Travel enthusiasts are gearing up for the May Day vacation, with China's inbound travel experiencing a significant surge, according to the latest report from Ctrip, a leading Chinese online travel service.
The China Tourism Academy highlights that tourists are primarily arriving from Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Russia, and France. Popular destinations among overseas visitors include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xi'an, Qingdao, and Tianjin.
Shenzhen's Luohu Port has witnessed a remarkable increase, handling over 160,000 passengers, including more than 2,400 foreign tourists. The implementation of visa-free policies between China and numerous countries has played a pivotal role in this growth, allowing tourists to effortlessly plan their trips and immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
The introduction of the 144-hour visa-free tour group has been a game-changer, enabling visitors from select countries to enjoy six days of travel within designated areas without prior visa applications. On the first day of the May Day holiday, over 800 foreign tourists participated in this initiative at Luohu Port, streamlining their entry and exit processes.
Wu Liyun, a professor at Beijing International Studies University's China Academy of Culture and Tourism, attributes the surge in bookings to enhanced international exchanges, relaxed visa requirements, increased outbound travel demand, and improvements in transportation and tourist amenities.
Looking ahead, Wu anticipates a rapid rise in China's inbound and outbound tourism markets in 2024, contributing to the global tourism recovery. Local departments are also upgrading services, including the introduction of the colorful \"rainbow guide\" at Xi'an Metro's Wulukou Station, small-change exchange services in various regions, and multi-language payment platforms in tourist hotspots like Huangshan.
Innovative solutions such as QR code-based ordering in restaurants and comprehensive online support for tourists searching for services like hotels, meals, and ticket reservations are enhancing the overall travel experience.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
