Visa-free travel boosts tourism for China, Southeast Asian countries

China has concluded visa exemption agreements with Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand on the Southeast Asian golden tourist route. Since then, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Southeast Asian countries has significantly increased.

With a large number of Chinese travelers on board, the Genting Dream cruise ship recently sailed from its home port of Singapore, embarking on a five-day trip to Thailand and Malaysia. The visa-free policy has caused a significant increase in the proportion of Chinese tourists, said Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises.

It is understood that the 18-storey ship measures 335 meters long and 40 meters wide. It enjoys a displacement of 150,695 tons and more than 1,600 guest rooms. Onboard offerings include a waterslide park, a shopping center, a theatre, kid clubs, and spa treatments.

China saw around 13.52 million inbound and outbound trips during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, marking a 2.8-fold increase from the same holiday period last year. Border inspection agencies across China handled a daily average of about 1.69 million inbound and outbound trips during the period, according to the National Immigration Administration.

(Reported by Luo Siyu; Edited by Qi Yiling)