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THE Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme is a bilateral tourism arrangement between the Chinese government and a foreign destination.

Countries with ADS status are permitted by China to host Chinese tourists undertaking leisure travel in groups of six or more.

ADS was first introduced in the early 1990s for destinations in south-east Asia such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

Prior to ADS, travelling abroad was only allowed for business purposes and official visits with government approval.