Chinese passport fees dropped from 160 yuan to 120 yuan since July 1, a 25% reduction coinciding with the summer break that's likely to fuel further interest in travel. There’s 240 million Chinese passport holders projected by next year, doubling 2019 numbers.
"The fee reduction can certainly encourage those who want to go away one day to get a passport now," said Zhang Dongshen, a local resident who had just applied for a passport at the Exit and Entry Service Center in downtown Chengdu. "Those who are still thinking about it, and have not acted on it, may choose to apply for a passport after the reduction."
Chengdu saw an increase in passport applicants even before the price cut.
"People can now apply for a passport across China instead of going back to their registered permanent resident city. It saves time and cost,” said Zeng Cheng of the city's Exit and Entry Administration Bureau. “We processed 570,000 passports in 2017 and in 2018 the number went up to 690,000.”
Data shows that only about one-tenth of China's 1.4 billion people hold passports, a relatively small figure. However, it is reported that Chinese travelers spent more than 120 billion U.S. dollars overseas last year, surpassing other countries.
A real-time big data map in Ctrip's Chengdu office shows travel packages booked on Ctrip by seconds. Tokyo, Bangkok and Phuket are among the top 10 destinations. /CGTN Photo.
"Many countries look forward to seeing Chinese travelers,” said Ctrip Chengdu office Spokesperson Lu Yang. “Tourism is one of the greenest and most convenient ways to achieve economic growth.”
Ctrip, China's largest online travel booking service provider, has investments in similar service providers in Europe and the U.S., such as Skyscanner. The company is optimistic more Chinese people will be applying for passports and planning trips overseas.
"As Chinese people's incomes continue to increase, the remaining 90% of China's population could all be potential customers for international travel,” noted Lu. “Now, many post-80s Chinese have a family with young children and retired elders. With the passport fee reduction and easier access to obtain one, more families will choose to travel overseas taking children and elders along.”
Lu added that most Chinese travelers are still eyeing popular destinations and looking out for ads and promotions.