Beijing, China – Chinese travelers are gearing up for a bumper summer abroad, fueled by relaxed visa policies and a resurgent travel industry. Data from online travel agencies reveals a significant surge in outbound travel searches, with bookings driven by visa-free agreements and easier visa issuance.
The year-on-year increase in searches for flights and hotels sits at around 20%, with interest in summer travel peaking during the week of June 10th-14th. This week alone saw a 15% jump in queries compared to the same period in 2019.
The news of extended visa exemptions between China and Malaysia sent a wave of excitement through potential travelers. Searches for Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, skyrocketed by 49% on Qunar.com within a week of the announcement. Both countries extended the visa-free period until the end of 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Similar enthusiasm greeted the announcement of a new multi-entry visa program between China and Australia. Travel agency Tongcheng Travel reported searches for the Land Down Under doubling after the news broke. These visas will be valid for up to five years and allow stays of up to 90 days at a time, perfect for repeat visits or extended vacations.
Industry experts see these visa relaxations as a key driver of the outbound travel boom. “Visa-free policies are definitely supporting outbound travel,” said Xu Xiaolei, a marketing manager at CYTS Tours Holding Co. “Chinese tourists are eager to explore the world again, and these new policies make it easier than ever.” Xu further noted that his company’s outbound travel bookings have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels by over 50% this year.
The China Tourism Academy predicts a significant rise in outbound travel this year, with projections exceeding 130 million trips compared to 87 million in 2023. This optimism is echoed by Jia Jianqiang, CEO of Beijing online agency 6renyou. “We’ve seen a full recovery in outbound travel bookings thanks to increased flights and visa ease,” Jia said, anticipating a 30% year-on-year increase in summer travel volume for his company.
The travel industry is mirroring this enthusiasm. Chinese airlines are rapidly ramping up international flights. Air China plans to operate an average of 201 international flights daily this summer, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels. Their European routes are even expected to surpass 2019 figures. China Eastern Airlines is also expanding its international network, with over 1,240 flights per week planned, nearing 2019 levels.
While visa relaxation is a major factor, experts see its role extending beyond simple convenience. “These policies not only make it easier to travel,” explained Zhang Yi, CEO of the iiMedia Research Institute, “but they also raise awareness of overseas destinations and encourage domestic tourists to explore the world.” With Southeast Asia and East Asia remaining popular choices, Chinese travelers are poised for a summer of exploration and adventure.
