Sunday, July 21, 2024 China is making significant strides to bolster its tourism sector by expanding its visa-free travel policy. In a recent announcement, China has included Australia in its list of countries eligible for visa-free entry, following a similar announcement for New Zealand. This move is part of China’s broader effort to rejuvenate its tourism industry and foster stronger international ties.
The decision to include Australia and New Zealand in China’s visa-free list is expected to enhance bilateral tourism and economic exchanges. As of the announcement, Australian and New Zealand travelers can enter China without the need for a visa, simplifying travel logistics and encouraging more spontaneous and extended visits. This policy change comes at a pivotal moment as the global tourism industry rebounds from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For countries like Australia and New Zealand, which have robust travel cultures, the visa-free access to China opens up new avenues for tourism and cultural exchange. The impact of China’s visa-free policy was immediate. According to Trip.
com, searches for China-related travel keywords by New Zealand tourists surged by 65% the day after the announcement. This spike in interest reflects the appeal of easier access to China’s diverse and rich cultural landscapes. Chinese tourists are also showing a renewed interest in visiting New Zealand.
With the easing of travel restrictions, air ticket bookings from China to New Zea.