Attica Region Presents Tourism Offerings at ITB China

Attica’s governor, Nikos Hardalias (center), led the Region’s delegation at the ITB China tourism expo. Photo source: Attica Region

Actions to promote Attica to Chinese travelers and to increase tourist flows topped the agenda of Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias, who visited Shanghai for ITB China 2024 last month.

Among others, Hardalias met with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng, Deputy Director General China International Import Expo Bureau Fuan Kong, and Head of Jiading District, Deputy Party Secretary Ma Chunlei with whom he discussed expanding collaboration in tourism and culture.

Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng. Photo source: Attica Region

The extension of the Piraeus port cruise terminal and the creation of a help desk to assist Chinese entrepreneurs wishing to set up shop in Athens was also discussed as was the organization of a Greece-China conference focusing on tourism, culture, education, trade, and shipping in the fall.

According to Hardalias, China will be the honored country during the 1^st International Attica Region Culture Festival 2026.

The Attica Region participated this year in ITB China together with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

Photo source: Attica Region

Photo source: Attica Region

 In the meantime, in an interview to China Today, Hardalias invited Chinese travelers to visit Greece and Attica. Greece, he said, is the “gateway to Europe”.

Referring to data, Hardalias said Greece welcomed some 69,000 travelers from China in 2023 and is expecting more than 100,000 this year. He went on to add that attractive packages to Greece are available for interested parties.

Travelers in China, said Hardalias, can choose the direct Juneyao Air flight, which connects Shanghai with Athens three times a week in addition to Air China’s five weekly direct flights between Beijing and the Greek capital.

Juneyao Air General Manager Wei Chen and Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: Attica Region

On the sidelines of ITB China, Hardalias met with Juneyao Air General Manager Wei Chen and informed that the Region intends to further cooperate with the company, in order to increase the number of Chinese visitors to Attica throughout the 12 months of the year.

According to the governor, strengthening cooperation with the airline is part of Attica’s new strategic framework for extroversion, which will be present at the end of 2024.

Among others, Hardalias was scheduled to visit Cosco Shipping and meet with Director of the Board, President, and Deputy Party Secretary Zhu Bixin, and the Shanghai Chamber.