Efforts to make travel to China easier result in uptick in visits

To improve the travel experience for international tourists, the central government has released some guidelines to optimize online payments, tour products and accommodation bookings in recent months. Tourism industry insiders and experts are optimistic about China's inbound tourism development thanks to these policies and measures.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is also working with other departments and online payment platforms to streamline e-payment verification procedures for international travelers.

Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute at the China Tourism Academy, said though the inbound tourism market has improved, it still needs time to see sustainable growth.

"International travelers prefer early trip planning rather than taking impromptu trips. The government has done much work to facilitate international travelers with visas and payment, but more promotions and advertisements can be done to attract travelers from around the world.

"I'm bullish on the market as our country is more open to the world, and we will organize more international cultural and tourism events this year. The cost for visas and flights will also be lowered," he said.

He added that talent is key to boosting inbound tourism. "Many tourism workers, especially tour guides speaking foreign languages, transferred to other industries in the past few years due to the pandemic. We need to channel more resources to train talent and give them better career prospects."

chengsi@chinadaily.com.cn