On July 19th, a 55-member study tour group from Malaysia landed at Ningbo Lishe International Airport, marking the first visit to the city since the China-Malaysia mutual visa exemption policy took effect on July 17. 

The Malaysian tourists arrived in Ningbo. (Photo by Cui Yin)

The delegation includes students and faculty from Sri Bestari International School, Greenland Education Group, and World Classroom International. Their seven-day itinerary features cultural exchanges, ecological conservation activities, and visits to China’s first variety-show-themed park, "Running Man Land".

Dr. Leong Koon Wah, principal of Greenland Education, emphasised the trip’s role in promoting mutual cultural understanding. Local officials described the program as an innovative "tourism + education" model.

Ningbo recorded double-digit growth in overnight international visitors during H1 2024. Zhang Hua, chairman of Zhejiang New Channel International Travel Service, noted: "Visa liberalisation has lowered barriers for global travellers."

Ningbo has implemented comprehensive inbound travel upgrades:

• Luggage delivery services between the airport and 32 hotels

• "One-touch check-in" at 36 hotels via the "e-Jingtong system"

• 50 tax-refund shops (including 9 instant-refund outlets)

• Over 1,000 SIM card sales points for payment convenience

The city’s three-year action plan for inbound tourism, subsidy policies, and global promotion campaigns aims to accelerate its development as an international destination.

Source: www.cnnb.com.cn

Reporter: Xie Shuyi

Editor: Ye Ke