European Union member countries are hoping to attract more Chinese tourists through a program called 'China-EU Tourism Year 2018', which officially kicked off in Beijing on Monday. Figures show Chinese tourists spent nearly 230 billion US dollars in 2017. That's more than Saudi Arabia earned from oil last year. Our reporter Shen Li was at the launch. She talked to the newly appointed EU Ambassador to China, Nicolas Chapuis, about what's new for Chinese holiday-makers in Europe.  

When it comes to dream holiday destinations in Europe, most Chinese tourists tend to stick with the classics: Paris, Florence, and Rome.

So China-EU Tourism Year 2018 has gone to great lengths to highlight some of Europe's hidden treasures, like historic cities in Poland and the Republic of Malta.

JOHN AQUILINA AMBASSADOR OF MALTA TO CHINA "People ask me if I go to Malta where do I go. Everywhere is like being in the middle of a museum. Everywhere is like being in the middle of a result."

China is now the third most-visited country in the world. Overseas outbound tourism is also booming, with double-digit growth in the past decade.

The newly appointed EU Ambassador to China, Nicolas Chapuis, says cities that understand and cater to Chinese travellers' needs have the best chance of getting their business.

To support the 'China-EU Tourism Year 2018', the EU will provide multilayer business services and assistance.

China and the EU will also push investment in each other's tourism sector, to promote employment and economic growth. The two sides also vowed to streamline visa applications.