Thailand and Singapore are 'benefiting the most' from Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists flocked abroad during the Spring Festival holiday, with Singapore and Thailand benefiting the most thanks to their friendly visa and travel policies.

While domestic Chinese tourist attractions are competing fiercely to attract visitors during the Spring Festival from February 10 to 17, some overseas destinations are also joining the race by issuing friendly visa policies, according to the website of China's State Council Office.

Among international destinations, Singapore and Thailand are considered "the countries that benefit the most" in attracting Chinese tourists, especially after the bilateral visa exemption move.

Festive atmosphere during Lunar New Year in Singapore. Photo: Pinterest — Festive atmosphere during Lunar New Year in Singapore. Photo: *Pinterest*

Chinese visitors to Singapore with ordinary passports do not need a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, visiting relatives, or business. This visa exemption policy takes effect from February 9, one day before the Lunar New Year. From March 1, the visa exemption agreement between China and Thailand takes effect. Previously, Chinese visitors were enjoying a temporary visa exemption policy to Thailand from September 25, 2023, to February 29.

"This is good news, it will be convenient for us to visit Southeast Asian countries in the future," said Liu Lei, a 32-year-old female tourist from Anhui province. She booked a four-day trip to Singapore for the Lunar New Year with her family, departing on February 13. Before leaving, Lei consulted information online and learned that Singapore organizes events to celebrate the Lunar New Year with music shows, lantern and flower displays. "I am very eager to experience the scenery and cultural atmosphere there," Lei said.

Fan Dongxiao, director of the short-haul international travel department at online travel platform Tuniu, said Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia are "very popular destinations with Chinese tourists," especially after all three countries implemented visa-free policies.

"A friendly visa policy will boost international tourism," Dongxiao said. She added that the five-day tour to Singapore and Malaysia during the Lunar New Year is a "hot" selling item for her company.

Several European countries are also becoming popular choices for Chinese tourists thanks to the increasing number of flights. According to the travel portal Qunar, bookings in Russia, Spain, Italy, and France for the Spring Festival holiday are "continuously growing." "This year's Spring Festival travel season will see a boom in tourism consumption in the post-pandemic period," a Qunar representative said.

Nordic destinations with fairytale snowscapes and aurora borealis, such as Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, are also experiencing a surge in interest on Qunar. Chinese tourists are increasingly favoring winter travel. Searches for unique Nordic hotels, such as cabins with dome-shaped skylights nestled in snowy forests, have doubled compared to December 2023. Chinese travelers are choosing these locations for a more authentic experience.

Anh Minh (According to Gov.cn )

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