The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will provide great opportunities for China's tourism industry, said Aris Spiliotopoulos, Minister of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic, during his visit in Beijing on Tuesday.

Olympic-related tourism has become one of the key economic legacies for host countries. As the birthplace of modern Olympics and host country of the last summer Olympic Games, Greece has benefited greatly from the international sporting event.

By hosting the Olympic Games, China will have an excellent opportunity to showcase its latest technology, economic development and young generations to the world like never before, Spiliotopoulos told chinadaily.com.cn in an exclusive interview.

In order to maximize opportunities from the Olympics, Beijing has to make a strategic plan in advance, especially on how to turn Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums into culture and tourism facilities, he explained, when talking about Greece's experience.

And the relations between Greece and China are greatly enhanced. Starting on Wednesday, direct flights between Beijing and Athens will also mark the first direct air service between the two countries.

"It is important and meaningful because people from the two countries will get to know each other better. It will promote political and commercial communications between us," Spiliotopoulos said.

"It also has a special meaning in terms of history, since Greece is the birthplace of Western culture and China as the cradle of Eastern culture," he added.

He also revealed that Greece is planning to serve as a European stopover destination like Frankfurt or Paris for Chinese citizens.

The European country has prepared to embrace more Chinese tourists after the start of direct flights, said Spiliotopoulos. "We have made detailed plans to urge the Foreign Ministry to issue more visas to Chinese tourists... we regard Chinese people as our best friends."

Air China begins operating twice-weekly services between Athens and Beijing on November 28. The route comes as cooperation between the two countries has become more frequent, and it is expected to boost tourism, cultural and economic exchanges and bilateral ties for China and Greece.

As the newly-appointed Minister of Tourism, Spiliotopoulos has ambitious plans. He wants to transform the image of Greece which is simply known as the land of 'sun and sea' into a new one.

Spiliotopoulos said his immediate priorities are the quality of tourism service, the development of ecological tourism and the importance of the Internet in promotional campaigns.

Spiliotopoulos assumed his position as the Minister of Tourism in September, and he announced 'Greece the True Experience' as the new slogan for the international advertising campaign.

Greece ranks in the top 15 destinations worldwide. Tourism contributes nearly 20 percent to Greece's gross domestic product (GDP).

Sources: China Daily