China opens up to the world, inviting everyone to learn about its development, culture and people in a new era of global exchange
China’s visa-free policy, introduced last year, is quickly becoming the largest visa liberalization since the founding of the People’s Republic. Last week, the country added nine more countries to the program, including Japan, bringing the total to 38.
From the end of this month, travelers from Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia and Latvia will be able to visit China without a visa for up to 30 days.
This is double the 15 days previously granted and applies to all countries on the list, which includes South Korea and several European states.
The numbers speak for themselves
In the first seven months of this year, China welcomed 17.25 million foreign visitors, a dramatic increase of nearly 130% from the previous year. This recovery generated optimism in the tourism sector.
The influx of tourists is injecting new impetus into sectors such as hotels, restaurants, transport and retail, creating jobs amid weak domestic consumption.
Hashtags related to travel to China are trending on social media, reflecting growing interest.
China’s reopening is also expected to benefit global tourism as Chinese tourist numbers recover. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists were the largest group of spenders in the world.
Global mobility is important. International tourism, which was disrupted by the pandemic, is once again being affected by anti-globalization forces.
As the global economy slows, countries are turning inward, creating trade barriers, restricting technology transfer and limiting academic exchanges.
Protectionism is creating walls between nations just when we need bridges most. By welcoming more visitors, Beijing is choosing engagement over isolation.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/11/27/china-abre-portas-ao-mundo-com-nova-politica-de-isencao-de-visto/
