春节假期中老铁路跨境游客同比增长超四成

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news highlights the significant increase in cross-border tourism via the China-Laos Railway during the Spring Festival holiday, with a total of 12,900 cross-border travelers, representing a substantial growth of 41.8% compared to the same period last year [1] - Among the travelers, over 6,300 were inbound tourists, marking a year-on-year increase of 52.7%, while over 6,500 were outbound tourists, showing a growth of 32.5% [1] - Since the opening of the China-Laos Railway, more than 700,000 travelers from 124 countries and regions have utilized the service, connecting popular tourist destinations such as Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, with over 560 tourist attractions available [4] Group 2 - During the holiday period, the railway department collaborated with customs and border inspection departments to implement over 10 convenience measures aimed at enhancing the travel experience for passengers [8] - Initiatives included the establishment of a visa-free dedicated passage for eligible travelers, online appointment systems for tour groups to expedite customs clearance, and mobile consultation stations to provide timely information [9] - The introduction of an online entry card for foreigners has made the customs process more efficient and secure, ensuring smooth operations at the border [9]