Greece Receives Double Honor in China

Greece was the country of honor at the World Travel Fair in Shanghai where it also received the award for “Most Popular European Destination” from Shanghai municipality.

During his visit to China for the arrival of the Olympic flame in Beijing, Tourism Development Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos met with his Chinese counterpart, Chinese Minister for Tourism Shao Qiwei, with whom he discussed the need to establish a mixed Greek-Chinese committee to represent bilateral tourism, commercial and financial interests.

The tourism development minister asserted, “This committee would help in a better exchange of opinions and ideas, and would be essential cooperation for the training of executives in tourism from Greece to China and vice versa.”

Following the inauguration of the World Travel Fair, a protocol of cooperation in tourism was signed between the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and Shanghai Tourism Board.

With regard to being honored as the most popular European destination by the Shanghai municipality, Mr. Spiliotopoulos asserted, “This fills us with optimism and courage since it comes so soon after our distinction in Berlin, and aids us in our efforts to make Greece a more attractive destination for thousands of new visitors.”

During his stay in Shanghai Mr. Spiliotopoulos also inaugurated Greek Gastronomy Week overseen by renowned Greek Chef Lefteris Lazarou and attended the concert of bouzouki player and composer, Thanasis Polykandriotis, at Shanghai Concert Hall. The tourism development minister then visited Beijing for the arrival of the Olympic flame from Athens.