International visitors pass passport control in Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport. [Photo provided by Che Yuying for Tide News]

A group of 29 international tourists arrived at Zhoushan Putuoshan Airport in East China's Zhejiang province on Jan 29, marking one of the first organized groups of international tourists to arrive since China's visa-free policy was expanded in 2023.

Among the group, 23 visitors from Croatia arrived for sightseeing in Zhoushan. This marks the first time the airport has received an organized group of overseas tourists primarily for sightseeing.

The expansion of China's visa-free policy to include citizens from countries such as Croatia has facilitated inbound travel.

This, combined with the launch of the Zhoushan-Hong Kong direct flight in November 2023, has greatly improved Zhoushan's international connectivity.

In recent years, the number of international visitors entering Zhoushan has increased, though primarily for work or family visits. The arrival of a larger group of tourists marks a shift toward more diverse reasons for entry, presenting new opportunities for Zhoushan to develop its inbound tourism and boost its international profile.