中国的免签政策，在全球赢得更多回响，韩国免税店急呼延长免签

Core Viewpoint - The South Korean tourism industry is urging the government to extend the visa exemption policy for Chinese group tourists, which has significantly boosted local tourism and sales, reflecting a broader trend of countries seeking to attract Chinese tourists through similar policies [2][4][6]. Group 1: Impact on South Korean Tourism - Since the implementation of the visa exemption on September 29, the number of Chinese visitors to the New World Duty-Free store in Myeongdong surged by 90%, with sales increasing by 40% [2]. - During peak seasons, Chinese tourists account for up to 60% of bookings in mid-range hotels around Myeongdong, highlighting the importance of this demographic for the local hospitality sector [4]. - The number of bilateral tourists between China and South Korea reached 7 million from January to October 2023, recovering to 65% of the levels seen in 2019 [8]. Group 2: Global Trends in Visa Policies - Several countries, including New Zealand and the Philippines, are also easing visa restrictions for Chinese tourists, indicating a global trend towards more open travel policies [4][6]. - Russia is expected to implement a visa exemption for Chinese citizens starting in January, particularly for popular cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, which has already led to a doubling of flight search volumes [11]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Behavior - Chinese tourists are increasingly shifting from traditional shopping to cultural experiences, with 68% opting for cultural experience tours in 2023, a 23 percentage point increase from 2019 [12]. - The focus on cultural experiences is driving service upgrades in tourist destinations, as seen in Italy where local museums are adapting to cater to Chinese tourists [12]. Group 4: Strengthening People-to-People Connections - The visa exemption policy is facilitating grassroots exchanges between Chinese and foreign tourists, enhancing mutual understanding and cultural appreciation [14][19]. - In rural areas of China, foreign tourists are increasingly participating in local cultural activities, with a reported 180% increase in orders for rural tourism from foreign visitors [16]. Group 5: Future Prospects - The Chinese government plans to add 10 more countries to its unilateral visa exemption list, focusing on regions like the Middle East and Africa, which may further enhance global connectivity [23][25]. - The ongoing expansion of visa exemptions is expected to normalize cross-border travel, making it easier for tourists to explore different cultures and experiences [25].