Two Chinese aviation-related companies are in town on a two-day visit to assess the tourism industry's potential.

Civil Aviation Investment Fund and China Aviation International Construction and Investment Co. Limited representatives had a luncheon yesterday at the Borneo Cultures Museum restaurant.

The delegation of roughly eight persons arrived with the help of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore chief executive officer Chew Chang Guan, and the party was able to see the renowned museum after lunch.

According to Chew, the delegation to Kuching included some Singaporeans, and one of their goals was to evaluate the region's tourism facilities before considering adding additional direct flights between China and Sarawak.

When reporters approached Chew at the restaurant, he explained, "This is just a very quick study tour about Kuching and they are studying whether Kuching presents an ideal tourism destination for more direct flights from China."

After the tour of the museum, he noted, the party will meet with state transport minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at Baitulmakmur Building II in Petra Jaya.

Additionally, Chew stated that while the group is visiting the city, his team will promote local cultural goods to show off Sarawak's distinctive character.

Before departing for Kuala Lumpur in the late afternoon of the same day, the team will visit the Sarawak Cultural Village today.

In addition to commerce, investment opportunities, and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) project, Chew expressed the hope that there will be more direct flights.

Datuk Yii Ming Tang, the head of the Kuching China Traders Import and Export Association, was also there to welcome the team to Kuching.