In what White House officials described as a “game-changer,” President Obama announced a new visa deal with China designed to boost both countries’ travel and tourism industries.

Under the new agreement, short-term tourist and businesses visas for those traveling from the U.S. to China or vice versa will now be valid for 10 years. Previously they were valid for just one year.

“We will be working diligently to invite more Americans to fly with us on a more frequent basis now that they can take advantage of a ten year visa,” said Wei Li, General Manager of the D.

C. Office, Air China.

“This will give Americans the opportunity to become familiar with many Chinese destinations connected to the United States through our route system.”

Since October 2014, Air China offers 49 non-stop flights weekly from six U.S. cities to Beijing. Passengers can also easily reach 104 domestic destinations in China and 50 international and regional destinations through its strong and balanced global route network with Beijing as a hub.

“This change in the length of the visa from just one year to ten for business and leisure travelers is a gigantic improvement and Air China will make good use of the opportunity,” said Li.

For starters, Air China will be contacting those tour operators who have been specializing in tours from China to the United States who have not been generating similar levels of business on tours to China and encourage them to do so.

Air China, www.airchina.us