Britain relaxes visa requirements for Chinese tourists
Britain is very much open for business following a change in visa requirements for Chinese nationals as the country looks to cash-in on booming outbound travel from the region.
The Government of the United Kingdom yesterday announced plans to simplify visa applications for Chinese tourists and students.
Home Secretary Theresa May, said; “We want to make sure that people in emerging markets continue to see Britain as a place to visit and do business. That’s why we’ve made it easier for Chinese visitors to come here, by simplifying documentation requirements, establishing a new business network across China, extending our express visa service, and introducing a new passport pass-back scheme for visa applicants.”
According to a Home Office announcement, the visa service is already delivering well, with 50% of visas processed within five days and 97% within 15 days, but customers have asked for a fast, transparent, simple and easy to access service which is tailored to their individual needs. The government has responded with a range of new measures, designed to meet these needs and to ensure that the UK remains an attractive option for tourism and business visitors.
Notably, travel agents have been identified as key partners in this process and an online training module has been launched through the Brit Agent network in China so they can better assist Chinese customers wanting to travel to the UK.
The action has been warmly welcomed by the industry on both sides of the northern hemisphere.
Grant Hearn, Travelodge Chief Executive said; “The initiatives introduced [yesterday] will play a significant part in helping our economy recover, whilst creating new jobs, boosting growth and helping put Great Britain back on the world-wide tourist map.
“We are especially pleased that the world’s fastest growing tourism market, China, has been acknowledged as part of the new plans. Simplifying the visa system shows that the UK is open for business and means we can now confidently compete with our European neighbours by attracting a vast tourist market with huge spending power. This will undoubtedly create new employment opportunities in the UK.”