China's tourism sector gains momentum with policy support and visa reforms
BEIJING: China's inbound tourism is gaining momentum as the country enhances policy support to attract more international tourists by easing access and improving their overall travel experience.
More foreign visitors are choosing destinations beyond the major cities, drawn by unique cultural experiences and the opportunity to purchase Chinese specialties like digital products and collectibles, as discussed during the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable hosted by Xinhua News Agency.
Official data revealed that China's inbound tourist arrivals soared 60.8% year-on-year to 132 million in 2024, reaching about 97.2% of the 2019 level. These tourists spent a total of $US94.2bil in the country, up 77.8% from the previous year.
The momentum continued into 2025, with inbound tourist arrivals rising 19.6% year-on-year in the first quarter, according to Shi Zeyi from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Qin Jing, vice president of Trip.com Group, noted that foreign visitors are exploring destinations like Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xi'an, and participating in activities such as tea-making in Wuyi Mountain and face-changing performances in Chengdu during the May Day holiday.
Trip.com has observed a significant increase in orders from younger foreign tourists, with the demographic shifting from ages 50 to 60.
The trend is supported by measures such as expanding mutual visa exemptions, unilateral visa-free access, and extended visa-free entry stays.
China has comprehensive mutual visa exemptions with 29 countries, unilateral visa-free policies for 38 countries, and transit visa-free policies for 54 countries.
Additionally, China has introduced measures to stimulate inbound spending, including a refund-upon-purchase model for departure tax refunds and steps to lower the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raise the cash refund ceiling, and expand the range of eligible products.
These policies reflect China's commitment to opening up and fostering deeper understanding with the international community, said Liu Jia from the National Immigration Administration.
"An open, inclusive, prosperous, and safe China is being seen, felt, and recognized by the world," Liu stated.
Tong Xuejun from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that China would negotiate more visa-waiver and facilitation agreements, and improve the online visa application system for foreign visitors.
China announced that starting June 1, nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry for a trial period ending May 31, 2026.
Shi indicated that China will further improve visa processes, payment systems, travel logistics, and accommodation options for foreign tourists, offering customized tour packages for diverse groups.
To promote inbound spending, China will open more duty-free shops and broaden the range of goods eligible for instant tax refunds, including high-tech products like smartphones and drones.
"China is welcoming global tourists with greater openness, richer experiences, and smarter services," Shi said, pledging to make China a more captivating world-class tourist destination. - Xinhua
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