China’s Efforts to Attract More Tourists: Visa Hassles and Unique Payment Systems Hindering Growth
In recent years, China has been staunchly pursuing a strategy known as “Covid Zero,” effectively isolating the country from the rest of the world. Despite reopening its borders earlier this year, China is struggling to attract foreign tourists. While safety remains a major concern, there are also numerous practical hurdles, including visa complications, limited flight options, and the use of unique payment systems, that make the idea of a holiday in China daunting for many potential visitors.
One significant challenge faced by tourists is navigating China’s intricate payment landscape. While the country’s central bank has stated that refusing cash is illegal, it is often difficult for visitors to use it in practice. Most vendors, ranging from street vendors to major department stores, only accept local payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay.
To address these issues, the Chinese government has pledged to optimize visa and customs policies, as well as improve visa processing efficiency. In line with this commitment, visa applicants will now only need to provide travel history from the past year, rather than the previous five years, simplifying the application process.
In addition, China aims to resume and increase international flights, particularly from neighboring countries and key tourist source nations. Although no specific details were provided, this initiative is expected to facilitate inbound travel.
Recognizing the importance of language proficiency in attracting tourists, the government also plans to prioritize training programs for tourist guides, as well as employees at hotels and tourist attractions. Enhancing foreign language skills will enable better communication and service for international visitors.
As China endeavors to revive its tourism industry and welcome more overseas tourists, addressing these challenges will be pivotal. By streamlining the visa process, improving flight connectivity, and facilitating the use of widely recognized payment systems, China can enhance its appeal and competitiveness in the global tourism market.
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk, Bitcoin Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.