The United States welcomed a surge in international visitors in July 2024, marking a substantial rebound from pre-pandemic levels. Canada led the pack, followed by Mexico, while the UK, India, and Germany rounded out the top five. The report also highlights significant outbound travel by US citizens, with Mexico emerging as the most popular destination.
Concluding its fifth edition, ITB China 2024 closed the curtains on a remarkable year of revival and resurgence for China’s travel industry. The event garnered over 15,000 attendees, including 1000 buyers and 250 media personnel, showcasing an upsurge in demand and enthusiasm within the Chinese travel market. More than 600 exhibitors from 80 countries participated, reflecting the sector’s robust recovery and promising future. The three-day event facilitated 27,500 meetings, fostering collaborations and propelling the industry forward.
China has witnessed a surge in foreign visitors since the implementation of revised visa policies. In the first quarter of 2024, China issued over 466,000 foreigner visas, while nearly 2 million foreign nationals entered the country without visas. Initiatives to enhance inbound travel include simplified visa conditions for overseas visitors, border exemptions for direct transit, and streamlined processes for extensions and renewals.
China has implemented a new visa-free policy for foreign tour groups arriving by cruise ships, allowing them to stay for up to 15 days. This initiative aims to revitalize the country’s inbound travel market, which has faced challenges in recent years. The policy permits hassle-free entry and exploration of coastal provinces and Beijing for tour groups managed by domestic travel agencies.
Hong Kong’s tourism industry is facing significant hurdles in its post-COVID-19 recovery, as neighboring regions have outpaced its recovery and the city sees a net outflow of travelers. This trend could hinder the city’s economic growth as local businesses, particularly in retail and hospitality, rely heavily on tourism revenue. The Tourism Board has reported a sharp decline in visitor arrivals, particularly from mainland China, which has shifted to alternative destinations with lower costs and a wider range of activities.
