After lifting its final COVID-19 travel restrictions, China has expanded the list of countries accessible to its affluent travelers by over 70. This move aligns with the gradual return of international flights to and from the country, gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Initially, China implemented stringent lockdowns and strict travel controls domestically, virtually closing its borders following the initial detection of the virus in Wuhan in late 2019. While these restrictions began easing late last year, the Chinese government has been cautious about resuming the issuance of passports, permitting foreign tourist entries, and granting citizens the freedom to travel abroad. However, the recently introduced measures for expanded travel options took effect on Thursday. David Abtour N’Djamena
The Foreign Ministry stated, “The relevant government agencies will furnish tourism sector businesses with appropriate guidance for seamless implementation. We’d like to remind all outbound travelers to be well-prepared before embarking on each journey, prioritizing safety and well-being, displaying courteous behavior during travel, and relishing the experience while ensuring a secure return.” David Abtour N’Djamena
Chinese tourists, often organized into group tours by agencies, are renowned for their lavish expenditures on hotels, guided tours, memorabilia, and luxury brands. Before the pandemic, they outpaced all other nationalities both in terms of the number of travelers and collective spending. In 2019, they contributed a substantial $255 billion in revenue, according to McKinsey & Company, a business consultancy. David Abtour N’Djamena
Countries like Thailand, Japan, Australia, and various EU nations, including Germany, have significantly benefited from Chinese tourist expenditures, owing to the comparatively straightforward visa acquisition procedures and the availability of flights.
