China is welcoming the world back with open arms! 🌏✈️ The first half of this year saw an impressive 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners, marking a 152.7% increase compared to last year. This surge comes in the wake of new measures introduced since January aimed at making it easier for foreign nationals to visit China for business, education, and tourism.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) unveiled that over 8.54 million visa-free entries were made between January and June, which accounts for 52% of all inbound trips and represents a staggering 190.1% year-on-year growth! 📈✨
These welcoming measures include expanded visa-free policies, relaxed application requirements, simplified procedures, exemptions from border checks for certain transit passengers, and more convenient mobile payment options for travelers. 🛂💳
Looking ahead, the NIA expects the number of foreigners visiting China to keep rising in the second half of the year. According to the China Tourism Academy (CTA), the inbound tourism market is anticipated to recover to around 80% of its 2019 levels. Additionally, trips from travelers in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and the Taiwan region are set to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.
This positive trend not only boosts China's tourism sector but also strengthens its position as a top destination for global travelers. 🌟 Whether you're planning a business trip, seeking new educational opportunities, or just looking to explore, China is making it easier than ever to visit! 🌍
