China's successful efforts to simplify the visa process have significantly boosted foreign tourism this year, positioning the country as a leading global travel destination. According to the National Immigration Administration, 14.64 million foreigners visited China in the first half of the year, marking a remarkable 152 percent increase from the previous year.
The introduction of more accessible visa-free policies has been a game-changer. From January to June, over 8.5 million visa-free entries were recorded, making up 52 percent of all inbound travel and showing a 190 percent rise compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights China's potential to surpass other top tourist destinations worldwide.
The expanded visa-free transit policy, launched in November last year, has also contributed to this growth. Travelers from 54 countries can now stay visa-free for up to 144 hours in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, including cruise ship passengers. In the first half of this year alone, 33,700 eligible foreign travelers utilized this privilege, a sevenfold increase from the previous year.
China has further strengthened its visa waiver agreements, currently partnering with over 40 countries, including recent additions like New Zealand, Australia, and Poland. Additionally, a one-year trial of visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has made exploring China easier for many international visitors.
Beyond visa policies, China's advancements in digital technology are reshaping the travel experience. With over 80 percent of daily transactions conducted on mobile platforms like WeChat Pay and AliPay, the country is becoming a cashless society. To accommodate foreign tourists, these platforms now support international Visa and Mastercard, easing payments for international travelers.
The tourism industry's revival is crucial for China's economy. In 2023, travel and tourism contributed approximately 8 percent to the country's GDP, generating around 4.91 trillion yuan ($677 billion). Although this is below the 2019 figure of 11.6 percent, the rapid growth in visitor numbers suggests that 2024 could see tourism revenues surpass pre-pandemic levels.
With continued enhancements to visa policies and digital infrastructure, China is well-positioned to attract more international visitors, supporting the broader services sector and contributing to sustained economic growth.
Reference(s):
China set to be the world's most visited tourist destination
cgtn.com
