XINHUA, Zagreb, Oct. 1 (Reporter Ma Zhen) — Nicolas Ditière, Chief Operating Officer of Zagreb International Airport, capital of Croatia, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on September 30 that the Beijing-Zagreb air route has got off to a good start and brings new opportunities for business and tourism development between Croatia and China.

The Beijing-Bucharest-Zagreb route operated by Air China was launched in early September. Ditière said that it is of vital importance to build a direct air connection between the civil aviation sectors of Croatia and China and creates important opportunities for developing bilateral business and tourism ties. The route enables Croatian travelers to reach China more conveniently and also makes it easier for Chinese passengers to travel to Croatia, either directly or via Bucharest.

Ditière noted the route’s performance in its first month met expectations. At present, each flight carries roughly 30 to 60 passengers bound for Beijing, with a similar number heading for Bucharest. Given that the service uses wide-body aircraft and makes a stopover in Bucharest, this represents a very promising start for the first month of operation.

According to Ditière, passengers on the route include Chinese tourists visiting Croatia as well as travelers from Croatia and neighboring regions bound for China. The airport has noticed multiple Croatian groups traveling to Beijing. With growing awareness of the route across Croatia, passenger traffic is projected to rise steadily.

Croatia boasts abundant natural and cultural World Heritage sites. Ditière advised Chinese visitors coming to Zagreb for the first time to take their time, explore the city on foot, and also visit Croatia’s coastal areas or Plitvice Lakes National Park, a natural World Heritage site.