China’s Visa-Free Policy Sparks Surge in South Korean Group Tours
Seoul, South Korea – China’s recent decision to implement a visa-free policy for South Korean citizens has ignited a surge in demand for group tours to China, according to travel industry data.
Following the announcement on November 1stby the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Korean travel platform Interpark Tour reported a staggering 91% increase in bookings for group tours to China between November1st and 5th. The number of reservations also saw a significant jump of 60% during the same period. This surge in demand for Chinese group tours stands in stark contrast to the overall increase in bookings for group tours, whichsaw a 14% and 18% rise in bookings and reservations respectively.
Further emphasizing the growing interest in Chinese travel, Ctrip’s international platform reported a 134% increase in bookings for flights from South Korea to Chinabetween November 2nd and 5th.
The visa-free policy, which extends to nine countries including South Korea, aims to facilitate international travel and boost tourism. The policy allows citizens of these countries to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit purposes for up to 15 dayswithout a visa, effective from November 8th, 2024, to December 31st, 2025.
The data suggests that the visa-free policy has been met with enthusiasm by South Korean travelers, who are eager to explore China’s rich culture and diverse landscapes.This surge in demand is likely to continue in the coming months, benefiting both the Chinese and South Korean tourism industries.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, November 8). China’s visa-free policy sparks surge in South Korean group tours. Retrieved from [link tooriginal article]
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. (2024, November 1). China to expand visa-free policy. Retrieved from [link to official announcement]
- Interpark Tour. (2024, November 8). Data on group tour bookings. Retrieved from [link to Interpark Tour website]
- Ctrip. (2024, November 8). Data on flight bookings. Retrieved from [link to Ctrip website]
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