Online visa set to boost European tourism

Easier applications likely to reduce errors and attract more visitors from China

A new online visa application system for some European countries was released on March 14 and is likely to boost the number of Chinese tourists visiting Europe.

The system, introduced by China International Intellectech Corp's International Business Development Center, enables Chinese tourists who want to visit the UK, Belgium and Italy to hand in their visa applications to embassies online.

The system will also provide guidance for those who are not clear on how to complete the application forms.

Cheng Gong, deputy general manager of CIIC, says the number of Chinese outbound tourists has grown steadily in recent years. There were 122 million in 2016.

He says many countries stand ready to welcome more Chinese tourists, and the number is expected to exceed 600 million in the coming five years.

"The system meets modern needs and will enable more applicants to obtain visas safely, conveniently and quickly. It standardizes application procedures and reduces the chance of visas being denied," Cheng says.

Sun Weina, general manager of the CIIC International Business Development Center, says applicants often give incorrect information and the wrong documents when applying for visas because they don't understand the requirements. The new system can correct mistakes and improve the percentage of approvals.

"The new online system will help European tourism markets attract Chinese tourists," says Li Xin, China director for the Tourist Office for Flanders and Brussels. She says European tourism markets suffered last year because of violent incidents and refugee problems, especially in Western Europe.

"Thanks to the online system, we expect there will be more Chinese visitors in Europe this year," she says.

Qiu Han, manager of the visa system, says it can also help with applications for Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Sun says the first 10 countries involved are all related to China's Belt and Road Initiative. More will be joining as many embassies have already shown interest.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 03/17/2017 page3)