Gov. Linda Lingle said she wrapped up a "successful round of meetings" in Beijing yesterday on the first stop of a six-city China tour aimed at promoting Hawaii as a visitor destination, developing export opportunities for Hawaii products and services and forming partnerships in clean energy.

Among the officials Lingle met was Shao Qiwei, chairman of the China National Tourism Association. The two discussed what Hawaii and China can do to increase the amount of Chinese tourists traveling to Hawai'i, the governor's office said in a news release.

Shao talked about the pending start of air service between Hawaii and China on Hainan Airlines, as well as the possibility of additional direct flights to meet the expected demand as more Chinese travel overseas, according to the release. Hainin Airlines is expected to begin its Beijing-Honolulu service early next year.

The number of Chinese tourists traveling to Hawaii is expected to accelerate in the coming years as the result of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and China that allows Chinese citizens from 21 pro-vinces to visit the U.S. in tour groups.

Lingle also addressed tourism industry leaders in China, including tour wholesalers, travel agents and airline executives, according to the release.

Lingle and Hawaii Tourism Authority Chairman Kelvin Bloom updated industry leaders on efforts Hawai'i tourism leaders are undertaking to prepare for Chinese visitors. Lingle and Bloom also held a discussion and interviews with Chinese media to promote Hawaii as a visitor destination.

The next city on Lingle's itinerary is Shanghai, followed by stops in Hong Kong, Hainan Province and Guangdong Province. She is scheduled to return Nov. 13.