China's recent decision to extend its visa-free policy to Croatia and eight other nations is expected to boost inbound tourism, with the simplified travel process making China a more accessible and attractive destination.
China announced last week that ordinary passport holders from nine more countries -- Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan -- will enjoy visa-free entry on a one-year trial basis starting Nov. 30. This brings the total number of countries eligible for visa-free access to China to 38.
Under this arrangement, visitors can stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit.
Zagreb, one of Croatia's top tourist destinations, typically attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during the summer months. However, the rainy season often leads to a slowdown for local tourist agencies.
The tides are about to turn. Anticipating a spike in bookings for tours to China following the introduction of visa-free travel for Croatian citizens, agencies in the city are buzzing with activity as Croatians seek out captivating and exotic destinations at competitive rates.
"It would be much easier for our customers just to go without a China visa. So, we do expect a lot of China, new destinations, and more cities to visit from Croatia. And also, there will be a part of the people that want to visit China and expand their businesses," said Gabrijela Koščica, CEO of Idea Travel.
Business professionals also welcome this development, as it promises smoother personal interactions crucial for sealing business deals. However, analysts caution that the landscape for business travel may not be as straightforward as in the tourism sector.
"Unused opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries are actually very big. The policies of the current government, however, are subordinated to the goals imposed by Washington and Brussels, and they perceive China as a competitor. So, for private companies this will be a great opportunity, while for state-owned companies it would depend upon the state policy," said journalist Boris Rašeta.
The visa-free travel program is scheduled to run until the end of 2025, offering ample time for stakeholders to evaluate its advantages, which extend beyond tourism and potentially herald new avenues of cooperation.
China's visa-free policy for Croatia poised to boost tourism, business ties
China's visa-free policy for Croatia poised to boost tourism, business ties
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
