The first direct flight from Shanghai to Athens marks the beginning of stronger tourism ties between China and Greece, said Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.
Greece and China have signed a new agreement that establishes a liberalized framework for the operation of direct air services between the two countries.
The Tourism Ministry is preparing a strategic plan to reach out to the Chinese market, aiming to bring some 500,000 Chinese travelers to Greece by 2021.
Aiming to stimulate growth, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said his government was committed to facilitating investments and invited Chinese investors to bet on Greece.
Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura held talks with Juneyao Air's head, aiming to establish a direct Shanghai-Athens air link to increase Chinese arrivals to Greece.
