Chinese tourists walking outside a flagship store of Italy's Gucci luxury brand. (Photo : Reuters)
Although 2015 has been labeled the "Silk Road tourism year" by the Chinese government, the Italian government is expecting an influx of Chinese tourists looking to attend the World Expo in Milan.
Shanghai's Italian consulate made an announcement on Saturday to inform Chinese nationals that the visa application process has been shortened so that applicants can have an Italian visa in their hand within a 36-hour time frame.
In the past, Chinese nationals who sought a visa document from the Italian officials were forced to endure a waiting period that typically lasted for two or three days.
While Milan's World Expo event this year influenced the decision to change the processing method and corresponding wait time, it played a very significant part, as an official explained: "The number of visa applications is expected to surge to 200,000 this year because of the expo."
However, the number of Chinese tourists to the Mediterranean country has been increasing over time, as the Shanghai-based consulate dispensed 110,000 visas in 2014, which doubled the number of the previous year. In terms of the World Expo, the projections for Chinese tourists in Milan this year are over 1 million.
Italian-Chinese relations were further bolstered on Friday when China Radio International (CRI) was awarded the prestigious "Il premio Peperoncino D'oro Prize" because of its promotion of the relationship between Italy and Southwest China.
Additionally, an Italian visa application center was opened in the Chongqing municipality, where the award was presented by the Consular General of Italy in Chongqing Sergio Maffettone, on the same day.
