Visa-free transit policy to benefit foreign visitors
Updated: 2012-12-07 11:10
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
To help with the transit visitors, the airport will improve service facilities in the airport including special visa-free channels, said Li Chunfang, manager with the planning and development department of the airport.
"We will set up a special service zone for transit visitors in our terminals, offering drinking water and reading materials," Li elaborated, "Moreover, services including foreign currency exchange, mobile phone rental service, and left-luggage office will be provided for the convenience of tourists."
Related readings:
Cameron 'frustrated' by not simplifying visa for Chinese tourists
Beijing set to welcome visa-free visitors
Xu Jianqiang, chief economist of Air China, said the transit policy will also boost development of the air-travel market, creating more jobs.
"A relaxed visa policy is common practice to boost the inbound tourist market," said Wang Yue, deputy director with Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development.
The current number of foreign visitors to Beijing is 5 million per year. The number is expected to double in three years after the TWOV policy comes into effect, the commission predicted.
Travel agencies are also rushing to offer one to three-day personalized tour packages with cheaper prices to cater for the potential tourists, said Sun Lianqin, vice general manager of the BTG International Travel & Tours.
Related readings:
Beijing approves 72-hour visa waiver for tourists
New visa rules boost Air China
"As more than one third of the flights make a stopover in Beijing Capital International Airport during the night, our travel agencies will develop some night entertainment programs for the tourists," Sun added.
New tax-free shops in the airport and in downtown Beijing are planned to be built to attract more foreign consumers.
However, transit visitors will not be allowed to bring their pets or other animals with them within the 72 hours in China. Instead, pets will be temporarily kept at an appointed place for quarantine, according to a Beijing Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau spokesman.
However, they can bring their guide dogs along with them under certain conditions.
- Relief reaches isolated village
- Rainfall poses new threats to quake-hit region
- Funerals begin for Boston bombing victims
- Quake takeaway from China's Air Force
- Obama celebrates young inventors at science fair
- Earth Day marked around the world
- Volunteer team helping students find sense of normalcy
- Ethnic groups quick to join rescue efforts
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Supplies pour into isolated villages |
All-out efforts to save lives |
American abroad |
Industry savior: Big boys' toys |
New commissioner
|
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Today's Top News
Health new priority for quake zone
Xi meets US top military officer
Japan's boats driven out of Diaoyu
China mulls online shopping legislation
Bird flu death toll rises to 22
Putin appoints new ambassador to China
Japanese ships blocked from Diaoyu Islands
Inspired by Guan, more Chinese pick up golf
US Weekly
Beyond Yao
|
Money power |