The main topic of the forum was regional and international cooperation in tourism. China, as the host country, emphasised key factors in further development of tourism cooperation between China and 16 CEE countries. Simplification of visa procedures, opening of new direct flights, better adaptation of European destinations to Chinese guests and participation in China Quality Service (QSC) program – are just some of them.
China has huge potential for tourism growth since only 10% of Chinese nationals holds a passport, and yet over 130 million Chinese tourists travelled abroad in 2017, being World leader. Croatia can become one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists in Europe, as the trend in looking for new, undiscovered destinations is currently widely present amongst China’s travellers.
During his closing speech, State Secretary Frano Matušic, announced that Tourism Summit “16+1” will be held in Dubrovnik in March 2018. The year 2018 is announced as “China-European tourism year” with many promotional and cooperation events to be be organised next year.
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