The number of tourists to China saw a steady growth this year and the number of inbound trips in the first three quarters this year stood at 108.76 million, up 4.7% from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The report compiled data from a travel product analysis by Ctrip Travel Agency and the World Tourism Alliance, which analysed the behaviour of inbound tourists, future trends and potential of inbound tourism in China.

According to China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA), the country has loosened transit visa exemptions, increased visa validity periods and covered areas in four administrative areas recently. With the latest exemption policy, nationals from 53 countries can apply for transit visa exemptions at 30 ports in 23 Chinese cities.