Tourexpi
China
announced on Friday an expansion of its visa-free entry program, doubling the
stay period for citizens from 38 countries from 15 days to 30 days, effective
Nov. 30.
Under
the policy, nine more countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Japan, and Malta,
will be added to the list of nations eligible for visa-free travel, officials
said.
The
program, set to run through Dec. 31 next year, aims to boost international
tourism and trade.
Beijing
also extended the visa-free stay period to 30 days, from 15 days when it
announced the program early this year.
It
put additional measures to simplify travel, including the cancellation of
pre-appointment requirements for visa applications, expanded exemptions from
fingerprint collection, and a 25% reduction in visa fees.
China
recorded 8.19 million inbound trips by foreigners in the third quarter of 2024,
marking a 48.8% year-on-year increase, according to official figures.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Pololikashvili runs for re-election as UN Tourism Secretary General for 2026-2029 term
Georgian gaining support of different countries "thanks to his work since 2018"
Six Senses Quexigal Palace To Recreate a Magical 16th-century Royal Village near Madrid, Spain
Welcoming families, weekenders, and ‘mooners to enjoy events, celebrations, and retreats.
TUI is driving forward its growth plans for Eastern Europe
TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel: “New markets, new products and more customers: TUI Poland is the blueprint for our future success in Eastern Europe.”
Record numbers of Emirates customers to 'fly better' this festive season
Emirates recommends that customers plan their travel carefully this December, as departure numbers throughout the festive month are significantly higher than last year.
Open Entries: 25th International Film, Print, and Multimedia Competition
Registration for the 25th International Film, Print, and Multimedia Competition is now open!
30 years of climate research on scheduled flights
Lufthansa Group collects data for science on more than 35,000 measurement flights.
Global airline revenues next year to exceed $1T, says industry group
Passenger numbers projected to exceed 5B for the first time next year, says new industry report.
TUI Group: Full year 2024 delivers strong growth to 23.2 billion euros
TUI Group again ended the financial year 2024 with a significant increase in operating earnings.
Ireland’s first Radisson RED opens in Galway
Radisson RED Galway has opened its doors, making it the first property of the bold, upscale brand in Ireland.
Ancient sarcophagus discovered at St. Nicholas Church in Türkiye's Antalya
Limestone sarcophagus may reveal new details about burial site of St. Nicholas, Santa Claus inspiration.
voco hotels lands in Bandung, Indonesia
Landmark signing of voco Bandung Setiabudi with long-term partner PT Sun Land Investama and new partner Nova Chandra.
Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, Vietnam, Now Open
The new Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, Vietnam, has officially opened its doors to tourists, overnight guests and diners.
Thai MICE Industry Makes Strong Comeback Recording 42% Rise in Overseas Travelers in 2024
Thailand's MICE industry posted an impressive 42% rise in overseas MICE travelers in its 2024 fiscal year (October 2023 -September 2024) totaling 1.16 million travelers, putting it closer to the record high of 1.2 million travelers achieved pre-pande
Thai Airways expands technology agreement with Sabre
Adopting advanced fare management solutions.
IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts in Ayodhya with world renowned brand, Holiday Inn Express
The 125-key hotel will be a standout addition to IHG’s portfolio and strengthen presence in key spiritual destinations in India.
Eurowings Blind Booking at the “original ALDI price”
Still no Christmas present? – Popular flight booking to a surprise destination now available especially for ALDI SÜD customers.
RX’s New Report Highlights the Power of Influencers in Shaping the Future of Travel
In an era where social media is revolutionising how people experience the world, RX, a global leader in exhibitions, unveils its latest report, The Power of Influence.
Emirates to launch retrofitted Boeing 777 on Vienna route
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced plans to deploy its retrofitted Boeing 777 on flights EK125/126 between Dubai and Vienna starting from 3 January 2025*, making Vienna the fourth city in the airline’s European net
Young visitors savor Jiangsu's floral beauty mingled with economic prowess
A group of young people, including those from seven countries beyond China, have witnessed up close some of the aesthetic majesty and economic power of Jiangsu province.
UNESCO Recognition for ‘Tomyum Kung’ and ‘Kebaya’ Enhances Thailand’s Cultural Prestige
Two new inscriptions underscore Thailand’s vibrant intangible heritage and broaden unique travel experiences.