How Can Localities Leverage the Growing China Travel Boom to Drive Economic Growth and Boost Global Tourism?

In recent developments, Dalian, a coastal city in Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, has unveiled a series of initiatives designed to boost its inbound tourism. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the city’s economic growth, particularly through the rising “China Travel” fever. The Dalian municipal government has set a target to increase inbound tourist numbers by 50% by leveraging various measures, including policies, products, and services, as well as the utilization of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

Key Measures for Boosting Tourism in Dalian

The 10 measures introduced by Dalian include several innovative steps to attract international visitors. Among these measures is the launch of a pilot program for immediate tax refunds for purchases made by foreign tourists, aiming to improve the shopping experience. Additionally, emergency medical green channels are being established at designated hospitals to prioritize urgent care for international visitors, making their stay more comfortable and safe. These measures are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience and encourage higher levels of tourism.

According to reports, from January 1 to mid-March 2025, Dalian’s airport saw 34,000 foreign national entries, which represented a 49% increase year-on-year. Notably, 21,000 of these arrivals were facilitated through the visa-free policies, contributing to over 63.6% of the total foreign entries. These figures highlight the increasing effectiveness of the visa-free programs in promoting inbound tourism to the city.

Zhejiang Province’s Ambitious Tourism Plans

In addition to Dalian, Zhejiang Province, one of China’s economic powerhouses, is also making significant strides in boosting inbound tourism. Earlier in March, Zhejiang released a dedicated plan to position itself as a leader in the China Travel model. The plan aims to double international visitor arrivals by 2030, underscoring the province’s ambition to attract more global travelers.

Zhejiang’s promotion plans include organizing 50 major events throughout the province in 2025, aimed at enhancing its global tourism profile. The province will also focus on developing a targeted intelligent tourism model, which includes smart guided tours, personalized itineraries, and dedicated tourism apps. Additionally, optimized payment methods, expanded visa-free policies, and improved translation services will make it easier for international travelers to navigate and enjoy their stay in the region. This reflects a broader effort to blend technology with tourism, making the experience more seamless and personalized for visitors.

Hainan Province’s Tourism Growth

Hainan Province, located in South China, is another region experiencing substantial growth in inbound tourism. The province has seen more than 500,000 inbound passengers through its three major airports from the beginning of the year until mid-March, reflecting a 29.44% year-on-year increase in arrivals. The province is known for its tropical experiences, and such growth in tourism signals a strong demand for its unique offerings.

To further expand its global influence, Hainan recently announced plans to recruit international ambassadors for tourism promotion. These ambassadors will receive various incentives, including free invitations to visit Hainan and participate in local activities. In addition, Hainan plans to establish 29 tourism promotion offices across 18 countries and regions to promote the province’s tourism offerings more effectively. These efforts highlight the province’s intent to expand its international tourism presence and continue fostering economic growth through increased travel.

The Economic Impact of Tourism on Chinese Regions

Tourism has become a major economic driver for many regions within China, playing an essential role in stimulating consumption and promoting growth across various sectors. According to Song Ding, a researcher at the China Development Institute, tourism not only boosts consumption but also integrates with other industries, creating a ripple effect that enhances regional development. Visa-free policies and other local initiatives are expected to significantly increase local consumption, as they allow tourists to visit, spend, and experience the regions with more ease.

Although the number of inbound tourists remains smaller than that of domestic tourists, their impact on local economies is considerable. International travelers tend to spend more and engage in higher-value consumption. This consumption behavior is highly beneficial for China’s image abroad, which can result in attracting more foreign investment in the long term.

China’s National Strategy for Foreign Investment and Tourism

On a national level, China’s Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission are pushing forward with initiatives to stabilize and attract foreign investment. The 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment, which was introduced earlier in 2025, outlines strategies for accelerating visa exemptions and optimizing policies for cross-border travel. The plan also emphasizes the expansion of the visa-free transit and regional visa-free policies, which is expected to increase the flow of international visitors and enhance global connectivity. This strategy is likely to have far-reaching implications for global tourism, as it encourages cross-border movement and economic exchange.

Bullet Points on Key Insights:

Dalian aims to boost inbound tourism by 50% through targeted measures and utilizing the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
Zhejiang Province plans to double international visitors by 2030, with a focus on smart tourism and optimized travel services.
Hainan Province has seen a 29.44% year-on-year increase in inbound tourism and plans to expand its global influence with ambassador programs.
China is accelerating efforts to attract foreign investment and increase cross-border tourism through visa reforms.

The evolving tourism policies and initiatives in regions like Dalian, Zhejiang, and Hainan are expected to have significant impacts on the global travel industry. These efforts not only cater to the rising demand for tourism in China but also set a new benchmark for other countries to follow. By enhancing the travel experience and offering attractive incentives, these regions are not only boosting local economies but also positioning China as a premier global tourism destination.