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The growth of the country's tourism industry is expected to contribute significantly to the Chinese economy, with an estimated increase of up to 6.79 trillion yuan (approximately $938 billion).
According to a report by Oxford Economics in collaboration with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), spending by Chinese tourists in the domestic market this year is expected to increase by 11% compared to 2019, before the pandemic brought tourism to a standstill.
WTTC Chairwoman Julia Simpson noted that Chinese tourists are beginning to bring travel back and predicted that this number will continue to increase. This increase in spending not only marks a strong recovery of China's domestic tourism industry but also reflects the growing trend among Chinese people to explore and experience destinations within their own country.
Changing trends among Chinese tourists after the pandemic.
This will create significant momentum for the Chinese economy, while also boosting the development of related industries such as accommodation, food, and services. This trend also reflects a shift in people's travel habits, focusing on safety and quality of domestic services following the impact of the pandemic.
There are several reasons why Chinese tourists are choosing domestic travel this year, largely due to difficulties in visa processing in countries like the US, coupled with rising international airfare costs, leading Chinese tourists to prioritize domestic travel. At the same time, after the COVID-19 pandemic was brought under control, China has made efforts to promote domestic tourism with various incentive policies to attract visitors. Chinese tourists are increasingly interested in exploring new and unique destinations within their own country.
Domestic tourism in China has increased significantly.
Tourists from the "country of a billion people" are a driving force for the global tourism industry, with many countries eagerly awaiting the return of Chinese tourists and increased spending from the world's largest travel market. In 2019, Chinese tourists made 170 million trips abroad and spent nearly $248 billion overseas, accounting for 14% of global tourism spending.
Furthermore, tourism and service businesses worldwide have been adjusting their strategies to attract Chinese tourists again, from improving service quality and enhancing promotion to providing amenities tailored to their habits and preferences. The return of Chinese tourists not only brings economic benefits but also promotes cultural exchange, enhancing understanding and connection between countries.
China was one of the last major economies to reopen its borders after the Covid-19 pandemic, and flights to the country have not yet fully resumed.
