More destinations offer visa-free travel(2)

Usually Chinese tourists go to Phuket Island or Pattaya to enjoy the beach, but in recent years, Chiangmai, in the mountains of northern Thailand, has become a new favorite. A Bangkok-Chiangmai package for individual travelers costs around 4,000 yuan.

"I have several friends who have been to Chiangmai, and all of them loved the place," said Zhang. "The city is tranquil, delicate and historical. So although I've been to Thailand once, when I went to Bangkok and Phuket, I still want to go to Chiangmai with my family."

Although Thailand is considering charging an entry tax as of next year — meaning travelers staying for more than three days may have to pay 500 Thai Baht (US$15) — the tax is still less than the current visa fee.

Meanwhile, some other countries have also modified their visa policies for China, which likely will draw more Chinese tourists in the near future. More than 20 countries and regions have opened visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for Chinese travelers. Although most are not frequently visited by Chinese tourists, an increasing number of traditional travel destinations have enacted simplified visa application procedures for Chinese visitors.

Chinese citizens can now stay longer in Mauritius without a visa — the limit has risen from 15 to 30 days.

The country has become one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for young Chinese couples as island and beach packages have boomed in Chinese market in recent years.

During October's Golden Week, Mauritius was among the "top 10 hottest destinations" listed by Ctrip.com.

"Now the visa-free policy will give travelers more convenience," said He. "We can expect a further market increase next year."

Meanwhile, Jordan has opened visa-on-arrival to Chinese citizens. Travelers can get the visa with round-trip air tickets, or air tickets to the third country, and other travel documents when arriving in Jordan.

Although the Dead Sea-side country is a less known travel destination for Chinese tourists, it has great potential if combined with other Middle Eastern countries to form a tour package. The Israel-Jordan package is now quite popular, for example. Ctrip said its Israel-Jordan package is solidly booked until the end of the year, and next year, it will add new items to the itinerary. Petra, the ancient city in the southern desert in Jordan, will be available as part of the package while tourists can also experience floating in the salty Dead Sea.

"Although most of the visa-free countries where Chinese people can go are not traditionally popular destinations, they are worth visiting anyway," said Lily Chang, who travels every year.

"The problem is that travel service companies don't have packages covering the destinations, while individual travelers are afraid of facing language barriers, so not many people are willing to go. If people are brave enough, they will find these places are very beautiful.

"Also, there are no straight flights between China and some of the visa-free countries, which is another problem."