EU plans to boost number of Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists have long since been regular visitors to Europe and the EU is doing its best to keep this relationship flourishing. 

Venice will be hosting the year of Europe-China Tourism, a promotional platform designed by the European Commission and the European Travel Commission to help Europe become the number one destination for Chinese tourists. 

Photo taken on March 30, 2017 shows tourists taking selfie pictures in front of the Sacre Coeur basilica on top of the Paris landmark district of Montmartre in Paris. [Photo: VCG]

The EU plans to increase the numbers of Chinese visitors by 10 percent over the next few years which would equate to a boost of 1 billion Euros to the tourist industry.

Also on the agenda is a plan to simplify the issuance of visas making Europe even more desirable for tourists. 

The news follows a series of negative stories about the treatment of Chinese tourists in Paris.

In November, we reported that spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying said that the Chinese government would ''take even more effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in France.''

Her statement followed the targeting of four Chinese travelers close to their hotel. Several bags of luxury items were stolen. 

The French police have been encouraged to 'crack the case' and solve this crime, along with others.

Chinese tourists are frequently targeted in Paris, as robbers believe that there is a high chance they will be carrying luxury items to take home.