Monday, April 8, 2024
During the recent Qingming Festival holidays, China witnessed a significant surge in both inbound and outbound travel, marking a notable rebound in its tourism sector. Qingming Festival holiday saw an impressive 163.2 percent increase in foreign passenger trips across China’s border ports compared to last year, as reported by China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA).
The total of 5.189 million passenger trips during the holiday period reflects a broader recovery trend and signals the burgeoning potential of China’s tourism market.
The Qingming Festival, traditionally a time for honoring ancestors, has also become a catalyst for travel, especially for residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, who accounted for 2.267 million passenger trips. This represents a 35.9 percent increase from the previous year. In anticipation of this influx, special inspection channels were set up at border ports to streamline the process for these visitors.
Further analysis reveals a diverse pattern of cross-border travel. Mainland Chinese residents made 2.422 million trips, a significant leap of 101.7 percent over the previous year. This increased mobility is attributed to a series of strategic policy initiatives aimed at facilitating the entry and exit process for travellers.
Additionally, a surge in searches for travel to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai indicates a strong preference for the Guangdong Province among visitors from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.
The robust growth in foreign passenger trips, particularly the 500,000 recorded during the holiday, underscores the ongoing recovery of China’s inbound tourism market. Popular destinations for these international visitors included major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. This trend is supported by a host of policy measures designed to make travel to China more accessible, including visa exemptions and the easing of payment processes.
The rebound in tourism during a traditionally low season for foreign tourists indicates a shift in travel patterns, highlighting the appeal of China’s rich cultural and historical offerings. Jiang Yiyi, a deputy head at the School of Leisure Sports and Tourism, Beijing Sport University, points out that the continuous influx of foreign cruise tour groups is a testament to the resilient recovery of the inbound tourism market.
Efforts to enhance the travel experience for foreigners have included the introduction of the e-CNY (digital yuan), aimed at simplifying mobile payments for international visitors. The e-CNY app, compatible with phone numbers from over 210 countries, represents a significant step towards accommodating the financial needs of foreign tourists. Major payment platforms like Alipay and Weixin Pay have also adapted their services to support international bank cards, further easing the transaction process for visitors.
The extension of visa-free policies to additional countries, including six European nations, is part of a broader strategy to stimulate inbound tourism and promote cultural exchanges. These initiatives reflect China’s commitment to surpassing its pre-pandemic tourism performance, both in terms of visitor numbers and revenue generation.
As China continues to open its doors wider to international visitors, cities like Shanghai are positioning themselves as primary entry points for overseas tourists. The city’s international airports and high-profile attractions make it an appealing first stop for many. The recent holiday period saw a significant number of entry and exit trips at Shanghai ports, with a notable proportion of inbound travellers.
Zhou Weihong, a deputy general manager at Shanghai Spring Tours, emphasises the importance of improving service details such as payment convenience and transition services to make cities like Shanghai more accessible to foreign visitors. Such enhancements are crucial for developing China as a top choice for international tourism.
The remarkable increase in travel activity during the Qingming Festival holidays is a clear indicator of the resilience and potential of China’s tourism sector. The concerted efforts by the government and the tourism industry to facilitate travel, improve services, and extend a warm welcome to international visitors are paying dividends. As China continues to innovate and adapt, its tourism market is poised for sustained growth, offering a blend of traditional cultural experiences and modern conveniences to travelers from around the globe.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
