China announces 129.9-percent increase in foreign visitors this year
China has announced a remarkable 129.9-percent increase in the number of foreign visitors this year.
TroibNews 
From January to July, the influx of foreign tourists to China surged by 129.9 percent from the previous year, reaching 17.25 million. This significant increase was attributed to a number of enacted measures that simplified the process for foreigners to enter the country, according to an announcement by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Monday.
The NIA revealed that the spending by these visitors amounted to over 100 billion yuan (approximately $14 billion), with each visitor spending almost 3,500 yuan daily on average. "The foreign visitors are estimated to have boosted consumption to over 100 billion yuan (about $14 billion) in total, with a per capita daily average consumption volume of nearly 3,500 yuan," explained Liu Haitao, the NIA's deputy head, during a press briefing.
Liu also reported that 846,000 port visas were issued within the first seven months. These visas accommodate foreign nationals who urgently need to visit China but cannot secure visas through Chinese embassies or consulates abroad in time. The issuance of such visas has seen an 183 percent increase year-over-year.
The NIA further explained that foreign nationals can apply for port visas ahead of time or upon arrival at Chinese ports, either on their own or through a host.
In the same period, the statistics showed a total of 341 million international journeys to and from China, marking a 62.34 percent rise compared to the same timeframe last year, added Liu.
Last month, the NIA highlighted the crucial role of the 72-/144-hour visa-free transit policy in facilitating international exchange and contributions to China's global engagement strategy. It committed to further refining this policy to keep its doors open to more international visitors, promoting global collaboration.
(With input from Xinhua)
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
The NIA revealed that the spending by these visitors amounted to over 100 billion yuan (approximately $14 billion), with each visitor spending almost 3,500 yuan daily on average. "The foreign visitors are estimated to have boosted consumption to over 100 billion yuan (about $14 billion) in total, with a per capita daily average consumption volume of nearly 3,500 yuan," explained Liu Haitao, the NIA's deputy head, during a press briefing.
Liu also reported that 846,000 port visas were issued within the first seven months. These visas accommodate foreign nationals who urgently need to visit China but cannot secure visas through Chinese embassies or consulates abroad in time. The issuance of such visas has seen an 183 percent increase year-over-year.
The NIA further explained that foreign nationals can apply for port visas ahead of time or upon arrival at Chinese ports, either on their own or through a host.
In the same period, the statistics showed a total of 341 million international journeys to and from China, marking a 62.34 percent rise compared to the same timeframe last year, added Liu.
Last month, the NIA highlighted the crucial role of the 72-/144-hour visa-free transit policy in facilitating international exchange and contributions to China's global engagement strategy. It committed to further refining this policy to keep its doors open to more international visitors, promoting global collaboration.
(With input from Xinhua)
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
