The Chinese Communist Party has ordered travel agencies not to send tour groups to visit the Vatican, according to reports, because 'there are no diplomatic relations' between China and the Holy See.

Several tour agencies confirmed they had received directives dated November 16, in which they were ordered to cancel scheduled visits to St Peter's Basilica and other Vatican attractions, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA).

Separately, AsiaNews says it has received confirmation of the veto on Vatican visits from its correspondents in China 'although everyone doubts it will be observed', the outlet said.

RFA quoted a Phoenix Holidays International Travel Agency employee who said: 'Any tourist agency that [advertises] these destinations in promotional brochures or other publications will be hit by fines of up to 300,000 yuan [more than 39,000 euros]'.

In recent years, China's tourism to Italy has grown exponentially, according to Asia News, which quoted travel agents as saying 'all the Chinese coming to Italy come to visit the Vatican, the museums and St Peter's Basilica'.

The resumption of dialogue between China and the Holy See has increased the flow of tourists-pilgrims, and Pope Francis has been seen stopping to talk to Chinese visitors waving their red flags.

Those interviewed by RFA say that the ban 'comes from very high up', rather than 'from the central government'.

A Chinese tour operator said: 'It's a laughable. How do you think you can control millions of people abroad? And above all the young people, who want greater freedom than their fathers had?'