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

Chinese tourists flocked to travel abroad during the spring holidays, with Singapore and Thailand benefiting the most thanks to friendly visa and tourism 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 of online travel platform Tuniu, said Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia were "very popular with Chinese tourists", especially after all three countries adopted visa-free policies.

“The friendly visa policy will boost international tourism,” Dongxiao said. She added that the company’s five-day tour to Singapore and Malaysia during the Lunar New Year is a hot item.

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

Nordic destinations with fairytale-like snowscapes and aurora borealis, such as Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, are also seeing a surge in interest on Qunar. Chinese tourists are increasingly interested in traveling in winter. Searches for unique Nordic hotels, such as cabins with dome-shaped skylights in snowy, pine forests, doubled compared to the same period in December 2023. Chinese tourists choose these places because they want a more authentic experience.

Anh Minh (According to Gov.cn )

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