China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has outlined plans to introduce a “third batch” of blacklist measures aimed at overseas tourist destinations it says are targeting Chinese citizens for gambling activities.
According to a brief announcement published on the Ministry’s website late Friday, the measures are a joint initiative alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, National Immigration Administration and Civil Aviation Administration of China.
This is the third time the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has referenced the existence of such a blacklist. When first announced in August 2020, the Ministry said its blacklist would see travel restrictions imposed on specific overseas cities and scenic spots that were “endangering the personal and property safety of Chinese citizens.”
The list was expanded in January 2021 although the identity of destinations included on the list has never been made public. Friday’s announcement was again light on specifics, other than detailing some measures being taken such as suspending outbound tour groups and tourist visa agency services for overseas cities and scenic spots included on the “blacklist”.
It also said it was “strengthening the management of business jets and charter flights.”
While China again refrained from identifying any blacklisted destination, analysts have suggested it is primarily targeting emerging Southeast Asian gaming jurisdictions such as the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam, and potentially Australia.
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