Greece is preparing to welcome a surge of Chinese tourists in 2024 with the expansion of direct flights and the introduction of new technology at Athens International Airport (AIA).

Sofia Lazaridou, the General Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization, highlighted the importance of the Chinese market, expressing confidence in surpassing pre-pandemic arrival levels.

Starting in April, Air China will increase their Athens-Beijing service from three to five flights per week, utilizing larger Airbus A350 aircraft to accommodate more passengers. Additionally, Juneyao Airlines will launch a new direct route connecting Athens and Shanghai, offering even more travel options for Chinese tourists.

These moves come in response to the rapidly growing interest in Greece from Chinese travelers. In 2023, tourism arrivals from China already reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and officials are confident they can surpass those numbers in 2024.

Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director of Communications and Marketing at Athens International Airport (AIA), revealed that tourism arrivals from China had already rebounded to 90% of 2019 levels by 2023.

To enhance the visitor experience for Chinese tourists, AIA will introduce two robots in summer 2024. These robots will provide information about the airport, Athens, and Greece in Mandarin, making navigation and exploration easier for Chinese visitors.

This strategic move by airlines and airports underscores Greece's commitment to attracting more visitors from China and fostering closer ties between the two nations.

As Greece prepares to welcome more Chinese tourists, the expansion of air links signifies a broader trend of recovery and growth in international tourism, promising economic benefits and cultural exchange opportunities for both countries.