China’s Bold Visa-Free Policy Sparks Surge in Russian Tourism, Strengthening Its Position as a Global Travel Powerhouse – Travel And Tour World

Report on China’s Visa-Free Policy and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

This report analyzes the implementation of China’s visa-free entry policy for Russian nationals, effective September 2025, and its subsequent impact on the tourism sector. The policy has catalyzed a significant increase in Russian tourism, reinforcing China’s strategic objective to become a leading global travel destination. The initiative and similar trends among BRICS nations are examined through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2.0 Economic Impact and Bilateral Cooperation (SDG 8 & SDG 17)

2.1 Contribution to Economic Growth

The visa-free policy has directly stimulated economic activity within China’s tourism sector, aligning with the objectives of SDG 8. The immediate results demonstrate substantial growth and economic benefits.

• Visitor Projections: The number of Russian tourists is projected to surpass two million by the end of 2025.
• Initial Surge: A 40% increase in Russian arrivals was recorded in the first two months following the policy’s launch.
• Sectoral Growth:
  1. Flight bookings and accommodation reservations have doubled.
  2. Demand for organized group tours has increased by over 60%.

2.2 Fostering International Partnerships

The policy serves as a key instrument for strengthening international ties, a core principle of SDG 17. By simplifying travel, China is enhancing bilateral relations with Russia and promoting a model of cooperation within the BRICS bloc.

• Bilateral Relations: The initiative fosters deeper economic and cultural engagement between China and Russia.
• BRICS Cooperation: The trend of visa facilitation is shared among BRICS nations, reflecting a collective strategy to leverage tourism for mutual economic development and global partnership.

3.0 Promotion of Sustainable Tourism and Resilient Infrastructure (SDG 9, 11, & 12)

3.1 Sustainable Destination Management

The influx of tourists, particularly to key destinations, necessitates a focus on sustainable management to protect cultural and natural heritage, in line with SDG 11.4.

• Hainan Province: The island has emerged as the primary destination, attracting 80% of Russian visitors, with an expected 500,000 tourists by year-end. This concentration highlights the need for sustainable tourism practices to preserve its natural assets.
• Cultural Heritage: Other popular destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, and Henan Province, underscoring the importance of safeguarding cultural landmarks for future generations.

3.2 BRICS Nations’ Initiatives for Sustainable Development

The growth in tourism across BRICS nations is increasingly coupled with a commitment to sustainability, reflecting progress towards SDG 9, SDG 11, and SDG 12.

1. China: The nation is investing in the preservation of natural and cultural sites and promoting responsible tourism, directly contributing to SDG 11 and SDG 12.
2. Egypt: The implementation of an electronic visa system reduces paper waste (SDG 12), while investments in upgrading airport infrastructure enhance efficiency and resilience (SDG 9).
3. Abu Dhabi: A 10% increase in hotel guests is supported by strategic investments in sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure, promoting resource efficiency (SDG 11 and SDG 12).
4. Iran: The growth of medical tourism, with over 1.2 million visitors, generates revenue that is reinvested into developing advanced healthcare facilities, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

4.0 Conclusion: A Framework for Sustainable Global Tourism

China’s visa-free policy for Russian nationals exemplifies a strategic approach to tourism that aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative successfully drives economic growth (SDG 8) and strengthens international partnerships (SDG 17). Furthermore, this policy is part of a broader trend among BRICS nations to integrate principles of sustainability into their tourism development strategies. By focusing on responsible practices, preserving cultural and natural heritage (SDG 11), and investing in resilient infrastructure (SDG 9), these nations are establishing a framework for a global tourism model that is both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible, ensuring long-term viability for future generations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article extensively discusses how tourism acts as a major driver for economic growth in China and other BRICS nations. It highlights the surge in visitor numbers, increased bookings, and revenue generation from sectors like medical tourism in Iran, which all contribute to economic development.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions efforts to preserve cultural and natural heritage. For instance, it states that China is investing in the “preservation of its natural landscapes and cultural sites,” and Egypt’s tourism goals include “preserving its cultural and natural heritage.” This directly relates to making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by safeguarding heritage.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • A core theme of the article is the growing emphasis on “sustainable tourism” and “eco-conscious travel practices.” It details initiatives like Egypt’s electronic visa system to “reduce paper waste” and Abu Dhabi’s implementation of “sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure” to create a “resource-efficient tourism model,” all of which align with promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article focuses on international cooperation, particularly among BRICS nations, to boost tourism and economic development. China’s visa-free policy for Russia is presented as a strategic move to foster “stronger international ties” and enhance “bilateral relations.” The collaborative trend among BRICS countries to facilitate travel and share sustainable practices exemplifies global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.9 (under SDG 8): “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”
   • The article’s central topic, China’s visa-free policy, is a clear example of a policy implemented to promote tourism. The text emphasizes how this policy boosts the “tourism economy,” encourages “cultural exchanges,” and highlights specific destinations like Hainan and historical landmarks, thereby promoting local culture.
2. Target 11.4 (under SDG 11): “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”
   • The article explicitly mentions that “China has committed to investing in the preservation of its natural landscapes and cultural sites to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy them.” This directly reflects the objective of Target 11.4.
3. Target 12.b (under SDG 12): “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism…”
   • The article describes several tools and initiatives aimed at sustainable tourism. Egypt’s electronic visa system is designed to “improve environmental efficiency,” and Abu Dhabi’s use of “sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure” are concrete examples of implementing tools for a more sustainable tourism model.
4. Target 17.6 (under SDG 17): “Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation…”
   • The cooperation among BRICS nations (a form of South-South cooperation) is a key theme. The article states, “Other BRICS… nations are also witnessing robust growth in their tourism sectors, thanks in part to initiatives that focus on visa facilitation and the modernization of travel infrastructure.” This shared approach to policy and infrastructure modernization demonstrates international cooperation to achieve common goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for Target 8.9:
   • Number of tourist arrivals: The article provides specific figures, such as the number of Russian tourists to China expected to “exceed two million by the end of the year” and Hainan expecting to host “approximately 500,000 Russian tourists.” Abu Dhabi recorded “over 2 million hotel guests.”
   • Growth in tourism sector: The article quantifies growth with data points like a “40%” surge in Russian arrivals to China, flight and accommodation bookings “doubling,” and a “60%” increase in demand for organized group tours.
   • Revenue from tourism: While not giving exact figures for China, the article implies significant economic impact and explicitly mentions Iran’s “revenue generated from medical tourism.”
2. Indicators for Target 11.4:
   • Investment in preservation: The article mentions China’s commitment to “investing in the preservation of its natural landscapes and cultural sites” as a direct measure of its efforts.
   • Policies for heritage protection: The article implies that sustainable tourism policies in China, Egypt, and Abu Dhabi are designed to ensure the long-term protection of cultural and natural sites.
3. Indicators for Target 12.b:
   • Implementation of sustainable practices: The article points to specific initiatives that can be monitored, such as Egypt’s electronic visa system aimed at “reducing paper waste” and Abu Dhabi’s development of “green infrastructure.”
   • Adoption of sustainable policies: The overarching focus on “sustainable tourism practices” and “responsible tourism framework” across BRICS nations serves as a qualitative indicator of progress.
4. Indicators for Target 17.6:
   • Implementation of cooperative agreements: The primary indicator is “China’s visa-free entry policy for Russian nationals.”
   • Number of joint initiatives: The trend of “visa facilitation” and “modernization of travel infrastructure” among BRICS nations serves as an indicator of ongoing regional cooperation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com