China is boosting its inbound tourism with the expansion of visa-free entries for passport holders from Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Slovenia. From October 15, 2024, to December 31, 2025, citizens from these countries can enter China for up to 15 days without a visa for business, tourism, or family visits.
In the first half of 2024, 14.64 million foreigners entered China, a 152.7% year-on-year increase, with 8.54 million utilizing visa-free entry options, a 190.1% surge. The China Tourism Academy forecasts that more than 15 million foreign visitors will arrive in the second half of 2024.
Local governments are also ramping up efforts to attract international visitors. Shanghai is positioning itself as a top destination for inbound tourists, while other provinces like Beijing, Hainan, and Anhui are promoting major tourism conferences and events to stimulate growth.
Experts, like Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, anticipate that China’s tourism market will return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, marking the start of a new cycle of prosperity.
News Source: China Daily
