Bangladesh’s Tourism, Airlines and Hospitality Sector Anticipated to Benefit as China Extends Visa‑Free Entry for Selected Countries Until 2026

Bangladesh’s tourism, airlines and hospitality sector are anticipated to benefit as China extends visa‑free entry for selected countries until 2026, opening a promising window for enhanced travel linkages and cultural exchange across South Asia and beyond. With global carriers and luxury hotel brands poised to adapt to rising demand, Bangladesh stands at the cusp of a new era in outbound and inbound travel connectivity.

Bangladesh’s Tourism, Airlines and Hospitality Sector Anticipated to Benefit as China Extends Visa-Free Entry for Selected Countries Until 2026

China’s expansion of its visa-free entry policy with select countries is a strategic way to enhance international tourism and relationships within the region, and for Bangladesh, it means increased opportunities to participate in the international tourism market. We expect the number of tourists visiting Bangladesh from China to increase greatly, impacting the tourism market in Bangladesh. This article focuses on the expected positive impact on Bangladesh’s airlines and hospitality industries, and on Bangladesh tourism for tourists traveling to the country.

A Gateway for Increased Tourism: China’s Extended Visa-Free Policy

The tourism industry in Bangladesh is receiving new international growth opportunities with the increased visa-free policy from China. Although Bangladesh is not formally on the visa-free list, the expected increase in tourists from China to Bangladesh will provide new growth opportunities for tourism, airlines, and hospitality businesses.

Given the economic advantages and the value of Chinese travelers’ cultural interactions, Bangladesh will benefit from the economic advantages of Chinese travelers. Extension of this policy could make Bangladesh easier to access and more attractive, to even strengthen the relationships between the countries.

Bangladesh’s Tourism Industry Gears Up For Chinese Tourists

Bangladesh’s tourism industry has been recovering gradually. The year prior to the anticipated 2024, Bangladesh saw 655,000 tourists, a marginal increase year on year, and the country has been recovering from the pandemic. However, the prospects of Chinese tourists has the potential to substantially increase the volume of tourists arriving in Bangladesh, particularly because Bangladesh will ease visa restrictions.

Chinese tourists are particularly high spenders when compared to tourists from many other countries, and increase spending on the locally available shopping, dining, and cultural activities, which Bangladesh is more than capable of providing. Bangladesh has more than enough to offer to tourists from richer countries. Bangladesh has cultural sites in Dhaka and Chittagong along with the natural aesthetic of Cox’s Bazar beaches. Chinese travelers will find Bangladesh rich in culture and affordable, as they attempt to engage with lower-cost travel opportunities.

Given the potential growth of the tourism sector, the hospitality industry in Bangladesh should expect higher occupancy rates in its hotels, especially in the market centers of Dhaka, Sylhet, and the coastal areas. Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson, positioned as international hotel chains in the market, have started to revise and improve their hotel services. For example, to attract Chinese tourists and business actors, Mandarin speakers will be included in the hotel services, and Chinese food offerings will be added to the service menu.

Airlines Prepare for Increased Demand: Flight Details and New Routes

The expected influx of Chinese tourists will be of benefit and opportunity, especially for the airline industry in Bangladesh. As already announced, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Emirates, and the other widely recognized global airline companies, such as Qatar and Singapore Airlines, will expand their services to and from China. This will include additions to the number of already existing flights to Bangladesh. New flights will be complemented with the addition of new routes to the existing Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong routes.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national carrier of Bangladesh and offers direct flights from Dhaka to China’s Beijing and Guangzhou. Since Chinese tourists have started to visit Bangladesh, these routes can be expanded and direct flights from China’s secondary cities to Bangladesh can be offered. As the demand for seats increases, travelers will have access to a greater variety of flights.

Emirates and Qatar Airways will be some of the first major airlines to serve these markets. They already have routes between the Middle East and Southeast Asia, thus enabling easier connections for passengers traveling between China and Bangladesh. These airlines have a reputation for providing excellent service, and will likely respond to this demand by expanding their routes and providing greater refinements to the travel experience for Chinese tourists to Bangladesh.

Singapore Airlines also has flights from Singapore to Dhaka and Chittagong, and will likely add more as the tourism market grows. Singapore Airlines will certainly attract tourists with their high-quality travel experience by providing onboard Chinese meal options and Chinese language service for tourists traveling to Bangladesh.

The growth of the aviation industry will result in a greater number of customers able to purchase tickets. Potential customers will continue to see varied pricing options, with a given flight being marketed from budget to luxury. Moreover, the demand for tourist flights should result in more flexible ticket change options and customer flight change options.

Developments in the Hospitality Industry

The increase in the number of Chinese tourists is bound to change Bangladesh’s hospitality industry. The growth in demand for hospitality services from Chinese tourists has already being recognized by hotel chains and boutique properties. The increase in demand is expected by international hotel chains, and specifically Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson.

Marriott International has the most high-end hotels in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chittagong. She will certainly continue to expand hotel services in the region, especially now with the expected increase in demand from Chinese tourists. She will certainly market directly for the new customers, adding services in Mandarin, more Chinese food, and culturally personalized hospitality.

The services offered by Hilton hotels in Bangladesh directly targeting Chinese tourists, and most other international tourists, has already started. Hilton’s plans to and capacity to improve tourist experiences and add tourist facilities continue to improve. Her hospitality is going to suited for the higher class Chinese tourists.

Radisson Blu is appreciated for hospitality and anticipating expectations for Bangladesh. With privileged locations and high service level standards, Radisson Blu will cater to the demand of Chinese tourists who will value the comfort, luxury, and convenience these hotels provide. It is anticipated that the hotel group will enhance its cultural offerings as Chinese tourists value the opportunity to engage with local culture as an experience for immersion, authentic cultural offerings will serve as the main draw to provide an authentic experience.

Travel Tips for Chinese Tourists Visiting Bangladesh

There are a few essential travel tips Chinese tourists can follow to ensure that there will be no travel complications and to enhance the enjoyment of their Bangladesh visit.

1. Visa Requirements: Although a visa-free policy is under consideration, Chinese tourists will likely need to apply for a visa prior to their visit. Contact your local consulate prior to planning your trip to confirm the most recent entry requirements.
2. Language Services: Although English is spoken in places like Dhaka, Chinese tourists will appreciate Mandarin-speaking staff at hotels, restaurants, and airports. Chinese-speaking staff will be able to provide Chinese tourists with better services. Such tourists may also appreciate their hotels and airlines offering Chinese-language services since it will allow for seamless communication.
3. Currency Exchange: The Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is the local currency. For Chinese tourists, it may be easier to exchange their Chinese currency for Bangladeshi Taka before their arrival. Currency exchange services are available at international airports and most major hotels, so these places will be convenient for exchanges.
4. Cuisine: Bangladesh is home to an impressive variety to local cuisine, including spicy curries and dishes with rice. Chinese tourists may prefer to eat at local restaurants that serve Chinese style Chinese food, as most hotels and restaurants provide international cuisine.
5. Health and Safety: Before travelling to Bangladesh, it is good practice to determine any vaccination required and other health and safety advisories, which may change. Safety conditions in Bangladesh, which is generally safe for tourists, should be monitored as well.
6. Cultural Etiquette: Bangladeshi culture has significant depth, heightened by the practice of diverse religions. When interacting with those cultures, especially when engaging with diverse religions, an individual must be sensitive. When entering sacred spaces, it is best practice to ask before taking photos, and visitors must cover most of their body and wear non-revealing clothing when entering a mosque or a temple.
7. Travel Insurance: Acquiring a good insurance plan is best practice. Attaining a plan with coverage on overseas medical expenses, lost-stowed luggage, and lost or inform the airline about a last-minute canceled flight, will ensure a swift positive response to any issue that is bound to arise, giving an individual peace and less stress.

New Opportunities for Regional Tourism

New regional tourism opportunities will arise from the recently extended China visa-free policy to select countries. Bangladeshi proximity to Nepal and India presents the opportunity for travelers to visit multiple passenger countries on a single trip. Increase cross-border tourism with tourist coming to Bangladesh expanding their trip to the neighboring countries.

As a part of the Southern Asia regional travel network, Bangladesh adds diversity with the mix of unique natural landscape, history, and culture,. Increased air traffic will soon make travel even easier with the addition of direct flights from China to Bangladesh and China to its neighboring countries.

Sustainable Growth in Bangladesh’s Tourism Sector

Given the increasing interest in Bangladesh’s potential as a tourism destination, the country must prioritize sustainable tourism practices to accommodate the inflow of international tourists. Bangladesh and stakeholders from the tourism industry are developing strategies to mitigate tourism’s detrimental impacts on the environment and communities.

Although in the early stages, Bangladesh does aim to promote eco-tourism, particularly in the Sundarbans. Responsible tourism practices will maintain the precious natural environments of Bangladesh and enable tourists to gain meaningful experience and exclusivity. Moreover, the hospitality and airline industries will have opportunities to adjust the more profitable aspects of their businesses, keeping in mind the social and cultural environmental aspects.

Bangladesh’s tourism, airlines and hospitality sector are anticipated to benefit as China extends visa‑free entry for selected countries until 2026, opening a promising window for enhanced travel linkages and cultural exchange across South Asia and beyond.

A New Era for Bangladesh’s Tourism Industry

Bangladesh is now in an excellent position to receive more Chinese tourists, as the country will be among the first to benefit from the relaxed visa policies. After the rapid expansion of the hospitality industry to accommodate international guests, along with the adaptations of the airline industry and the increasing demand for tourism, the outlook for Bangladesh’s tourism industry is more positive than ever.

For tourists, this is an ideal period to visit the country. No matter what the reasons are, the rich Bangladeshi culture, geographic beauty, and hospitable service, tourists will remember the country for the experience it offers.

Bangladesh is developing, attracting more international tourists, and is positioned to become one of the interesting emerging travel destinations in the Asian continent. The coming years are anticipated with positive and rapid developments with respect to the aviation, tourism, and hospitality industries which would mutually benefit travelers and the Bangladeshi economy.

The tourism Bangladeshi industry is expected to thrive. This expectation augurs well with the recent China Visa extension policy. Given the necessary marketing, development, and services that the industry requires, Bangladesh will become a premier country to visit in the world.