BEIJING, March 31 -- China's travel agencies and online tourism service providers are permitted to provide inbound group tours for foreign tourists starting Friday, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

They are also able to offer travel packages including flight tickets and hotels, said a circular issued by the ministry on Friday.

The document asked local authorities to guide local travel agencies in cooperating with their overseas counterparts, with an emphasis on implementing various epidemic prevention measures.

It also called for efforts to enhance service quality and maintain market order.