China’s recent decision to extend visa-free access to citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada marks another important milestone in the country’s broader drive toward greater openness and mutual engagement with the world. While such policy gestures often follow high-level diplomatic exchanges, in this case, following the visits of the British and Canadian prime ministers, the implications go far beyond courtesy or protocol.
They reflect China’s confidence in its development trajectory and its readiness to deepen people-to-people exchanges, enhance global understanding, and build stronger partnerships. For the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a city that has long served as the nation’s international gateway, this policy shift offers a timely opportunity to renew its role and capture fresh momentum in the global tourism and service economy.
China’s steady expansion of visa-free arrangements over the past two years demonstrates a clear and consistent vision: to make travel easier, friendship broader, and cooperation deeper. When the first batch of unilateral visa waivers for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia took effect in December 2023, it sent a strong message that China was reopening its doors wider after the pandemic era. Since then, the list of eligible countries has grown to nearly 80, creating a web of convenience that links China to many of its key trading and cultural partners. The policy has not only simplified travel, but also catalyzed confidence among international visitors who are curious about China’s modern story.
The results speak for themselves. In 2025, total entries and exits by foreign nationals reached 82 million, excluding travelers from Hong Kong and Macao, a jump of more than 26 percent from the previous year. Of these, about 30 million visits were made under visa-free arrangements — an astonishing increase of nearly 50 percent. The pace of recovery places inbound tourism close to pre-2019 levels, confirming that global demand for travel to China is strong and rising. Behind the data lies a broader shift in perception: The world is rediscovering China not only as a destination of ancient heritage and rapid growth, but as an open, welcoming, and forward-looking country eager to engage with the international community.
To seize this moment, the SAR government, industry stakeholders, and the broader community must act in concert. Through policy coordination, creative promotion, and closer collaboration with mainland cities, Hong Kong can transform this wave of inbound travel into sustainable economic and social vitality
That engagement matters far beyond economics. Experience remains the most effective counter to misunderstanding. Many in the West continue to hold outdated or distorted impressions about life in China, often shaped by selective narratives. But no statistic or government campaign can match the power of personal experience — of walking in the streets of Shanghai, visiting the ancient city walls of Xi’an, or chatting with young entrepreneurs in Chengdu. Visitors who see China’s dynamism and warmth up close gain not just memories but insight. They become informal ambassadors, able to say with authority, “That is not the China I saw” when faced with misconceptions back home. This is the quiet strength of openness: Every traveler becomes a bridge of understanding.
For Hong Kong, this new travel landscape carries special meaning. Operating under the principle of “one country, two systems,” the city holds a unique position as both part of China and part of the global economy. It combines an internationally recognized legal framework, a world-class business environment, and a deep cultural and logistical connection with the mainland. These attributes can help Hong Kong reclaim its edge as a premier hub for inbound travel and international exchange. By aligning with the mainland’s growing visa-free network, the city can attract a new wave of visitors eager to explore China, offering them a natural and familiar place to start their journeys.
To do so effectively, Hong Kong should focus on a few strategic priorities. It can promote “Hong Kong + Greater Bay Area” itineraries, making use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and high-speed rail systems to offer easy access to neighboring cities such as Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Guangzhou. It can reinforce its role as a superconnector for international events, leveraging its mature meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector to cohost global forums with cities across the Greater Bay Area. Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural and culinary scene, blending East and West with effortless sophistication, can also serve as its strongest marketing asset. Positioning the city as “The Best Place to Begin Your China Journey” would resonate with new visitors who want both comfort and authenticity.
At the same time, Hong Kong International Airport — one of the busiest transit hubs in the world — presents untapped potential. Millions of passengers pass through its terminals every year without setting foot in the city. Well-designed stopover packages, simplified transfer arrangements, and attractive short-stay experiences could turn transit travelers into tourists, converting a brief visit today into a dedicated return trip tomorrow.
China’s expanding visa-free program is, ultimately, far more than a technical policy adjustment. It is a strategic declaration of confidence and openness — a signal that China is ready to engage with the world on the basis of equality, respect, and shared opportunity. It also reaffirms the country’s belief that genuine understanding is built not through rhetoric, but through interaction and experience. For Hong Kong, it is both a challenge and an invitation.
To seize this moment, the SAR government, industry stakeholders, and the broader community must act in concert. Through policy coordination, creative promotion, and closer collaboration with mainland cities, Hong Kong can transform this wave of inbound travel into sustainable economic and social vitality. If fully realized, the city will not only benefit from the dividends of China’s travel resurgence, but also reaffirm its enduring role as a vital bridge connecting the nation to the world — and the world to a new, more open era of China.
The author is a senior lecturer in the Department of Marketing, the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
