Monday, August 26, 2024 Croatia, nestled along the Adriatic Sea, has experienced a notable surge in Chinese visitors. Kristina Mamic, Director of Corporate Communications at the Croatian National Tourist Board, reported that by August 21, 96,700 Chinese tourists had visited Croatia, marking a remarkable 93 percent increase compared to the previous year. In Croatia, Dubrovnik, the iconic city in the south, along with the capital Zagreb and the second-largest city, Split, have emerged as particularly favored spots.
Although the overall number of tourists hasn’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, Mamic pointed out that the current trend is promising. Albania is also rising in popularity among Chinese tourists. The Albanian Ministry of Tourism revealed that between January and July this year, 13,000 Chinese visitors traveled to Albania, reflecting an impressive 118.
6 percent increase. Alongside their choice of new destinations, Chinese tourists are increasingly embracing slow and immersive travel, moving away from the fast-paced and intensive tourism style of the past. In the Dutch village of Giethoorn, often dubbed the “Venice of the North” for its tranquil canals and picturesque scenery, Chinese tourists are opting for longer stays, allowing for deeper cultural immersion.
Gabriella Esselbrugge, a Dutch tourism advocate for Giethoorn, noted that most Chinese visitors now prefer independent travel, choosing to stay longer and engage more thoroughly with local culture. Similarly, Dinant in Belgium, a charming small town on the Meuse River and the birthplace of the saxophone, is becoming a popular destination for Chinese tourists. To better serve this growing demographic, European countries are adapting their services.
Dinant has implemented Chinese-language signage and enhanced its visibility on popular Chinese travel platforms. Yang Junwei, the owner of Restaurant China Town in Dinant, observed a significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting the town in recent years. The Czech Republic has also seen a 125.
7 percent rise in Chinese visitors this year, aided by the resumption of direct flights between Beijing and Prague. Frantisek Reismuller, Director of CzechTourism, highlighted that tourism in the country has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. CzechTourism has also been inviting Chinese influencers to showcase local culture and attractions to a broader audience, Reismuller added.
In Finland, Helsinki Airport has improved its services for Chinese travelers, including Chinese-language signage and payment options like Alipay. Nelli Koskimaki, a media representative for Finavia, the state-owned company managing 20 airports across the country, confirmed ongoing discussions with Chinese airlines to expand flight connections in response to growing demand. Lithuania, previously overlooked by many Chinese travelers, is emerging as a new destination.
Vilnius, the capital, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour companies are now considering adding Chinese-language services. Athens International Airport has also responded to the increasing number of Chinese tourists by adding Chinese-language signs and introducing two robots that provide services in Chinese.
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