Overview

• The expanded Individual Visit Scheme now covers cities from remote regions including Inner Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang.
• Local businesses remain skeptical despite the expansion, citing low foot traffic and high shop vacancy rates.
• Recent security laws and economic challenges have led to significant business closures and a drop in expatriate populations.
• Authorities hope the scheme will boost local spending and attract long-stay tourists from newly included cities.
• The scheme's expansion is part of broader efforts to recover from economic downturns caused by the pandemic and political instability.