中东面面观丨文化圈粉 免签加持 中国正成海湾游客旅行“新宠”

Policy Implementation - China has announced a significant visa exemption policy for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, allowing them to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit without a visa for up to 30 days from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026 [1][2] - This policy extends China's visa-free access to all member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), enhancing travel convenience for both tourists and business travelers [1][2] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, there was a 90% increase in flight searches from GCC countries to China, indicating a strong demand for travel [7] - Airlines and travel agencies quickly responded by launching new direct flights and customized travel packages to cater to the anticipated influx of tourists [8][7] Economic Impact - The visa exemption policy aligns with China's broader strategy of high-level openness and is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and tourism, with 75% of the 26.94 million foreign visitors to China in 2024 expected to enter through visa-free channels [10][12] - The policy is projected to facilitate deeper cooperation in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and technology, thereby enhancing the economic ties between China and GCC countries [12] Cultural Exchange - The policy is anticipated to foster greater cultural understanding and educational cooperation, as it opens new avenues for cultural and academic exchanges between China and the Gulf region [12] - The growing interest in "China tours" on social media reflects the increasing cultural allure of China, further driving tourism from the Gulf [10][12]