China's inbound and outbound travel experienced a remarkable rebound in the first quarter of 2024, with cross-border trips surpassing 141 million, marking a staggering 117.8% year-on-year increase, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).
The surge includes over 13 million trips made by foreign nationals, more than tripling the numbers from the same period in 2023. This impressive growth highlights China's ongoing recovery and its efforts to reestablish itself as a key global destination for tourism, business, and education.
Foreign visitors to China primarily hailed from the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, a significant number of travelers originated from neighboring countries such as Russia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Mongolia, and Laos, as well as East and Southeast Asian nations including South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Travel motivations varied, with over 30 percent of foreign nationals visiting China for tourism. Business travel, visiting friends and relatives, work, and study also constituted major reasons for the influx. This diverse array of purposes underscores China's multifaceted appeal on the global stage.
To support this travel boom, China introduced several measures aimed at easing entry for foreigners. New policies include relaxed visa application requirements and the introduction of port visas for individuals urgently needing to conduct business, exchanges, or investments but unable to secure a visa in advance. Additionally, in March, China expanded its visa-free entry policy to include six more countries: Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, further facilitating international travel and investment.
These initiatives not only boost China's tourism and business sectors but also enhance cultural and economic exchanges, reinforcing China's position as a pivotal player in the global economy.
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China's cross-border trips exceed 141m in Q1, doubled from last year
cgtn.com
