Increase in Chinese tourist arrivals important for Europe: EP president

BRUSSELS - President of the European Parliament (EP) Antonio Tajani Thursday said the increase in arrivals of Chinese tourists is important for Europe.

"It is important for us to increase the number of tourists coming from China," said Tajani while meeting Sun Jie, CEO of Ctrip, a Chinese travel services company, in the European Parliament.

"Tourism is regarded as one of the most important sectors of Europe. It is very important to have the connection with China," Tajani stressed.

He said European Parliament will take a series of actions in the future to ensure the increase.

As next year will be the China-EU Tourism Year, the EP president voiced hope that tourism would inject more energy to Europe's economic development.

Tajani, meanwhile, also said that there is a big potential to promote Chinese trips among the Europeans.

Sun, who will attend the 12th China-EU Business Summit on Friday, said that Europe is a priority in Ctrip's international strategy.

Last year, Ctrip acquired one of the largest travel search engine in the world Skyscanner. This will further enhance the influence and competitiveness of Chinese tour companies in the world.