Impact of the 25th China-EU Summit on Travel and Tourism Sector
The 25th EU-China Summit, held in Beijing on July 24, 2025, marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two powerhouses. Despite the celebratory occasion, the atmosphere was measured, with geopolitical and economic challenges casting a shadow over the proceedings.
China has made significant strides in visa liberalization, with citizens from several EU countries, including Malta, Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal, now eligible for visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days [4]. However, these arrangements are mostly unilateral on China's part, as China has expanded visa-free access for many countries without receiving equivalent reciprocal status from those nations [2][5].
The issue of visa reciprocity remains a contentious point, with the EU still requiring Chinese citizens to apply for visas. At the summit, discussions highlighted broader cooperation but did not finalize a comprehensive reciprocal visa-free agreement [3]. This leaves the EU-China visa policy reciprocity as partial, with China more liberal in allowing EU visitors visa-free access than the other way around.
The growing demand for travel from EU countries to China has been observed, particularly from France, Germany, and Italy, due to the ease of access provided by China's visa-free policy [6]. However, the EU remains cautious about extensive visa-free access for Chinese nationals, reflecting its concerns about maintaining border control and protecting its strategic sectors [7].
The summit focused on economic and strategic issues, with the EU pushing for a more balanced economic relationship, improved market transparency, and stronger protections for its strategic sectors in relation to China [8]. The growing trade deficit, fueled by Chinese exports of electric vehicles and renewable energy technology, is a critical concern in Brussels [9].
Travel operators report growing demand for trips to China, with EU nationals contributing substantially to the more than 20 million international travellers who entered China visa-free in 2024 [10]. European tourists have praised streamlined border controls and enhanced customer service at major airports in China [11].
The summit was attended by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who travelled to Beijing for the summit [12]. The EU's stance on visa reciprocity and economic concerns is likely to continue shaping the relationship between the two powerhouses in the years to come.
References: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] - Sources provided in the bullet points.
- The growing interest in tourism from EU countries, particularly France, Germany, and Italy, can be attributed to China's visa-free policy, facilitating travel for EU nationals.
- While China has made strides in visa liberalization, the EU still requires Chinese citizens to apply for visas, a precaution reflecting the EU's concerns about border control and protecting strategic sectors.
- Despite China's visa-free policy benefiting Europe's travel industry, the EU continues to push for a more balanced economic relationship, improved market transparency, and stronger protections for strategic sectors.
- The debates surrounding visa reciprocity between the EU and China were prominent in the 25th EU-China Summit, ultimately resulting in no comprehensive reciprocal visa-free agreement being finalized.
- The finance and lifestyle sectors, including tourism and travel, have been affected by the EU's stance on visa reciprocity and economic concerns, which are likely to continue shaping the relationship between these global powers.
