IRNA � Exchange of tourists between Iran and China is less than expected, despite considerable tourism capacities of both countries, a senior Iranian tourism official said on Thursday.

Tehran and Beijing should take practical steps towards promotion of bilateral cooperation in the tourism area, Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Organization Ali-Asghar Mounesan said in a meeting held in China with Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Li Jinzao.

During the meeting which was held on the sidelines of the 22nd World Tourism Organization (WTO) General Assembly in southwest of China, Mounesan said Iran and China enjoy rich civilization that is an ample opportunity for exchange of tourists between the two countries.

The Chinese official, for his part, called or further tourism cooperation between his country and Iran.

The 22nd UNWTO General Assembly which started work in Chengdu on Wednesday will last for six days.

The biannual event, as Mounesan has already said, is the most important of its kind.