China's recent decision to grant visa-free access to Australia marks a significant step in its strategy to boost inbound tourism. This move is designed to create a more welcoming environment for international visitors and stimulate economic growth through increased travel.
Following the Australia announcement, China extended the visa-free arrangement to New Zealand last week. This decision has already had a noticeable impact, with Trip.com reporting a 65% surge in searches by New Zealand tourists for China-related keywords immediately after the announcement.
Data indicates that New Zealand has become a hotspot for Chinese tourists this summer, with visitor numbers expected to reach pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. "As of June 14, air ticket bookings from China to New Zealand have more than doubled year-on-year," stated Xiao Peng, an employee of Chinese online travel platform Qunar.
Popular destinations among Chinese travelers include Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, and Wellington. Bookings for related tourism products in these cities have tripled compared to the previous year, showcasing the strong interest and enthusiasm for exploring what New Zealand has to offer.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
