In a significant development for Greece's tourism sector, the Chinese airline Juneyao inaugurated the first direct flight from Shanghai to Athens on April 2nd, as reported by ANA. This milestone marks a crucial step in expanding Greece's reach into the Chinese tourism market.
To commemorate the inaugural flight, representatives from the Municipality of Athens (This is Athens-CVB) and executives from Athens International Airport, along with other key figures in Athens' tourism sector, travelled to Shanghai. Their mission was to showcase Greece as a premier destination to major Chinese travel agents.
In conjunction with the flight's launch, a special event titled "Bridging Cultures in Travel: From Asia to Greece" was organised in Shanghai. Hosted by the This is Athens-CVB team, the event aimed to introduce the Greek capital to select travel agents in China. It also facilitated crucial business-to-business meetings, fostering partnerships to drive tourism growth.
The event, held at the iconic Hellas House—a 1930s building at the heart of Shanghai—served as a hub for cultural exchange and business networking. Organised by Hellas Group and My Odyssey Travel, it underscored the significance of Shanghai as a gateway for promoting Greek tourism.
Among the passengers on the inaugural Shanghai to Athens flight were four journalists and influencers from China. They were hosted in Athens as guests of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (This is Athens-CVB) and Athens International Airport, further bolstering ties between the two countries.
As part of its strategy to attract the Chinese market, Athens will make its debut appearance at the prestigious tourist exhibition, ITB China, in Shanghai in May. This initiative, facilitated by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), demonstrates Greece's commitment to expanding its presence in the Chinese tourism landscape.
(Source: Tornos News and GTP)
