BEIJING, March 7(Xinhuanet)-- The Spanish-based Air Europa announced here Monday that it will open direct flights from Beijing to Madrid on May 23, and direct flights from Shanghai to Madrid on May 25.

The direct flights will further promote bilateral tourism by reducing flying hours and provide more convenience for passengers, said Jose-Pedro Sebastian de Erice, Spanish ambassador to China.

He said Spanish embassy and consulate in China will provide easier and more convenient visa-issuing procedures, such as on-line application system.

The new route will also enable Chinese passengers to transfer to north Africa and South America via Madrid. Airline company will provide free accommodation for them, said Daniel Li, China area representative of Air Europa.

Air Europa now flies to countries in Europe, Africa and South America. Last year the number of inbound travelers and foreign currency tourism income in Spain ranked the second in the world.