The Slovak Tourist Board is increasing its exposure in China to persuade mainland travel agencies to send tour groups to the European country.

Headed by Igor Grega, Deputy Director General of the Slovak Tourist Board, an official Slovak delegation is presently in China to organize presentations in Guangzhou, Chongqing, Qingdao and Shanghai in an effort to further increase the profile of Slovakia in the People's Republic of China.

Slovakia was granted China's Approved Destination Status (ADS) in 2004, and daily international connections from Beijing and Shanghai are easily available with Air China, Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa, to Vienna and Frankfurt or Munich. In 2007, Slovakia will become part of the Schengen visa system, which will make travelling even easier for Chinese tourists.

Tourism is expanding fast across the country with over 2,500 hotels and inns of all sort, plus numerous restaurants presenting authentic Slovak cuisine, as well as international specialties. Traditional handicrafts from straw, leather, clay, metal, woven cloth, and wood are very popular with overseas visitors. Other popular buys include local wines and quality herbal liqueurs from the beautiful Jasna Valley in the Low Tatras.

Since the Slovak Tourism Board started promoting Slovakia in China as a romantic, stylish, and exciting tourism destination, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country has increased. The number of Chinese overnight stays went up by 80% in 2005 compared to 2004. The trend in 2006 is even better and the number of ADS groups to Slovakia is increasing steadily. The Slovak Tourist Board has just launched a Chinese website that is also a useful tool offering many valuable information to travel agents and the general public eager to discover the wonders Slovakia has to offer.

Commenting on the road show presently taking place in China, Grega said, "Slovakia is a true paradise for tourists as it combines within a very short distance world class attractions such as those listed on the UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List, great scenery, pristine nature, attractive sporting activities all year round, as well as some of the finest spas in Europe. We look forward to welcoming more and more Chinese tourists to Slovakia who will be amazed by the exceptional variety of activities available, the richness of our history and culture, and the kindness of the Slovak people."