In a move expected to give a major boost to local tourism in Australia, the Chinese government has decided to lift its ban on group tourism to Australia that was imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
China’s Culture and Tourism Ministry made the announcement on Thursday, also lifting the ban on group tours to Japan, South Korea, the United States, Germany and Britain.
The news was welcomed by Australia’s Tourism Minister Don Farrell said this was “another positive step towards the stabilisation of our relationship with China”.
He noted that before the pandemic, China was the largest and most valuable inbound traveller market.
“Australia remains a premium tourism destination for Chinese travellers, and we are looking forward to welcoming back group tours,” he said in a statement.
China’s outbound travel operators were pleased by the decision and said they are looking forward to resuming tours in Australia.