Tourists seek out smaller countries

Niche tourist destinations in Europe are gaining popularity among Chinese visitors, as some turn from glancing over scenic spots to exploring places that are less known, a senior official at the European Travel Commission said.

Burgeoning destinations such as Ukraine and the Czech Republic are rising because of their easy visa policies, Eduardo Santander, executive director of the European Travel Commission, said during an interview in Shanghai on Wednesday.

"It is the EU-China Tourism Year this year, and we are delighted to see the growth of such new destinations among Chinese visitors," Santander said.