China Tourism Set to Surge as New Zealand Travelers Gain Visa Free Travel Opportunity

Monday, June 17, 2024

New Zealand travelers can now visit China without a visa, boosting tourism and strengthening ties between the two nations, following a landmark agreement.

Kiwi travelers eager to explore China can now skip the “get a visa” step on their pre-trip checklist following a significant meeting between China and New Zealand Officials.

The Officials arrived in Wellington on Thursday for a three-day visit centered on trade. During his stay, he announced that New Zealand passport holders can now enjoy visa-free entry into China, aimed at strengthening ties and promoting more travel between the two countries.

Previously, only 11 European countries and Malaysia enjoyed visa-free travel to China. Now, New Zealanders can also visit without needing a tourist visa, although trips will likely be limited to 15 days, similar to other visa-waiver countries. This announcement will save future travelers approximately $140, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa for New Zealand passport holders.

The start date for visa-free entry for New Zealanders has not been clarified yet. However, Wendy Wu, the founder of Wendy Wu Tours, a leading China tour company, called the news a significant development for the tourism industries of both New Zealand and China.

In 2023, China recorded 35.5 million foreign entries and exits, a significant decrease from the 97.7 million recorded in 2019, pre-pandemic. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Oxford Economics, China’s Travel & Tourism sector is poised to contribute a record ¥12.62 trillion to the national economy by the end of 2024. The report also highlights that domestic travel spending is forecasted to achieve unprecedented levels, with an anticipated economic impact of ¥6.79 trillion in China for 2024.

China boasts a comprehensive network of over 200 airports, connecting travelers to various cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, and many others. Major international flights frequently connect China to the rest of the world, along with numerous domestic flights serving regional destinations. Key hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou serve as primary gateways for air travel within mainland China. Additionally, flights to and from Hong Kong and Macau are classified as international.

Significant airports in China include Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Kunming Changshui International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport.

China is poised to become the largest air travel market globally, surpassing the United States. Currently home to about 235 airports, there is a growing need to expand and upgrade facilities to meet increasing passenger numbers and flight activities. Projections suggest that by 2035, China may require up to 450 airports to accommodate this surge.

To provide more insights, we embarked on the 12-hour flight to experience the Asian destination firsthand and gather answers for curious travelers.

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