China's tourism industry has seen significant growth during the Golden Week, with 22.914 million foreign visitors entering the country in the first half of the year, representing a 20% increase from the same period last year. The number of visa-free entries has also increased by 30.6% compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to China's efforts to deepen its opening-up and facilitate travel between the country and the rest of the world.
According to a global survey conducted by CGTN, 92.8% of respondents stated that social media content about traveling in China has strengthened their desire to learn more about the country and visit it. Additionally, 87% of respondents believe that a visit to China would provide a more comprehensive and authentic understanding of Chinese culture, society, and development. The survey also found that 91.8% of respondents believe that China's visa facilitation measures have increased their desire to travel to China.
China has been improving its visa and entry policies in recent years, with the 240-hour transit visa-free policy now applicable to 57 countries, and 61 countries eligible for a 30-day visa-free entry to Hainan. These policies have stimulated people-to-people exchanges, with 17.815 million foreign nationals entering China without a visa in the first half of the year, accounting for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals. The survey found that 89.5% of respondents believe that China is opening up to the world and sharing the fruits of its development.
The survey also revealed that 92.2% of respondents believe that practical services such as mobile payments, high-speed trains, and ride-hailing have become an important part of the travel experience in China. Furthermore, 91.2% of respondents stated that China provides a space for the implementation of new technologies and products from around the world. The diversity of China's application scenarios and the importance of its consumer market contribute to the evolution of global industries towards greater scale and better quality.
The growth of China's tourism industry is not limited to traditional sightseeing, with technology-driven tourism gaining popularity. Some foreign tourists spend thousands of dollars on customized itineraries to visit smart factories, test autonomous driving, and attend rocket launches. The survey found that 89.8% of respondents welcome China's sustained economic growth, while 80.6% believe that the Chinese economy can maintain its positive momentum in the long term.
The tourism industry provides an important window into a country's economy, with foreign tourists voting with their feet to demonstrate their appreciation for China's landscapes and culture, as well as their confidence in the country's economic prospects. The survey found that 71.7% of respondents are willing to travel, visit, or study in China. China's continued opening-up is expected to attract more foreign visitors.
In conclusion, China's tourism industry has experienced significant growth during the Golden Week, driven by the country's efforts to facilitate travel and its growing economic influence. The survey's findings suggest that China's tourism industry will continue to grow, driven by its unique blend of traditional culture and modern innovation.
Key points
- 22.914 million foreign visitors entered China in the first half of the year, representing a 20% increase from the same period last year.
- 92.8% of respondents stated that social media content about traveling in China has strengthened their desire to learn more about the country and visit it.
- China's tourism industry is expected to continue growing, driven by its unique blend of traditional culture and modern innovation.
