China’s Holiday Travel Surge: How Visa Facilitation and Cross-Border Movement are Reviving Tourism, Boosting Local Businesses, and Filling Hotels Across the Country

As the holiday season ushers in 2025, China’s tourism sector is seeing a strong resurgence, thanks in part to visa facilitation policies and the ease of cross-border travel. This surge in inbound tourism is not only benefiting the country’s travel industry but also significantly impacting local businesses and hotels across the region.

China has experienced a record number of foreign visitors over the Christmas and New Year period, with cross-border travel activity seeing substantial growth. With more tourists arriving from neighboring countries and international markets, the holiday travel boom is expected to continue. As the government makes it easier for visitors to come to China, tourism businesses, small shops, and hotels are reaping the rewards of this influx of international travellers.

This article explores how the increase in inbound tourism will impact the travel sector, local economies, and small businesses, providing a closer look at how the visa facilitation policies and cross-border travel are shaping the current landscape in China.

Visa Facilitation Boosts Inbound Travel: What’s Driving the Growth?

Visa facilitation has been a cornerstone of the growth in China’s inbound tourism this holiday season. The Chinese government has made it easier for foreign nationals to travel to China by relaxing visa rules, including extended transit visas and visa-free entry for certain countries. This has led to a significant increase in the number of international visitors.

More relaxed travel restrictions, including e-visa options and quick online processing, have encouraged tourists from countries like Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia to make China their destination of choice for the holiday season. Additionally, the policy has stimulated cross-border tourism, particularly from mainland China, which has benefited small businesses along border regions, as more visitors flow into cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

The holiday travel boom has brought greater mobility and convenience for tourists, which has been particularly advantageous for visitors eager to experience the rich cultural, historical, and shopping experiences that China offers during the festive period.

Impact on the Travel Sector: Hotels and Transportation Poised for Growth

The increase in inbound visitors during this festive season has brought significant changes to the travel and hospitality industry. Hotels, in particular, are experiencing a surge in demand, with high occupancy rates recorded across many parts of the country. Properties in popular tourist areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are welcoming higher numbers of guests, thanks to both international visitors and business travellers attending seasonal events or family reunions.

With foreign travellers flocking to China for the holiday season, many hotels are operating at near full capacity. For example, hotels in Beijing saw occupancy rates surpass 90%, fueled by inbound travel from mainland China and other Asian markets. Many of these hotels have taken advantage of holiday packages, including special events, Christmas dinners, and New Year’s Eve parties, designed to attract international guests.

For smaller boutique hotels and hostels, the increased demand presents an opportunity to tap into the growing tourism market. By offering personalized services and unique cultural experiences, these small businesses can cater to international tourists who seek more intimate and authentic stays. Many small hotels have adapted by offering local excursions, Chinese cultural experiences, and tailored services to attract visitors from abroad.

Boost for Small Businesses: The Ripple Effect of Tourism

While hotels and major travel operators enjoy the influx of visitors, small businesses are also benefiting from the rise in cross-border travel and increased foot traffic. Restaurants, local handicraft shops, and street vendors are seeing more customers this season, thanks to the surge in tourism.

For small shops selling souvenirs, traditional arts and crafts, and Chinese tea or silk, the increased demand from international tourists has been a lifeline. Many tourists prefer to explore local markets rather than the large commercial shopping centres, seeking unique and authentic items that reflect China’s cultural heritage.

Restaurants in tourist hotspots are also thriving, as both local and international diners flock to sample traditional Chinese cuisine and holiday-themed dishes. Areas like Wangfujing Street in Beijing and Nanjing Road in Shanghai have witnessed a rise in traffic, with eateries catering to the tastes of international tourists looking for authentic Chinese meals and festive delicacies.

Small businesses are encouraged to adapt and innovate, creating tailored services and offerings to attract the growing number of visitors, especially those from Southeast Asia and Europe, who have historically been drawn to China’s rich cultural experiences.

Tourism and Economic Outlook: How Long Will the Boom Last?

Looking ahead, the holiday travel surge and visa facilitation measures are expected to have a lasting impact on China’s tourism industry. With improved transportation infrastructure and easier access for foreign visitors, the rise in cross-border travel is likely to continue in the coming years, making China an increasingly popular destination for both leisure and business tourism.

The Chinese government is also looking to expand its tourism offerings beyond traditional landmarks, focusing on promoting lesser-known destinations in regions like Guizhou, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, which are expected to attract more tourists seeking authentic experiences. This could lead to greater tourism diversity, benefiting not only the major cities but also small towns and rural areas.

As China’s tourism sector continues to grow, the small business sector stands to gain significantly. With the right strategies, local businesses can build on the momentum created by this year’s travel boom, catering to both international tourists and domestic travelers looking to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of China.

A New Era for China’s Tourism and Small Businesses

This year’s holiday tourism boom has shown how visa facilitation and cross-border travel are not only boosting the travel industry but also supporting small businesses across China. The growing number of international tourists is revitalizing the hospitality industry and offering local shops new opportunities for growth. As more tourists return to explore China’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures, it’s clear that the country’s tourism sector is on a path to continued growth and transformation.

With strong infrastructure, supportive government policies, and a growing reputation as a top global destination, China’s travel and tourism industry is poised to reach new heights in the coming years. Both tourists and small businesses will benefit from these changes, making China an exciting place to visit and invest in.