China must go extra mile to attract more visitors from overseas
- Despite the end of visa requirements for some countries, some foreign tourists said that even when they came prepared – installing payment and messaging tools popular on the mainland or using VPNs – they still could not pay or go online
China is committed to opening up further to the world after a prolonged lockdown induced by Covid-19, and rightly so. Apart from widening the way for overseas tourists, students and businesspeople, officials are also cutting red tape and inconvenience for visitors in several ways. However, while good progress has been made over the past year, it is not uncommon for foreigners to encounter difficulties and frustration. Greater effort must be made if the country is to play a better host in this respect.
The hurdles are put into perspective in a series of reports in the South China Morning Post. While more visitors have arrived since the ending of visa requirements for those from some countries, they have also found themselves struggling thanks to an all encompassing mobile payment system and internet curbs. Some who even came prepared by installing payment and messaging tools popular on the mainland, or using a prepaid virtual private network (VPN) were still unable to pay or go online owing to technical problems or banking issues at home.
Trips by foreign visitors rose to some 35.6 million last year compared to the pre-Covid level of 97.8 million. The week-long Lunar New Year holiday in February recorded 3.23 million tourism-related entries, similar to the festival period in 2019. Those interviewed by the Post said problems with payments and the internet had not marred their stays, but such commonly encountered issues may still put some people off.
China reports more trips by foreign travellers as visa-free policies take effect
The Chinese economy stands to benefit further if more visitors are given visa-free access. This is important as geopolitical tensions, negative perceptions and misunderstandings continue to hold back tourists, students and investors. According to the Ministry of Education, the number of international students newly enrolled in higher education institutions rose from 89,751 in 2020 to 114,112 in 2022, but is still considerably lower than the peak of 172,571 in 2019.
Hopes are high that the number of foreign students and tourists will continue to rise. But experts warn students may also think twice about studying on the mainland, referring to the changed political environment and concerns that the “China experience” is no longer as valued by employers as it was and may even pose problems in security clearances for those who apply for jobs overseas.
There are always those who will see the country in a negative way because of its different political, social and economic systems. But the opening up and easing of restrictions will enable more foreigners to come and see for themselves the true China. This also is a good way to dispel misunderstandings and foster better exchanges and ties at both social and economic levels.
