Kliman meets senior Chinese tourism official for talks

Tourism Minister Anton Kliman on Monday held talks on Monday with Li Jinzao, the Chariman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), on cooperation within the China + 16 Initiative and on opportunities to intensify tourist trade between the two countries, the Ministry has reported.

Kliman presented Croatia's tourism projects and strategy and expressed the country's interest in boosting bilateral cooperation.

"This is an important visit for Croatia, considering that the potential for tourism cooperation between our two countries is so large. In 2014, Croatia recorded 61,000 arrivals of Chinese tourists (an increase of 40%) and in 2015 there were 87,000 arrivals (a growth of 30%). These figures tell us that cooperation is essential so that these figures can be even higher," Kliman was quoted in the press release as saying.

The talks revolved around the importance of improving transport connectivity as most guests from China usually travel outside the tourism season.

Li Jinzao underscored that the Chinese government supports the enhancement of cooperation and that he would be pleased to assist in establishing contact with airports and air carriers to intensify negotiations on direct flights between the two countries.

Members of the Chinese delegation said that European destinations should prepare themselves to offer the best possible services to Chinese tourists and noted challenges in addition to establishing direct flights such as the visa regime and providing Chinese speaking tour guides.

During their stay in Croatia the Chinese delegation will visit the Plitvice Lakes and some other tourist destinations.

(Hina)