Athens Hosts Greek-Chinese Business Forum

Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos said last month that Greece was interested in attracting visitors from the so-called BRIC countries such as China, India, Russia and Turkey.

Speaking at the Hellenic Chinese Business Forum 2011 that took place in Athens, the culture and tourism minister said the BRICS market is a very dynamic market, one that will change the tourism market forever.

“Greece wants a share of this market and will get it,” Mr. Geroulanos said.

He then referred to three obstacles that Greece must overcome to boost arrivals from China even more, namely, the easing of the issuance of visas to Chinese visitors, a permanent air link between Greece and China and a better understanding of the Chinese market on behalf of Greek entrepreneurs.

“We need entrepreneurs who know the market and are ready to meet its specific requirements, from culinary preferences to tour guides that speak Chinese,” the culture and tourism minister said.