(Yicai) Sept. 1 -- Schengen visa applications by Chinese nationals rose by a double-digit percentage in the first half of the year, as demand for overseas trips to Europe remained strong despite a complex global travel environment, according to a report by technology service provider VFS Global.

Italy and Germany continued to gain appeal among Chinese travelers for their attractiond in cultural tourism, business, and education, VFS Global said. Visa applications to the two European countries reported double-digit growth after the peak summer season began in May and continued through July.

Some lesser-known Schengen destinations also drew more interest, with a notable increase in applications for Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Portugal, as well as Baltic countries, including Estonia and Latvia. Nordic countries, such as Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, also posted similar growth.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup increased travel demand to Europe and North America this summer, a visa industry insider told Yicai. After Norwegian player Erling Haaland's standout performance, inquiries about Norway travel products kept climbing, the insider noted.

Among traditional long-haul destinations, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States remained the most popular among Chinese travelers, with demand driven mainly by overseas study, visits to relatives, and business. After China resumed group tours to Canada last November, pent-up demand for study tours to North America was released.

About short-haul destinations, South Korea received 12.8 million foreign visitors in the first seven months of the year, up 21 percent from a year earlier, with Chinese mainland residents accounting for nearly one-third of the total, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. The country expects Chinese mainland visitors to exceed seven million this year.

Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou continued to lead other Chinese cities in outbound visa application volume in the first half, while applications in Hangzhou and Chengdu increased amid expanded direct flight routes, the VFS Global report showed. Shenzhen, Wuhan, Xi’an, and Kunming also posted strong growth.

In terms of applicant profile, elderly travelers accounted for more than one-third of all Chinese outbound visa applicants it handled in the first half, having become the core growth driver for long-haul cultural tours in Europe, historical sightseeing, cruises, and themed travel, according to VFS Global.

With the National Day, Christmas, and New Year holidays ahead, demand for outbound visa appointments for popular Schengen countries and cities remains strong, with slots in some application windows hard to secure, VFS Global said, advising applicants to arrange their travel plans early.

Editor: Futura Costaglione