China’s tourism sector bolstered by easing of travel restrictions, but ‘it will take time’ for clients to return
- Travel agents are waiting to see how the central government’s new measures and policy shifts play out at local levels, as ‘there has been too much back and forth’
- Cross-provincial travel searches surge online following recent moves, but many potential customers remain reluctant to travel after nearly three years of coronavirus warnings
China’s relaxation of coronavirus-induced restrictions on cross-provincial travel has elevated sentiment in a tourism sector that has been reeling since the onset of the pandemic, but industry insiders are keeping a close eye on how authorities implement the policies at local levels.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Tuesday that travelling between provinces is no longer restricted as long as travellers do not live in a “high-risk” zone and their destination is not in one.
Authorities will also ramp up punishments of local-level officials who double down on restrictions, the ministry said.
The positive shift of policies will be beneficial to the travel market and will encourage some people to travel, said Zhou Mingqi, founder of tourism consultancy Jingjian Consulting.