Chinese tourists spent 450 million Euros in the European Union last year, mostly in France, Germany, Italy, Austria, the United Kingdom, Hungary and Finland, according to a survey released by the China National Tourism Administration on Friday.

It shows Chinese tourists spent at least 800 Euros on flights and accommodation, and an average 3,000 Euros over the entire holiday, of which 34 percent goes on shopping, 17 percent on air fares, 18 percent on accommodation, nine percent on entertainment and three percent to pay for travel agency services.

Chinese tourists were allowed to visit EU nations in 2004, and the number exceeded one million last year. Most chose France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom as their destinations.

For most Chinese tourists, the challenges of a European holiday include restricted visa requirements and a lack of money. For those who hope to travel to EU nations, they have to pay security deposits to travel agencies to guarantee their return. They are also asked to provide proof of bank savings of at least 3,000 Euros.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2006)