As the Golden Week holidays kicked off on September 29, China has released a document to boost domestic tourism and stimulate consumer spending.

The document includes various measures, such as improving the management and service standards for inbound tourism to offer greater convenience to incoming tourists.

In a bid to make air travel more convenient, the policy document outlines plans to expand international flight options and increase flight frequencies. Also, there will be an expansion of routes from key source countries for inbound tourism and neighboring nations.

In addition to these measures, the government is set to streamline visa processing procedures, enhance the digitalization of visa application reviews and approvals, and reinstate visa-free policies.

Additionally, there is consideration for expanding the list of countries eligible for visa exemptions. The promotion of visa-free policies and visa-on-arrival assurances, along with facilitating smoother immigration clearance processes for cruise passengers and self-driving tourists, is also on the agenda.

The government aims to enhance inbound tourism services, which will include strengthening foreign language training for tour guides and service staff at tourist destinations, hotels and other locations. There will be improvements in multilingual signage and navigation facilities at scenic spots, airports, hotels and shopping centers to improve the overall experience for travelers.

Efforts are also underway to enhance the convenience for inbound tourists using overseas bank cards and various electronic payment methods, along with making foreign currency exchange more accessible and convenient as outlined in the document.

China has launched a series of policies this year to make it easier for inbound tourists to visit the country. In March, inbound group travel services for foreigners, provided by both domestic travel agencies and online travel companies, were resumed.

Starting in May, the National Immigration Administration implemented optimizations to its exit and entry management policies and measures. This represents a new initiative to facilitate the movement of people across borders and promote the opening up of the service industry.

Ongoing cultural and sports events, such as the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou and the 34th Shanghai Tourism Festival, are drawing increasing numbers of international tourists to China, eager to immerse themselves in the country's vibrant culture. According to a report from the China Tourism Academy, the inbound tourism market in China is projected to experience a significant recovery in 2023.

There will be a substantial resurgence of China's travel and tourism sector, according to a recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The report states that it is optimistic about the prospects for China's tourism economic recovery and that the global tourism industry will also witness a huge recovery brought about by Chinese tourists' travel.

Chinese tourists are eager to continue their exploration of international destinations, while travelers from around the world are equally excited about the opportunity to experience China's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC.