TOURISM BRINGS COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES

As China-Europe travel gathers pace, European observers believe its influence goes beyond tourism -- helping foster mutual understanding and encouraging broader cooperation.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the visa-free agreement with China, in place since 2017, has significantly boosted tourism and people-to-people interactions. As the two countries mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, local tourism officials anticipate greater collaboration ahead.

Haris Fazlagic, president of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, said the visa policy is crucial to expanding tourism. "It gives us the motivation to improve services, expand offerings and reach more Chinese visitors."

Looking ahead, Sarajevo aims to launch direct flights, enhance infrastructure and develop experiences tailored to Chinese travelers, Fazlagic added.

In neighboring Croatia, the number of Chinese tourists in 2024 approached the pre-pandemic record of around 300,000. Meanwhile, "China, with its cultural and historical sights, can be a truly top-notch lure for Croatians," said Davorko Vidovic, former deputy speaker of the Croatian Parliament.

He welcomed China's visa-free policy, seeing it as an essential step toward stronger economic, cultural and political ties.

"I hope that when the one-year trial ends, the visa-free policy will be extended as it can open up enormous opportunities for cooperation between the two sides," Vidovic told Xinhua.