In January, the quarantine obligation for travelers had already been lifted. However, this rule was only intended for travelers who already had a visa, from now on anyone can apply for a visa again. ‘This is good news for expats, but also for international students. They can finally finish their studies».
It’s also a step in the right direction for the business, says Eigenraam. ‘Whether people want to immediately settle back in China is still the question.’ Free movement is important, he believes. ‘People can visit customers or companies again. Let’s go back to China in 2019.’ But there are also doubts within the business community. ‘People are careful. The effects of the zero covid policy are still fresh in our minds.’
“The effects of the zero-covid policy are still fresh in our minds.”
One hundred million tourists
China relies mainly on domestic tourism, but certainly welcomes the return of international tourism. “Before the corona virus, around 100 million people came to China every year. Last year it was five million people.” According to Eigenraam, the ultimate goal is to bring the number of tourists back to their previous level as quickly as possible.