In the need for tourism to help recover the economy, China has announced the plan to expand its unilateral visa-free entry scheme to an appropriate extent. More countries will receive visa waivers without giving any specifics.
This scheme will topple the original easing visa requirement for many countries in 2023. Its current purpose is to help push the economy, attract investment, and promote a better image, especially before Donald Trump returns to the White House.
In 2024, approximately 65 million foreigners visited and exited China, 83 percent more than a year earlier, but only reached 66 percent of 2019’s level. The previous scheme did not work as well as the government hoped for.
There are several reasons for these issues. First are the essential Chinese apps for making payments and other services. The visitors are having difficulty using them. Next is the foreign airline that offers fewer international flights. Other countries also have economic and political issues with China. Some even have dimmer views on China due to human rights violations.
The State Council is proposing that local governments offer vouchers that motivate its people for more tourism spending and special bonds to cultural and tourism projects. Moreover, it asks the local government to attract different age groups by introducing family-friendly programs, student field trips, and convenient travel options for the elderly.
