Tourexpi
China expands visa-free entry program to 38 nations
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
UN Tourism Welcomes New Affiliate Members, Surpassing 500 Entities Globally
UN Tourism has welcomed 27 new entities to its growing network of Affiliate Members.
From Farm to Table in Albania: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
The Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025, Albania, a land of stunning coastlines and rich history, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for agritourism.
Türkiye's Gobeklitepe welcomes 50% more visitors in 2024, reaching 600,000 in 10 months
Gobeklitepe is one of Türkiye's most important cultural tourism destinations, says culture and tourism deputy minister.
New study reveals the top Istanbul neighbourhoods for traditional dishes to try this Christmas
Beyoğlu is named the best neighbourhood in Istanbul to explore traditional dishes, with 143.65 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents.
US$65 Billion Needed Annually to Shield Coastal and Marine Tourism from Climate Crisis, WTTC Report
Addressing world leaders during Ocean Action Day at COP29 in Baku today, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) called for urgent climate investment in coastal and marine tourism to protect it from escalating climate risks.
Qatari Diar and FTG Development Groundbreaking on Land of Legends in Simaisma
Land of Legends Qatar is set to become one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East with a 3-billion-dollar investment.
First Flying Electric Ferry in the U.S. is Coming to Lake Tahoe
Skiers in Tahoe will soon reach the slopes faster, as Candela and FlyTahoe announce the introduction of the first U.S.-based Candela P-12, a groundbreaking foiling electric ferry, on Lake Tahoe.
Dusit champions local culinary excellence with sponsorshipof The Maverick Academy on Netflix
New reality show connects regional culinary talent with global opportunities in an exciting competition.
Türkiye emerges as top destination for British golfers
162,426 British visitors traveled to Belek, Antalya in 2023, hitting 4-year high.
UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism debuts in the Middle East hosted by Bahrain
The Middle East played host to the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for the first time, with Bahrain welcoming policymakers, industry experts, and renowned chefs to focus on sustainability and community empowerment.
UN Tourism Executive Council Looks to Innovation and Investment-Driven Future
UN Tourism’s Executive Council has met again to jointly advance the transformation of the sector.
Istanbul to host forum on AI and copyright issues
Global experts to explore AI's impact on copyright in media industry.
Royal Caribbean Brings The Action With 2026-27 Caribbean and Northeast Lineup
From Star and Icon of the Seas to all-time favorites, adventures of all kinds set the stage for vacationers to explore the tropics and more.
More choice, more flexibility: TUI expands hotel offering with smart connections
Dynamic rates, new hotels: holidaymakers and travel agencies benefit from a wider range of offers / More last-minute availability makes it easier to book at short notice.
Grand Hyatt Strengthens Global Brand Presence with Openings in New Markets
The Grand Hyatt brand continues to expand its footprint, bringing first-class hospitality and memorable guest experiences to new and key leisure and business markets from Scottsdale to Bangalore.
Türkiye hosts 1.7M cruise passengers in January-October
Kusadasi port in southwest enjoys highest number of passengers, cruise ships, official figures show.
Guiyang: Harnessing Two Treasures that Bolster Poems and Dreams
Guiyang, a city where profound history and modern civilization perfectly blend, is drawing the world's attention with its unique charm.
TAT and EVA Air Strengthen Partnership to Boost Thailand Tourism
Four-year extension builds on past success to enhance Thailand tourism via EVA Air’s global network.
United Airlines Sees 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
United Airlines has reported a nearly 30% increase in bookings to European destinations for the 2024 holiday season, as more Americans choose to spend their holiday budgets on unique travel experiences rather than traditional gifts.
Significant Surge in Travel & Tourism Businesses’ Commitment to Net Zero, Reveals WTTC Roadmap
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched the second edition of its groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, revealing the number of global Travel & Tourism businesses setting climate targets has surged by 27% in the past
Ryanair & Erasmus Student Network Extend Partnership for 8th Year
Ahead of the Christmas travel season, Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (20 Nov) announced that they will continue their partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) for an eighth year, further helping European students to travel at the l
