May 19 marks China Tourism Day, commemorating the launch of The Travels of Xu Xiake by the renowned Chinese traveler and geographer Xu Xiake in 1613. This year’s theme, \"Explore China, Enjoy a Happy Life\", underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing its tourism landscape.
In recent months, China has introduced a range of policies aimed at attracting more foreign visitors. Notable measures include visa-free travel for citizens of several countries, the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, and an increase in international flights. These initiatives are clearly paying off.
According to China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA), border ports processed over 141 million inbound and outbound trips in the first quarter of this year. Impressively, over 13 million of these trips were made by foreign nationals, marking a 305% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
As we celebrate China Tourism Day, the positive trends in China’s tourism market for 2024 are evident. These developments not only boost the economy but also promote cultural exchange and global connectivity.
Reference(s):
China Tourism Day: The positive trend of China's inbound tourism
cgtn.com
