Athens Mayor Talks Tourism, Culture and Education in Shanghai

Ways of increasing tourism flows from China to Athens, sharing “smart city” tech applications, and developing cultural exchange and educational programs topped the agenda of talks between Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis and Chinese state officials, during his recent visit to Shanghai, China.

Bakoyannis traveled to Shanghai to attend the China International Import Expo 2019, which took place in the Chinese city between November 5-10.

During the expo, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong, state officials and Greek entrepreneurs active in Shanghai and other cities in China.

Bakoyannis was also a keynote speaker at the 2019 CIIE Sister Cities Cooperation Forum, representing Athens which is a “sister city” with Shanghai.

“Athens can go high and far. The city must and will be present throughout the world, through extroversion [activities] and significant initiatives,” Bakoyannis said.

Meanwhile, Bakoyannis met with the dean and students of Shanghai International Studies University’s Department of Greek Studies – the first that opened in China – and agreed on establishing educational ties with the Municipality of Athens, through the Department’s existing cooperation with the Athens University.

While in Shanghai, Bakoyannis also presented Athens’ tourism offerings during a special event which was held at the Hellas House.

The Mayor referred to Athens’ potential of attracting even more Chinese travelers next year, due to the launch of a direct flight that will be connecting the Greek capital with Shanghai as of June 2020.

The event was organized by Shanghai-based My Odyssey Travel, a luxury travel agency specializing in customized holiday experiences to Greece, Italy and Southern Europe.