourism events in Asia, the expo attracts thousands of people every year. After the March 11th earthquake, Japan has strove to promote its tourism to cities across China.

Since November last year, visiting tourists from China to Japan have seen a rapid increase. But amid the recent anti-Japan protests, most Chinese visitors have cancelled theirs trips to Japan. Some exchange programmes between the two sides have also come to a standstill.

Editor:Zhang Dan |Source: CCTV.com