Japan And South Korea Joins Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, And Others In Propelling China Tourism Growth Through Visa-Free Access And Strategic Events

Published on December 20, 2025

Japan and South Korea have joined Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asian nations in fueling China’s tourism growth by implementing visa-free policies and participating in major events like the China International Travel Mart 2025. These collaborative efforts have significantly boosted inbound tourism, making it easier for travelers from these countries to visit China and explore its rich cultural and tourist offerings. By removing visa barriers and leveraging high-profile tourism events, these countries are playing a pivotal role in driving an impressive surge in Chinese tourism, helping to rejuvenate the sector as global travel recovers.

As the world continues to recover from the effects of the global pandemic, China’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable surge. This growth is not only a result of the country’s strategic initiatives but also the collaboration with neighboring nations, which have been key in driving international arrivals. Among these countries, Japan and South Korea are now at the forefront, joining Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia in accelerating China’s tourism growth through innovative visa-free policies and key events. These measures, combined with major gatherings such as the China International Travel Mart 2025, are proving to be vital catalysts for the booming tourism industry in the region.

China International Travel Mart 2025: A Milestone for Global Tourism Collaboration

The China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2025, hosted in Haikou, Hainan province, serves as a significant milestone for China’s tourism industry. This is the first time the prestigious event has been held in the southern island province since its inception in 1998. The event attracted over 1,000 travel agents and industry representatives from 101 countries and regions, further cementing China’s position as a leading tourism destination.

Held at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the event spans a massive 65,000 square meters of exhibition space, showcasing domestic and international tourism products. The theme of the event, “Nihao China,” focused on the deep integration of culture and tourism, featuring five distinct exhibition zones. A standout feature was the “Sunny Hainan Exhibition,” under the banner “Free Trade Port of China, Resort Island of the World,” which highlighted the province’s new tourism routes, emerging business models, and the latest policy initiatives aimed at boosting the local tourism economy.

This significant gathering also featured multiple business-to-business matchmaking sessions, providing a unique platform for travel professionals and stakeholders to explore new opportunities. As global tourism begins to recover, the CITM 2025 served as a powerful reminder of China’s commitment to fostering international tourism collaborations, especially with countries in Asia.

Visa-Free Initiatives: A Game Changer for Inbound Tourism

One of the key drivers behind the surge in China’s inbound tourism is the visa-free initiatives introduced by the Chinese government. Countries like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia have been instrumental in fueling this growth by offering visa-free access to Chinese citizens and encouraging more travel in return.

Among these, Japan and South Korea stand out as top contributors. In recent years, both nations have rolled out comprehensive visa-free policies for Chinese tourists, enabling smoother and more convenient travel between these countries and China. This has made China a more accessible destination for a broader range of travelers, contributing to a sharp increase in inbound tourism.

Japan, in particular, has seen significant growth in Chinese visitor numbers, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Similarly, South Korea’s appeal has risen dramatically among Chinese tourists, with Seoul becoming a popular destination for short stays and business trips. These two countries are crucial in driving tourism flows to China, with both benefitting from reciprocal visa-free agreements that facilitate easier movement across borders.

Southeast Asia’s Role: Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore Lead the Charge

While Japan and South Korea play pivotal roles in the growth of China’s inbound tourism, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have emerged as significant contributors to this boom. With their strong cultural ties, direct flight connections, and favorable visa policies, these countries are continuing to see an influx of Chinese tourists eager to explore their unique destinations.

Thailand: A Top Destination for Chinese Tourists

Thailand has long been a favorite among Chinese travelers, and the nation’s tourism industry is benefiting from enhanced travel access. With direct flights connecting major cities like Bangkok and Shanghai, and a strong cultural appeal, Thailand remains one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists.

Thai authorities have actively worked to boost Chinese arrivals through various initiatives, including promotional campaigns and special tourism packages. The country’s visa-free policies for Chinese tourists have also contributed to the increase in visitor numbers. As Thailand continues to build on its cultural appeal and excellent tourism infrastructure, it is positioned to remain a top player in China’s inbound tourism market.

Malaysia: A Rising Star in China’s Tourism Landscape

Malaysia’s tourism industry is also reaping the benefits of China’s outbound tourism boom. In 2025, Malaysia recorded a significant increase in Chinese visitors, thanks in part to its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens. Malaysia’s cultural diversity, scenic landscapes, and world-class shopping experiences have made it a top choice for Chinese travelers.

Tourist arrivals from China are expected to continue growing, especially in popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. As a key partner in driving China’s tourism growth, Malaysia’s government is continuing to invest in tourism infrastructure and marketing campaigns aimed at attracting even more Chinese visitors.

Singapore: A Hub for Chinese Tourists

Singapore has long been one of the most popular destinations for Chinese travelers, and with the visa-free policies in place, this trend is set to continue. The island nation’s proximity to China, combined with its blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage, makes it an ideal destination for short stays or longer vacations.

The strong ties between China and Singapore, reinforced by the visa-free arrangement, have contributed to a steady increase in Chinese arrivals. In 2025, Singapore saw a surge in Chinese tourists who were drawn by the country’s vibrant cultural scene, shopping districts, and world-renowned culinary offerings. With Singapore continuing to innovate in tourism offerings, it remains a key partner in accelerating China’s inbound tourism growth.

The Impact of Visa-Free Travel and Major Events on China’s Tourism Surge

The growth of China’s inbound tourism in 2025 is not only a result of favorable visa policies but also a reflection of major events like the CITM 2025 and an overall increase in international partnerships. These efforts have combined to create a robust tourism ecosystem that attracts travelers from across the world.

Visa-free policies are particularly effective in encouraging short-term tourism, making it easier for tourists to explore China without the logistical challenges of visa applications. This has led to a more diverse range of visitors from countries like Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. As international travel resumes, these nations continue to play an important role in bringing travelers to China, and they have become integral to the country’s tourism growth strategy.

Furthermore, events like the China International Travel Mart 2025 play a critical role in strengthening China’s relationships with its neighboring countries. By bringing together tourism professionals and industry leaders from 101 countries, the event fosters dialogue, collaboration, and mutual growth in the tourism sector. This event underscores the importance of partnerships in boosting the flow of travelers, which is especially crucial for China as it seeks to position itself as a top destination for global tourists.

Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are all playing key roles in driving China’s inbound tourism growth. Through visa-free initiatives and strong cultural ties, these countries are contributing to the rapid expansion of the Chinese tourism sector. Events like the China International Travel Mart 2025 in Haikou further strengthen these relationships and showcase the power of collaboration in the global tourism industry.

Japan and South Korea have joined Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and more countries in accelerating China’s tourism growth through visa-free initiatives and major events. These efforts are driving a significant increase in inbound travel, as easier access and high-profile gatherings like the China International Travel Mart 2025 attract more visitors.

As China continues to recover and rebuild its tourism infrastructure, the strategic partnerships with these Asian nations will remain essential in driving growth and ensuring that China remains an attractive destination for international tourists. With visa-free travel policies, new tourism routes, and high-profile events, China is set to remain at the center of global tourism for years to come.