BEIJING - Chinese tourists conducted more individual trips to Italy than package tours in the first three quarters of the year despite widespread economic woes in southern Europe, according to the Italian Embassy in China on Monday.

In the January-September period, Chinese individual tours to Italy surged 60 percent from a year earlier, compared to a 15-percent growth rate in package tours during the period, Nikola Jovanovic, counselor of the embassy, said at a promotional conference for Italy-bound tours.

Italy, known for its ancient Roman civilization sites and fine Mediterranean cuisine, has been among the top destinations for Chinese tourists.

Italy will launch more promotional activities, including themed activities on Chinese microblogging sites, in China next year, said Dott.ssa Autilia Zeccato, chief representative of the Italian Government Tourist Board in China.