More visitors enjoy Danish attractions

Tao Mei said she can be quick to find fault, but she couldn't find anything to complain about when she visited Denmark.

"Copenhagen is such an amazing city. It provides almost all of the beautiful things one can expect in life," said Tao, who traveled to Denmark in 2011.

"All of the tourist attractions, such as the canal tour, the castles and the Tivoli Gardens, never failed to meet my expectations."

Bai Jiang, manager of European-bound travel business for China Travel Service, said: "Denmark has always been one of the top tourism destinations for its alluring fairy-tale atmosphere.

"The travel service sees a 10 percent increase in the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Denmark every year," Bai said.

In 2004, China granted Denmark approved destination status, which allowed Chinese citizens to travel to the country in tour groups.

"Denmark's leisurely way of life also attracts visitors," said Shang Xiaojun, director of the Scandinavian Tourist Board's travel service department. "Many Chinese people said that they enjoyed the peaceful and environmentally friendly life there."

According to Qianinfo Economic Research - one of China's professional economic information research agencies - in the first 10 months of 2011, more than 75,000 Chinese tourists visited Denmark, up 20 percent compared with the same period in the previous year.

However, Bai said that Chinese people are more familiar with attractions in Western Europe, so promoting Denmark's places of interest is necessary.

"We've noticed that many Chinese visitors just spent one or two days exploring the capital city," said Shang. "Now we are cooperating with traditional media, micro blogs and travel agencies to promote other beautiful Danish cities and characteristic scenery."

Bai suggested that the visa policy to go to the country should be eased, to attract more Chinese visitors.

"If Denmark could put forward a policy similar to what the United States did earlier this year, the number of Chinese tourists going to the country would increase greatly."

In January 2012, the US adopted a new tourism-boosting initiative allowing Chinese tourists to enjoy an upgraded visa service.

He also suggested that more flights should be provided during Denmark's tourism season, which is from June to September.

"Due to its climate, most Chinese tourists choose to travel to Denmark in those four months, but sometimes flight capacity cannot meet the demand."

Contact the writers at cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn and songwenwei@chinadaily.com.cn.