In recent days, the introduction of the 240 – hour visa – free policy has had a remarkable impact on Xiamen, especially on Gulangyu Island.
Gulangyu is a world – renowned destination known for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and unique charm. Before the implementation of the extended visa – free policy, although it already attracted some foreign tourists, the number was relatively limited. However, with the policy in place, things have changed significantly.
The 240 – hour visa – free policy allows foreign tourists from 54 countries to stay in the relevant areas for up to 10 days without the hassle of visa application. This long – enough stay period gives tourists the freedom to fully explore Gulangyu. They can leisurely stroll along the small alleys, admire the colonial – style buildings, visit museums, and listen to the melodious Nanyin.
As a result, the number of foreign tourists on Gulangyu has increased substantially. In particular, the daily average growth rate of foreign tourists has reached an astonishing 71%. This growth not only brings more economic benefits to the local tourism industry but also promotes cultural exchanges. Local hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops are all benefiting from this boom. More and more international visitors are eager to taste local delicacies such as seafood and Shacha noodles, and buy handicrafts as souvenirs.
The local government and tourism departments also play an important role. They have increased the promotion of Gulangyu overseas, highlighting its unique tourist attractions under the visa – free policy. At the same time, they are also constantly improving the service quality for foreign tourists, such as providing multi – language guides and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of tourist areas.
Moreover, this policy also encourages more foreign tourists to come to Gulangyu for non – tourism – related activities. Some may come for business meetings related to cultural exchanges or international cooperation projects.
In conclusion, the 240 – hour visa – free policy has become a powerful driving force for the development of Gulangyu’s tourism industry. It has not only increased the number of foreign tourists but also enhanced the international influence of Gulangyu, making it more and more prominent on the global tourism map. It is expected that in the future, with the continuous improvement of related policies and services, Gulangyu will welcome more and more foreign friends.