Visa-free, Thailand and Singapore attract all Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists in Singapore - Illustration photo: Reuters

Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year season have to consider many factors related to geography, policies and prices.

In this regard, some popular tourism markets such as Australia cannot compete with Southeast Asia, according to travel sources and Reuters data.

Australia used to be a magnet for Chinese tourists. But visa conditions have somewhat taken away from that advantage.

In contrast, some Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have taken advantage of cheaper prices and relaxed visa policies to attract large numbers of tourists from China.

Mr. Johnny Nee, director of Easy Going Travel Company (Perth, Western Australia), admitted Australia's disadvantage in Southeast Asia.

He said that during the Lunar New Year holiday, his business only recovered 40% of its pre-COVID-19 levels. In contrast, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia saw visitor numbers and spending surpass pre-pandemic levels.

"China's economic situation is not very stable and Chinese tourists are having to consider prices, which means they will prefer to go to places that are easier to get to and easier to experience tourism...", he said.

According to this person, currently the cost of tourists, including airfare and accommodation, has increased by 20% compared to the pre-pandemic period. "The visa exemption policy from Thailand and Singapore is quite attractive, personally I think that has helped pull Chinese tourists out of Australia," he added.

The data also suggests the economic situation has made Chinese tourists less likely to spend big on popular, traditional destinations like Australia.

This year, Chinese tourists accounted for 26% of tourists visiting Australia, a modest figure compared to more than 50% in the pre-pandemic period of 2019.

Domestic tour operators in Australia have recorded revenues 50% lower than in 2019.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mien-visa-thai-lan-va-singapore-keo-het-du-khach-trung-quoc-2024022114514463.htm