Athens Forms Strategic Tourism Alliance with Leading Chinese Travel Group

Develop Athens, through its tourism branch This is Athens–Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), has entered into a landmark cooperation agreement with Shanghai Jiushi Travel (Group) Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading state-owned enterprises in the tourism and transport sectors. The partnership aims to strengthen tourism flows, promote cultural exchange, and develop innovative visitor experiences between Athens and Shanghai.

The three-year Memorandum of Cooperation was formally signed at Athens City Hall by Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of Develop Athens, and Guo Jianfei, Chairman of Shanghai Jiushi Group. The event was attended by senior representatives from both cities, including Athens Deputy Mayor for Financial Planning George Giannaros, Deputy Chairman of Develop Athens Alexis Galinos, and Maro Bandeka, Director of the Mayor’s Office.
The agreement builds on the strengthening ties between Athens and Shanghai, formalised last year through the twinning of the two cities.

“Our partnership with Shanghai Jiushi Travel represents a bold step forward in positioning Athens as a globally connected, culturally vibrant destination,” said Ioannis Georgizas. “By joining forces with a pioneering organisation that shares our vision, we are expanding Athens’ profile as a leading city-break and conference destination, while exploring new models that integrate tourism, transport, and sustainability.”

Chairman Guo Jianfei thanked the City of Athens for its warm hospitality and spoke of the Group’s commitment to building strong ties with the Greek capital.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to developing sustainable, long-term relationships that benefit both destinations. We are eager to explore new avenues for cultural and tourism cooperation between our cities.”

Areas of Focus

The partnership between Develop Athens and Shanghai Jiushi Travel will focus on:

• Promoting cultural tourism and enhancing the tourism identity of both cities through the co-creation of cultural routes and immersive experiences.
• Integrating urban and tourism services, leveraging Jiushi Travel’s expertise in comprehensive transport, hospitality, and leisure solutions.
• Exchanging knowledge and best practices in destination development and visitor experience, with an emphasis on sustainability and quality of life.

About Shanghai Jiushi Group

Established in 1987, Shanghai Jiushi Group is a key state-led enterprise operating across five sectors: urban transport, sport, real estate, asset management, and cultural tourism. As of June 2024, the Group’s consolidated assets total 720 billion yuan (approximately €89.4 billion). It manages 13 subsidiaries—including Jiushi Travel—and employs approximately 50,000 people.

Shanghai Jiushi Travel focuses on marine tourism, transport services, and destination development. Capitalising on Shanghai’s status as a world-class tourism hub, the company delivers cultural tourism products and bespoke travel services designed for today’s global traveller. 

To learn more about how Athens is connecting with global destinations and elevating its tourism offering,
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