Patricia CaleonSurprise, surprise! China‘s tourism industry is set to experience a significant boost as the country has recently announced a China visa-free entry policy for nine additional countries. Effective from 8 Nov 2024 to 31 Dec 2025, this move is expected to attract a surge of international visitors.
Also read: China Welcomes More European Travellers with Visa-Free Entry
Countries eligible for the new China visa-free entry policy
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The lucky nine countries benefiting from the new China visa-free entry policy include Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea. Citizens from these countries can start enjoying stays of up to 15 days in China for different purposes, such as tourism, business, relative visits, and transit.
A new golden era for the tourism industry
The recent opening of doors to more countries is poised to revitalise China’s tourism industry, particularly sectors like accommodation, catering, and transportation. Chinese travel agencies are already preparing to make the most out of this opportunity by expanding offerings and tours, and tailoring them to the varied and specific needs of these newly eligible markets.
South Korea being included in the recent list is specifically note-worthy. This is the first time South Korea has been granted such privilege, and industry experts are anticipating a significant rise in travel from South Korea to China. Hana Tour, one of Korea’s leading travel agencies, has already expressed optimism towards the announcement, predicting skyrocketing demands for Chinese tours due to the reduced time and cost associated with visa applications.
Only positive results for China in the coming year
The broader trend of increased international tourism is evident in China’s recent tourism statistics. According to the National Immigration Administration, the number of foreign visitors to China in the third quarter of 2024 surged by 48.8% year-on-year. This growth is largely attributed to existing visa-free arrangements, which saw a remarkable 78.6% increase in arrivals.
Also read: China’s Largest Lifestyle Retail Brand Just Opened A Shop In Johor Bahru
With the implementation of the new China visa-free entry policy, China’s stand in the landscape of international tourism is only set to climb even higher. This positive development aligns with China’s bigger goal of fostering cultural exchange and positioning itself as a leading global tourism destination.
So, which places in China are you excited to visit?
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