In a significant development for international travel, China is set to add over 2,500 new international flights during the upcoming major holidays. This expansion is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to revive its aviation sector post-pandemic and meet the surging demand for international travel.
Expanding Horizons to Key Destinations
The increase in flights primarily focuses on popular destinations in Asia. The number of additional flights to Japan and Thailand is expected to exceed 600, indicating a strong interest in travel to these countries. This is followed by more than 200 additional flights to South Korea, 150 to Singapore, and around 100 each to Malaysia and Indonesia. This surge in flights to key Asian destinations reflects the growing interest and ease of travel within the region.
Facilitating Easier Travel
To support this expansion, several countries have introduced more lenient visa policies for Chinese travelers. Malaysia and Singapore, for instance, have announced 30-day visa-free travel for Chinese citizens. Similarly, China has started allowing visitors from certain countries, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, to enter without a visa, further simplifying cross-border travel.
Reviving the Travel Industry
These additional flights are expected to significantly contribute to the recovery of the global travel and tourism industry, which has been eagerly awaiting the return of Chinese tourists. The move is also seen as a positive step towards normalizing international travel and boosting economic activities related to tourism.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ChinaTravelNews, CGTN
