ZAGREB, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government's decision to expand its visa-free policy to nine additional countries, including Croatia, will simplify travel to China and enhance its appeal as a destination, Gabrijela Koscica, director of a Zagreb-based travel agency, said on Friday.
Speaking to Xinhua, Koscica noted that her agency, Travel Idea, has never encountered visa-related challenges in the past, but emphasized that the new policy "will undoubtedly make traveling to China easier and more convenient."
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.
Koscica expressed optimism about the policy's impact, predicting increased interest from tourists, particularly those from Europe. She highlighted the convenience it brings, noting that her agency will be able to "fill group tours at the last minute," thanks to the simplified travel process.
For business travelers from Croatia and other European countries, the new visa-free policy will make travel to China much easier and faster, Koscica added.
According to Koscica, one of the key attractions of travelling to China is its affordability. She explained that a 14-day trip to China, which includes round-trip airfare, accommodations, and food expenses, costs around 2,300 euros (2,429 U.S. dollars). "This is cheaper than many shorter trips within Europe."
Koscica said her travel agency has seen a surge in demand for group tours to China. These tours have already been fully booked for next year, particularly for spring. Popular itineraries include visits to iconic attractions such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, giant pandas, and other cultural and historical sites.
Currently, trips to China are a big draw, she said. ■
