China introduces new policies to streamline travel and promote inbound consumption

China has unveiled a comprehensive policy package aimed at promoting travel service exports and expanding inbound consumption, according to a document released by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

"Promoting travel service exports and expanding inbound consumption are important initiatives for vigorously developing trade in services and enhancing China's global influence," the document noted. "They also serve as key drivers for developing service consumption and advancing the expansion and upgrading of the consumer market."

The document outlines measures across seven areas — expanding inbound tourism consumption, facilitating inbound business activities, activating consumption around inbound sports events, boosting inbound cultural and entertainment consumption, expanding inbound health and wellness consumption, developing inbound education and training consumption, and improving support mechanisms.

In particular, concrete actions will be taken to implement and refine policies for departure tax refunds, support the addition of more tax refund stores, diversify the range of refundable goods, and improve tax refund services, according to the document.

The enhanced coverage of multilingual signage at airports, high-speed rail stations, tourist attractions, major commercial districts, and key cultural and tourism consumption venues will be implemented, and payment convenience improved.

Support will be given for the hosting of internationally influential sporting events. "Event plus travel" packages will be rolled out to promote tourism around event venues, and provide integrated services covering transportation, tickets, and accommodation.

The initiative for expanding the pilot program on wholly foreign-owned hospitals will be well implemented, and pilot regions will be supported to introduce internationally leading specialized hospitals in areas such as rehabilitation and high-end health checkups.

The scope of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry will be steadily expanded and the transit visa-free policy will continue to be refined. Efforts will also be made to explore the introduction of electronic visas, launch pilot online application systems, and shorten processing times.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn