China and the United States have agreed to hold the 14th China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit in the first half of 2024 in China to further revive and develop tourism cooperation between the two countries, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Tuesday.

While meeting with visiting U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping said his ministry is willing to work with the U.S. Department of Commerce to boost people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges besides increasing mutual visits.

He expressed hope that the U.S. side will work with China in the same direction, further increase direct flights between the two countries, adjust its travel advice for Chinese trips as soon as possible, and make it easier for Chinese citizens to apply for U.S. visas.

Hu also urged the U.S. side to stop groundless interrogation and harassment of Chinese citizens and delegations visiting the United States and create better conditions for mutual tourist visits.

Raimondo arrived in Beijing on Sunday night for a four-day visit to the country.

China announced on August 10 the resumption of group travel to the U.S., and according to reports, Chinese and U.S. airlines will be allowed to make a total of 36 round-trip flights a week from September 1, with the number rising to 48 from October 29 and doubling the current figure.

(With input from Xinhua)