Foreign tourism to China increases amid visa waiver policies, improved payment options
Date
7/16/2024 8:33:41 AM
(MENAFN) China experienced a substantial increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of this year, spurred by the implementation of visa-free policies and a range of payment options, including the acceptance of foreign bank cards. According to official statistics, approximately 14.64 million foreign tourists entered the country through various ports in the first half of the year, marking a significant increase of 152.7 percent compared to the previous year, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV). Notably, over 8.54 million of these tourists entered without a visa, representing 52 percent of the total and an impressive rise of 190.1 percent from the previous year.
One of the most popular destinations among these visitors is Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Between January and June, Xi'an welcomed over 190,000 foreign tourists, highlighting its appeal as a key tourist hotspot. As tourists flock from various parts of the world, China has made concerted efforts to address the challenges posed by different payment systems. In line with this, mobile payment company Alipay reported a remarkable eightfold increase in the amount of money paid by tourists using the app in the first half of the year. Additionally, the number of Chinese merchants utilizing Alipay to conduct transactions with tourists has tripled compared to the same period last year. These developments underscore China's commitment to creating a seamless and welcoming environment for international visitors, enhancing their overall travel experience.
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