Attica Region – China Agree to Join Forces in Tourism

Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias and China’s Ambassador to Athens Xiao Junzheng at their meeting. Photo source: Region of Attica

The Attica Region agreed with the Embassy of China in Athens to set up a five-member working group that will oversee joint initiatives for the promotion of tourism.

The news was announced this week after a meeting between Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias and China’s Ambassador to Athens Xiao Junzheng.

The two officials agreed to work together to strengthen Greece-China ties through culture, tourism, education, and city twinning initiatives. Hardalias said 11 twinning projects between Attica and China had been realized and went on to refer to the contribution of the direct flights to Athens from Shanghai announced earlier this month, which he said would further boost tourism ties.

Lycabettus, Athens. Photo source: Visit Greece

“We have built a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with China in recent years. Our will is to further strengthen this relationship on all levels,” he said.

“This is an important milestone in the relations between the two countries. Along with the direct flights connecting Athens with Beijing five times a week, a new page has opened for the friendship and understanding of our peoples. We are giving new impetus to our tourism product. Culture and tourism are at the top of our agenda,” said Hardalias adding that the regional authority would be investing in the comparative advantages of Attica and redesigning its tourism brand. “Be sure that in the coming period, Attica will pleasantly surprise you,” he said.

On his part, the ambassador reiterated China’s will to enhance bilateral cooperation and underlined that it will contribute to the further expansion of twinning initiatives and investment activity. Lastly, he invited Hardalias to visit China in the fall for a conference of regional governors on green development and the agri-food sector.