China has started a trial program where travel companies can offer group tours and flight and hotel bookings for Chinese citizens traveling abroad. This program includes 20 countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The first group of tourists left from Shanghai to Thailand, with a special channel at the airport to help them pass through customs quickly. Tour companies have experienced a rise in the number of inquiries since the resumption of outbound group tours.

On the same day, passengers from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, southwest China’s Sichuan Province also departed for Phuket, enjoying their first outbound trip in three years. “We have brought swimsuits, beach pants and sunscreen and are looking forward to Phuket’s sunny beaches and seafood barbecues.” Chen, a mom who was traveling with her family, told Chinanews.

Zhang Nan, deputy director of the Chengdu office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, made a special trip to the airport’s departure hall to see off the plane. Zhang said after China announced policies related to outbound tourism, Thai tourism companies are ready to welcome Chinese tourists to Thailand.

Many travel agencies in Chengdu have formed outbound tour groups, and popular destinations are concentrated in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and other places.

“The recovery of the entire outbound group tour will take a relatively long process,” said Tang Xiaoyun, vice president of China Tourism Academy.

The tourism industry must be aware that the confidence of tourists will take some time to restore, including concerns about the epidemic and the cost of products and services, Tang explained.