China’s reopening presents rest of world with dilemma: put out the welcome mat or tighten border controls?
- Countries such as the US, Japan and Italy are testing new arrivals, while other countries are actively courting Chinese tourists
- Many European countries as well as Australia and New Zealand have started campaigns on social media saying they welcome visitors from China
At least six governments have announced new restrictions on new arrivals from mainland China, but other countries have launched or stepped up campaigns aimed at attracting Chinese visitors with slogans such as “waiting for you” or “waiting until I see you”.
The tourism boards in many European countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, are among those trying to lure visitors on Chinese social media.
Spain’s tourist board posted pictures of Barcelona with slogans that read: “After three whole years, Spain is finally done waiting for you!”, while similar posts were made by other countries, including Norway, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
The hashtag “many countries have posted on Weibo to welcome Chinese tourists” trended and reached over 2.3 million views on the platform as of Thursday noon.
On Tuesday a post from the French embassy that read “Chinese friends, France welcomes you with open arms” received an overwhelmingly positive reaction online, attracting comments such as “our French friends are also welcome to be our guest and travel in China”.