免签驱动下 中韩旅游双向奔赴

Group 1 - South Korea has implemented a visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists (3 or more) starting from September 29, 2023, marking a reciprocal move following China's visa-free policy for South Korean tourists initiated in November 2022 [1][2] - The visa-free policy is expected to significantly boost travel between the two countries, with projections estimating 8 to 9 million travelers between China and South Korea this year [1][3] - Data shows a substantial increase in travel bookings, with Korean tourism products seeing a 53% increase in reservations during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day compared to last year, and hotel bookings in Korea rising by 135% [1][3] Group 2 - The response to China's visa-free policy has led to a surge in South Korean tourists visiting China, with a 131% increase in travel orders to China as of September 11, 2023 [2][3] - Popular destinations for South Korean tourists in China include Shanghai, Qingdao, and Beijing, with Shanghai experiencing a 60% increase in South Korean visitors since September [2][3] - The anticipated growth in travel is expected to stimulate local economies and enhance bilateral relations between the two countries [3][4] Group 3 - The South Korean government predicts that the visa-free policy will revitalize the tourism sector and local economies, with Chinese tourists historically accounting for a significant portion of foreign visitors [3][4] - In 2024, South Korea is expected to receive 14.76 million foreign tourists, with Chinese visitors making up 28.1% of that total [3][4] - The average spending of Chinese tourists in South Korea is notably higher than that of tourists from other countries, with a reported average of $1,689 per visitor in 2019 [4][5] Group 4 - The tourism market is showing signs of recovery, with China's outbound tourism expected to reach 123 million in 2024, a 41% increase from 2023 [6][7] - The demand for personalized and in-depth travel experiences among Chinese tourists is rising, shifting away from traditional group tours [7] - The effectiveness of the visa-free policy may depend on the ability of tourism operators to adapt to changing consumer preferences [7]