Latest news with #ShiZeyi
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Greater openness, diverse offerings attract global tourists to relish real China
Tourists from Australia pose for photos at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing on May 1, 2025. – Xinhua photo BEIJING (May 23): From viral social media buzz to rising foot traffic at immigration counters, global enthusiasm for 'China Travel' continued to soar this year as an increasing number of travelers head to China to savor the country's diverse landscapes, rich heritage and modern dynamism. As China rolls out a wave of initiatives aimed at making travel to the country easier and more immersive for international visitors, a new era of inbound tourism is emerging – one that is unfiltered, inclusive and rich in cultural depth. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 17.44 million entries and exits by foreign nationals, marking a 33.4 per cent year-on-year rise. From May 1 to 5, which coincided with China's May Day holiday, foreign entries and exits reached 1.12 million, up 43.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. So, what is fueling this growing appeal? What new trends are shaping travel in China? And what steps lie ahead as the country continues to enhance cross-border mobility to attract more global tourists? These questions were front and center in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, where a panel of policymakers and a tourism industry insider shared their insights. Fresh experiences During the discussion, Shi Zeyi, deputy head of the international exchanges and cooperation bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pointed to a notable shift among inbound tourists toward independent travel and more diverse itineraries, highlighting how interest is expanding beyond traditional hotspots like Beijing and Shanghai to lesser-known regions across China. This trend is supported by data from major Chinese travel platforms. According to a report from Qunar, cities like Zhuhai, Qingdao, and Wuhan saw hotel bookings by foreign travelers surge by 70 per cent, 60 per cent, and 50 per cent year on year, respectively, during the five-day May Day holiday. Meanwhile, smaller cities such as Suzhou, Huzhou and Foshan also made the list of the top 20 inbound destinations. Chiming in, Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, noted that booking patterns on the online travel platform during the same period suggest a broader shift from basic sightseeing and landmark visits to more immersive, hands-on cultural experiences. 'Many foreign visitors are now engaging in activities like learning tea brewing in Wuyishan, watching face-changing performances in Chengdu, or crafting porcelain in Jingdezhen,' Qin said. These insights are consistent with a recent survey by the China Tourism Academy, which found that over 60 per cent of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting the country. Foreign tourists visit the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street in Tianjin, north China on May 3, 2025. – Xinhua photo Amid the travel boom, shopping has also taken center stage after China introduced new measures to optimise its departure tax refund policy in late April, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available. Ctrip data revealed that inbound travel bookings for popular shopping hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Yiwu increased by 138 per cent, 188 per cent, and 60 per cent year on year, respectively, during the May Day holiday. Speakers also highlighted the powerful role of social media in driving interest in China. Viral videos of high-speed trains, AI-powered hotel robots, and everyday scenes of modern Chinese life, posted by visiting foreign travel influencers and tourists, have offered unfiltered views of China, breaking down stereotypes. 'Seeing is believing,' said Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration (NIA). 'When people experience China firsthand, they are better positioned to overcome misunderstandings and appreciate the country for what it truly is – open, inclusive, prosperous, safe and well-ordered.' Expanding access Despite the influence of social media and enhancements like the improved departure tax refund policy, guest speakers emphasised that China's recent surge in inbound travel is primarily driven by its ongoing efforts to expand access for international visitors. And this momentum continues to build steadily. China's visa policies have been continuously adjusted and optimised. Since late 2023, China has introduced an expanding suite of traveler-friendly policies. In its latest move, the country announced last week that nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry starting June 1. Currently, the country grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries. China has also extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. These measures have significantly boosted cross-border exchanges between China and other countries, leading to an immediate impact: in 2024, China recorded 20.12 million visa-free entries, marking an impressive 112.3 per cent surge compared to the previous year. During this year's May Day holiday, there were 380,000 visa-free entries, representing a 72.7 per cent year-on-year growth. According to Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will negotiate additional visa-waiver agreements and work to improve the online visa application system for foreigners. Liu, from the NIA, added that the immigration administration will continue coordinating with other departments to make it easier for foreigners to enter, stay, and travel in China. A border inspection officer guides foreign tourists at Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province on May 3, 2025. – Xinhua photo Acknowledging the diversity of global travelers, Shi noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting tailored offerings to cater to different groups, ranging from young backpackers and business travelers to senior tourists. These include educational tours, wellness retreats, and seasonal products such as ski holidays and summer getaways. To stimulate inbound tourism spending, China will expand the number of duty-free shops and broaden the selection of products eligible for instant tax refunds, especially focusing on high-tech gadgets like smartphones, smartwatches and drones, Shi added. In 2024, 132 million inbound visits to China generated US$94.2 billion in revenue, recovering to over 97.2 per cent and 93.5 per cent, respectively, of pre-pandemic levels. Cities across China are enhancing services to facilitate inbound tourism. For example, Beijing has launched a free half-day tour for international transit passengers, offering a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture at landmarks such as Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven. Qin from Ctrip said the company is enhancing services for inbound tourists by training multilingual tour guides, partnering with foreign travel influencers for promotions, and introducing new offerings such as immersive cultural and dining experiences. Wrapping up the discussion, Tong emphasised the importance of collaborative feedback. He said the government welcomes suggestions from tourism businesses and is equally eager to hear from various international travelers. 'So we can work together to further enhance the China travel experience.' 'As China continues to open its doors wider, the 'China Travel' brand will only shine brighter on the world stage,' he added. – Xinhua A staff member provides departure tax refund service for a tourist from Russia at a shopping center in Beijing on April 30, 2025. – Xinhua photo China tourism travel Xinhua
Daily News Egypt
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
China's inbound tourism continues heating up amid improving environment
China's inbound tourism has maintained strong momentum, with a sharp rise in both international arrivals and visitor spending, buoyed by streamlined visa policies and an improved travel environment, according to officials. About 132 million inbound tourists visited China in 2024, with total spending reaching 94.2 billion U.S. dollars, recovering to 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent of the 2019 levels, respectively, Shi Zeyi, an official in charge of international exchanges and cooperation at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said during a recent episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency. In the first quarter of 2025, China recorded 35.02 million inbound tourist visits, a 19.6 percent increase compared to the same period of last year, Shi added. Officials and industry insiders at the roundtable also highlighted the marked increase in inbound travel spending. Mobile payment giant Alipay reported a 180 percent surge in inbound tourist spending between May 1 and 3 this year, compared to the same period in 2024. The surge has been fueled in large by China's expanded visa-exemption program and a slew of measures aimed at making travel more convenient, including enhanced transportation access, simplified payment systems, and instant tax refunds for departing visitors, according to Shi. China now grants unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. About 380,000 foreigners entered China under these arrangements during the May Day holiday, a year-on-year increase of 72.7 percent. As more foreign travelers visit China and have positive experiences, the potential of the country's inbound consumption market will continue to grow, said Liu Jia, an official from the National Immigration Administration.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
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 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. 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
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
China Travel thrives on policy-driven convenience
A descendant (R) of local horse train operators bids farewell to a foreign tourist at Sideng Village of Shaxi Town, Jianchuan County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Chao) BEIJING (May 20): China's inbound tourism has continued to gain momentum as the country further strengthened policy support to attract more international tourists by easing access and improving their overall travel experience. More foreign visitors are choosing to head for destinations beyond the country's major cities, attracted by opportunities to experience unique cultural experiences or stock up on Chinese specialties like digital products and collectibles, guest speakers told the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency. Official data showed that China's inbound tourist arrivals soared 60.8 percent year on year to 132 million in 2024, which is about 97.2 percent of the 2019 level. These tourists spent a total of 94.2 billion U.S. dollars in the country, surging 77.8 percent from a year ago. The momentum has continued into 2025, with inbound tourist arrivals rising 19.6 percent year on year in the first quarter, according to Shi Zeyi, an official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Qin Jing, vice president of Chinese online travel service giant Group, said foreign visitors were venturing beyond metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai to explore destinations like Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xi'an. 'We have seen foreign visitors learning tea-making in Wuyi Mountain and face-changing performance in Chengdu during the May Day holiday,' Qin told the roundtable. Her company's inbound tourist orders more than doubled during the five-day holiday compared to last year. She said is also witnessing a remarkable growth in orders from younger foreign tourists, with the previous demographic aged between 50 and 60. The booming trend of 'China Travel' is built on recent measures such as expanding mutual visa exemptions and unilateral visa-free access, as well as extend visa-free entry stays. As of now, China has established comprehensive mutual visa exemptions with 29 countries, implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 38 countries, and transit visa-free policies for 54 countries. Meanwhile, the country has introduced a package of measures to stimulate inbound spending. Apart from shifting to a refund-upon-purchase model for departure tax refunds, China has also rolled out more policy support, with steps to lower the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raise the cash refund ceiling and widen the range of products eligible. These policies reflect China's commitment to opening up and could have far-reaching impacts by fostering deeper understanding between China and the international community, and altering stereotypes, said Liu Jia, an official with the National Immigration Administration. 'An open, inclusive, prosperous and safe China is being seen, felt and recognized by the world,' Liu told the roundtable. Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China would negotiate more visa-waiver and visa facilitation agreements, and work to improve the online visa application system for foreign visitors. In the latest move, China announced last week that starting June 1, nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry into China for a trial period ending May 31, 2026. Shi with the culture and tourism ministry said China will work to further improve visa processes, payment systems, travel logistics, and accommodation options for foreign tourists, while providing customized tour packages tailored to diverse groups, including backpackers, business travelers, and senior visitors. To promote inbound spending, China will also open more duty-free shops and broaden the range of goods eligible for instant tax refunds, especially to include high-tech products like smartphones, smartwatches and drones, he added. '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 China international tourists tourism
