Chinese tourists flock to Dubai during Golden Week on free visa

Chinese tourists flock to Dubai during Golden Week on free visa

Thailand, which also grants free visas to Chinese tourists, has proved popular, said Sun. So has Singapore, which has been leading the region in flight capacity recovery, she said.

China was the world’s biggest source of outbound tourism in 2019, and its rebound is critical for the global sector. So far though, Chinese travelers have signaled they’re apprehensive about taking expensive overseas trips, instead splashing their cash on domestic travel and other experiences closer to home.

Hurdles to a recovery in outbound travel include a long visa application process for some destinations as well as flight capacity constraints, according to Sun. For travelers wanting to go to Europe, getting a Schengen visa can take six months or longer, she said.