During a recent Europe Day celebration event in Narva, Estonia, Frank Oostdam, the leader of the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations (ECTAA), advocated for the European Union to relax entry regulations for Chinese travelers. This request comes on the heels of China's decision to grant visa-free entry to over 30 countries in Europe. Oostdam made these statements while attending the ECTAA's annual summit in Macao, where he emphasized the importance of facilitating easier access for tourists from outside Europe. His sentiment underscored the belief that greater mobility fosters understanding among cultures and contributes to a more harmonious global environment.
Oostdam expressed determination to engage with the European Commission continually. He stressed the ECTAA's commitment to reducing barriers for visitors, arguing that elderly visa requirements hinder travel. Alongside him, Wang Peng from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences highlighted China's significance as a major player in the outbound tourism market, suggesting that easing entry conditions could greatly benefit European sectors like retail and tourism. He called for reforms in the Schengen visa system, proposing measures such as electronic visa applications to enhance efficiency without compromising security.
Many travel agencies have noted a growing demand from Chinese tourists seeking trips to Europe, with popular destinations including France, Germany, and Italy. Emerging interests in Central and Eastern Europe among younger travelers were also reported, drawn by the affordability of these regions. Simultaneously, Pedro Costa Ferreira, president of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), expressed disappointment at the lack of reciprocal measures from Europe to facilitate Chinese tourism.
The challenges of the current visa processes were echoed by Liao, a Beijing resident, who shared her frustrations with lengthy appointment wait times for visas to popular Southern European destinations. She acknowledged the necessity of strict security protocols but also emphasized the need for a more user-friendly application process.
In addition to addressing visa facilitation, experts recommend improving flight connections and payment options, providing multilingual support for Chinese-speaking tourists, and promoting lesser-known European destinations. Enhancing cultural exchanges can strengthen tourism ties between China and Europe while ensuring a positive experience for travelers from both regions.
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