Wednesday, June 25, 2025
The launch of the direct flight route between Chengdu and Athens by Sichuan Airlines, scheduled for June 30, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in strengthening tourism relations between China and Greece. This new connection will not only enhance bilateral tourism exchanges but also foster cultural understanding between the two nations. With direct access between southwest China and Greece, the flight opens up opportunities for increased tourism and business travel, aligning with the strategic goals of both countries to deepen their engagement. The move signifies a major step towards exploring new growth avenues for both tourism industries, reinforcing the importance of direct connectivity in promoting international collaboration and economic development.
The launch of a direct flight route between Chengdu and Athens by Sichuan Airlines, set for June 30, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of tourism relations between China and Greece. This new connection is poised to enhance bilateral tourism exchanges, foster greater cultural understanding, and support the tourism sectors of both nations as they explore new avenues for growth. To commemorate the upcoming flight, a meeting was held on June 19, 2025, at the headquarters of the Hellenic Tourism Organization (HTO) in Athens. The meeting featured prominent figures from the Greek tourism industry, as well as Chinese diplomats, highlighting the importance of this new air route in bolstering the tourism ties between the two countries.
The gathering at the Hellenic Tourism Organization was attended by Andreas-Nicolaos Fiorentino, Secretary General of the HTO, alongside key representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Athens. Cultural Attaché Wang Jin and Diplomatic Attaché Yuhao Cai participated in the discussions, which primarily focused on promoting the new flight and exploring opportunities for future collaborations. This partnership aims to provide a direct link between Greece and southwest China, one of the most rapidly growing regions in the country, thereby attracting a fresh wave of Chinese tourists to Greece.
In a strategic move to generate excitement and engagement from the wider Chinese market, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is planning a fam trip for six prominent Chinese influencers. These influencers, who have significant followings in China, will be introduced to Greece’s cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and stunning landscapes. The GNTO’s initiative is designed to increase the visibility of the country as a destination for Chinese travelers and encourage more visitors from the region. By leveraging the power of social media and influencer marketing, Greece aims to attract a larger segment of China’s affluent middle class, who are increasingly seeking international travel experiences.
The new direct flight service is a significant part of Greece’s broader strategy to expand its tourism outreach to new markets. The GNTO has been focusing on diversifying its tourism base by connecting with emerging markets and reinforcing its air connectivity. By establishing more direct flight routes from key global cities, Greece hopes to enhance its accessibility and appeal to international travelers. The new Chengdu-Athens flight route serves as an important step in this direction, creating a direct link between southwest China and Greece. The route is expected to attract thousands of Chinese visitors annually, who will be keen to explore Greece’s historical landmarks, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant culture.
This flight connection is also in alignment with the Greek National Tourism Organization’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. Greece has long been a popular tourist destination, but in recent years, it has made efforts to diversify its offerings and reduce the environmental impact of tourism. The government has been prioritizing sustainable initiatives, such as promoting eco-friendly tourism practices and developing cultural tourism programs that focus on preserving Greece’s rich heritage. This new air link with China is seen as an opportunity to encourage a more sustainable approach to tourism by tapping into a growing market of eco-conscious travelers who are keen to explore destinations that offer both cultural experiences and environmental sustainability.
Cultural diplomacy is another key element of the Greece-China tourism partnership. Both countries share a deep appreciation for their respective histories and cultural legacies, and this collaboration serves as a platform for greater cultural exchange. In addition to the tourism benefits, the new flight connection is expected to promote mutual understanding and respect between Greece and China. Through joint initiatives, such as cultural exhibitions, educational programs, and the exchange of artists and scholars, the two nations can foster stronger ties in the realm of cultural diplomacy.
The role of the new flight service in boosting Greece’s tourism industry cannot be overstated. The Chinese outbound travel market has been rapidly expanding in recent years, and Greece is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for Chinese tourists. In 2024, Greece saw a record number of Chinese visitors, with more than 200,000 travelers arriving in the country. This figure is expected to rise in the coming years, thanks to the enhanced accessibility provided by the new flight route. Greece offers a range of attractions that appeal to Chinese tourists, including its ancient ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful islands, and rich culinary culture.
The introduction of the Chengdu-Athens flight route also underscores the growing importance of air connectivity in shaping the future of international tourism. As more airlines introduce direct flights between key cities, travelers are finding it easier than ever to explore new destinations. The Chengdu-Athens route will not only make Greece more accessible to Chinese tourists, but it will also facilitate the movement of business professionals, students, and other travelers, further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.
The upcoming launch of Sichuan Airlines’ direct flight between Chengdu and Athens on June 30, 2025, is set to strengthen tourism ties between China and Greece. This new route will enhance bilateral tourism, offering easier access and fostering greater cultural exchange between the two nations.
The upcoming launch of the Chengdu-Athens flight by Sichuan Airlines is a promising development in the evolving tourism relations between China and Greece. The new air route will open up new opportunities for both countries to engage with one another, fostering stronger economic, cultural, and tourism connections. With the Greek National Tourism Organization’s promotional efforts, including the fam trip for Chinese influencers, and a continued focus on sustainable tourism practices, Greece is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for Chinese outbound travel. This partnership represents not only a boost for the Greek tourism industry but also a symbol of the deepening ties between two of the world’s most fascinating cultures.
