Kiribati has been added to China's list of approved destinations for its tour groups.
Photo: 123RF
The Tourism Authority of Kiribati has welcomed Beijing's decision, which follows last week's visit to China by the Kiribati president Taneti Maamau.
Kiribati joined other Pacific Island countries in signing up to China's global development strategy, the 'Belt and Road Initiative'.
The head of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, Petero Manufolau, said he hoped the Chinese visitor market could drive revenue growth and create new jobs in Kiribati.
China is the country with the largest number of outbound travellers, while Kiribati has been among the least visited countries.
Last year, Kiribati restored diplomatic ties with China after a 16-year period of ties with Taiwan.