Editor's note: James Liang is the co-founder and executive chairman of Trip.com Group. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

The trial expansion of the scope of unilateral visa-free entry announced by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is officially being implemented today (December 1), granting unilateral visa-free entry to holders of ordinary passports from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.

This not only marks a significant boost for the Chinese tourism market but also demonstrates China's strong commitment to further opening-up. It showcases China's confidence as a major nation and reflects a consensus from top-level decision-makers to the general public that inbound tourism has become a key priority for development.  

Potential economic value of inbound tourism for China

From an economic perspective, unilateral visa-free entry for visitors is tantamount to encouraging export, as inbound tourism represents a form of service trade export. Therefore, the unilateral visa-free entry policy is equivalent to reducing barriers to export, which is conducive to expanding service trade exports, generating foreign exchange, and boosting GDP, thus holding immense economic value.

The strategic value of inbound tourism

The rise in inbound tourism serves as a symbol of increased openness to the world.

Opening-up is a long-term national strategy that enhances Chinese enterprises' international competitiveness and innovation capabilities. Welcoming more foreigners to visit and travel to China plays a pivotal role in executing this strategy. 

In addition, inbound tourism is of paramount importance in improving China's international image. The majority of foreign visitors who have been to China tend to revise their prejudices. Therefore, inbound tourism contributes to shaping the international image of a friendly China.