Tourexpi
Facilitated by the policies, Chinese tourists'
travel bookings to the latter three countries increased by over 30% compared to
2019, while bookings from all the mentioned countries to China doubled
against 2019.
A longer list of unilateral visa-free and mutual
visa exemption countries proves that China is opening its gate wider
and wider.
If we view things historically, this point becomes
even more loud and clear. China used to adopt a rather serious set of
visa policies. Later, China gradually began to lower visa thresholds
with the tide of globalization. Since 2013, the pace has stepped up. In 2018, a
policy that grants visa-free entry to citizens from 59 countries came into
effect in Hainan, as the first privilege policy for the Hainan Pilot Free
Trade Zone, and more importantly, a pilot for similar policies to be rolled out
nationwide. By now, China has reached mutual exemption agreements
with 157 countries covering different passport types, and enjoys comprehensive
mutual visa exemption with 23 countries.
Besides friendlier visa policies, improvements are
also being made in various sectors. For example, the China Railway authority
has launched online verification services for foreign passport holders; and the
People's Bank of China has guided the relevant organizations to
upgrade payment services for expats and tourists in China. Ameliorations
can be seen in various services concerning foreigners' investment,
entrepreneurship, tourism and education in the country.
During the past Chinese New Year holiday, more
stories were witnessed. A Chinese Singaporean made a spontaneous visit to her
Chinese relatives; there was also a French traveler who planned to visit Beijing,
but asked her Chinese travel agency to customize her itinerary because she was
mesmerized by the ice sculpture version of the "Notre Dame" in Harbin.
Visa-free policies as the first step in deepening friendly exchanges and
reciprocal collaborations have drawn China and other countries
nearer. What's more, improved convenience in systems and services at the
disposal of tourists and business people, are also examples of how China is
advancing its high-level opening-up, and further driving international
communication and collaboration.
As China's "friend circle"
expands with its visa exemption list, a new spring for the interaction between
people from China and other parts of the world will surely be ushered
in.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 competition now open for applications!
The European Commission has launched the 2025 edition of the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition, inviting tourism destinations across Europe to showcase their innovative sustainable tourism practices.
Four Seasons Resort Maui Announces Diverse New Sommer Experiences In 2024
From private wellness experiences at sea to complimentary kids and family activities designed to connect guests to the destination and each other, the luxury beachfront Resort is more ready than ever to welcome summer travelers.
Wego and Tourism Authority of Thailand Partner for The Fourth Consecutive Year
Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the unparalleled beauty
CLIA Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award Winners
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the 2024 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners.
Lufthansa City Airlines starts ticket sales in April and flight operations in June
Flights bookable from April 24, 2024.
Jean-Michel Jarre is world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar
Godfather of electronic music and innovator Jean-Michel Jarre becomes world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar in preparation for Starmus Opening Concert also Featuring Sir Brian May of Queen.
Venice introduces entrance fee for touristic old city
Some 7,000 tourists paid $5.35 to visit city on first day of test regulation
Hyatt Reveals Survey Findings on the Hotel Stay Needs of Neurodivergent Travelers
Hyatt collaborates with KultureCity for a survey of more than 1,000 neurodivergent individuals and caregivers to drive research-supported action.
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague to Drive Innovation in Hospitality
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague, have agreed to partner around the development and execution of pioneering projects in the hospitality industry.
Marriott International to Bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Trojena, the Mountains of NEOM
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with NEOM to open its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in Trojena, a year-round mountain destination located in the northwest region of the country, the
Princess Cruises and Fincantieri Announce to Postpone Delivery of Star Princess
Princess Cruises and ship builder Fincantieri today announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.
The Bentley Hotel Southampton Expected to Join JdV by Hyatt Brand in mid-2024
The all-suite retreat located at the gateway of the Hamptons is now available via Hyatt.com and is expected to join the JdV by Hyatt brand in mid-2024 following renovation completion.
TUI Musement powering loveholidays Tours & Activities offering
New Offering: Thousands of excursions, activities and attraction tickets now directly available to loveholidays customers.
Colorful Guizhou visiting France
The wonders of Southwest China's Guizhou province are being shared with the people of Paris, France until April 26 at the Mountain Park Province Colorful Guizhou Wind event.
Danish cyclist Andresen wins stage 5 of Tour of Türkiye
Tobias Lund Andresen retains general classification with a time of 18 hours, 51 minutes, and 57 seconds
Oceania Cruises Debuts New Mediterranean Sailings for 2025
New sailings highlight European cities, holiday islands and lesser-known ports.
Marriott International Celebrates Milestone on Journey Towards Net-Zero
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) has verified its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
'Nature Positive' Report Marks New Collaborative Era in Travel & Tourism
WTTC, UN Tourism and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support Nature Positive Tourism.
Istanbul sees 27,1M passengers flying from 2 airports in Q1 of 2024
Number of passengers hosted in Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport soars 13% in January-March.
First brand-new Condor A320neo arrives in Frankfurt
Welcome D-ANCZ: The first brand-new A320neo aircraft is expected to arrive in Frankfurt at around 4 p.m. today.
Six Senses Kyoto Debuts in Japan, Taking Guests on a Sensory Journey of Reconnection
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the brand’s entry into Japan and an exciting new addition to its flourishing urban collection.