Governor of Attica Region Nikos Hardalias (fifth from the left) attends the ITB (International Tourism Bourse) China 2024 in Shanghai. Photo: Courtesy of Press Office of the Governor of the Attica Region

Greece’s Attica Region, home to the capital Athens, is promoting greater tourism cooperation between the region and China, hoping to turn the region into a major travel destination for Chinese tourists.

Chinese travelers are familiar with Athens, Attica and Greece as a whole, said Governor of Attica Region Nikos Hardalias. “Attica is a destination that combines rare natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage,” Hardalias told the Global Times, during his attendance to the ITB (International Tourism Bourse) China 2024 this week.

“The Chinese people, who have also a rich cultural heritage, are able to highly appreciate both the cultural heritage of Athens, and of the entire Attica region,” Hardalias said.

He refenced the recent ITB China 2024, which was held in Shanghai between Monday and Wednesday. The Attica delegation participated the ITB under the umbrella of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, and had “dozens of meetings” during the event to enhance tourism cooperation with China.

“There have already been 11 twinning opportunities with Chinese regions, and this shows that there is fertile ground for more frequent tourism exchanges,” noted Hardalias.

Earlier this year, many Chinese and Greek travelers were excited to see the opening of a new direct flight between Shanghai and Athens, another milestone in China-Greece tourism collaboration. “The two major cities are now connected with three direct flights per week, in addition to the corresponding air connection with Beijing,” Hardalias said. 

The constantly growing bilateral commercial and economic relations have become the background for the strengthening of tourism cooperation between the two countries, Hardalias said. “Our goal is to further extend and strengthen this excellent relationship and understanding at a regional level as well,” he told the Global Times. “I am sure we will make this happen and make good use of every opportunity.”

Over recent months, China has seen an inbound tourism boom due to relaxed entry policies and improved services for international visitors. Hardalias said that apart from introducing Greece to Chinese travelers, he would certainly recommend China as a tourist destination [for Greek visitors] as well.

“China is a great country which is developing into a major tourist destination for people from all over the world, due to not only its vast cultural heritage, but also its modern dynamism and technological advancements,” Hardalias said. “Every person who visits China has so many things to see, and I am sure they (international tourists) will have a warm welcome and hospitality.”

The Greek people have friendly feelings for China and its people, Hardalias noted. “our peoples are both inheritors of ancient civilizations, and the trade between our countries is constantly increasing.”

“The scope for expanding our relations is truly inexhaustible,” he said.