As the top company for planned cultural trips in China, we’re excited to share news that will change the way people from other countries visit China. The Chinese government just stated that its visa-free policy will be greatly expanded. This is a historic moment for tourism around the world.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made an important news today: starting November 30, 2024, Japanese travellers and citizens of eight European countries will be able to enter China without a visa. As the top experts in culture tourism in China, we’re excited to tell you about this big change that starts a new era in Asian tourism.
People with regular passports from nine more countries will be able to visit China with visa-free: Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan. This change makes the total number of countries that can visit China without a visa 38.
Key Policy Highlights
• Extended stay duration from 15 to 30 days
• Expanded purposes including business, tourism, family visits, and cultural exchanges
• No visa required for stays under 30 days
• Implementation date: November 30, 2024
Immediate Market Response
The announcement has already triggered an unprecedented surge in interest. Within just 30 minutes of the announcement, our partners at Trip.com reported:
• 65% increase in China-related searches from European platforms
• 112% surge in searches from Japanese platforms
• Significant spike in flight bookings from multiple Japanese cities to China
Business Impact and Cultural Exchange
At China Explorer Tour, we’re witnessing firsthand the enthusiasm this policy has generated. Japanese travel agencies report their phones “ringing off the hook” with inquiries about China tours. This surge in interest aligns perfectly with our specialized cultural touring experiences, which go beyond traditional sightseeing to offer deep, meaningful encounters with Chinese culture and heritage.
Market Insights
The data speaks volumes about the growing interest in China as a destination:
• Japan ranks among the top three source countries for inbound tourism to China
• Inbound tourism orders from Japan have increased by 140% year-over-year
• Flight frequencies between Japan and China have increased by over 70% this November compared to last year
• Airfares have become more accessible, showing a 15% decrease
Our Unique Position
As specialists in cultural tourism, China Explorer Tour is uniquely positioned to cater to this growing demand. Our expertise in creating immersive cultural experiences sets us apart in the market. We specialize in:
• Deep cultural immersion programs
• Historic site exploration with expert guides
• Authentic local interaction opportunities
• Customized cultural exchange activities
For example: 5-Day Wudang Mountain Tai Chi and Wellness Retreat: Healing, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace
This visa-free policy represents more than just easier travel—it’s a bridge building moment for international understanding. As China opens its doors wider to the world, we’re seeing increased interest from diverse markets across Europe and Asia. We’re excited about the possibilities this creates for cultural exchange and international cooperation.
We invite tourism partners from all countries to join us in creating meaningful travel experiences that bridge cultures and foster understanding. The future of international tourism to China has never looked brighter, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this exciting new chapter.
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