US-China visa deal hailed as a major boost for tourism
The travel industry has lauded a move by the US administration to extend validity of Chinese tourist and business visas for the US to a maximum of 10 years.
In a reciprocal deal agreed between the two countries business and short-term tourist visas will be valid for up to a decade for Chinese travelers in the US and US citizens heading to China.
Student and exchange study visa validity will also be extended from the current one year to five years.
The new policy will take effect from tomorrow for new visa applications.
"This policy move will harness the colossal and growing Chinese travel market for the direct benefit of US job creation, exports and economic growth," said US Travel Association CEO Roger Dow.
Dow said Chinese travelers are especially important to the US economy with the highest spend per traveler at $7,200 per trip to the US compared to an average of $4,500 per trip for other nations.
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association also applauded the policy change, and said it will generate more jobs in the industry.
"AAHOA is an enthusiastic supporter of international tourism, which creates jobs and gives our economy a major boost, we applaud this new visa policy, and we are confident that it will help strengthen our economy while meeting the increased demands of international visitors," AAHOA chairman Pratik Patel said.
US secretary of commerce Penny Pritzker said the new visa rules could attract up to 7.3 million Chinese visitors to the US by 2021, contributing $85 billion per year to the US economy.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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