The rise of the country's tourism industry is expected to contribute significantly to China's economy, with an estimated increase of up to 6.79 trillion yuan (equivalent to about 938 billion USD).
According to a report by Oxford Economics and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Chinese tourist spending in the domestic market this year is expected to increase by 11% compared to 2019, the time before the pandemic "froze" tourism activities.
WTTC President Julia Simpson said Chinese tourists are starting to travel again and predicted that the numbers will continue to rise. This increase in spending not only marks a strong recovery in China's domestic tourism industry but also reflects the growing trend of Chinese people to explore and experience domestic destinations.
Changing trends of Chinese tourists after the pandemic
This will provide a significant boost to the Chinese economy and promote the development of related industries such as accommodation, catering, and services. This trend also reflects the change in people's travel habits, focusing on safety and domestic service quality after the impact of the pandemic.
There are several reasons why Chinese tourists are choosing domestic travel this year, largely due to the difficulties in visa processing in countries like the US, plus the high cost of international airfares, which has led 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 many preferential policies to attract tourists. Chinese tourists are increasingly interested in exploring new, unique destinations within their own country.
Chinese domestic tourism on the rise
Visitors 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 spending from the world’s largest tourism market. In 2019, Chinese tourists took 170 million outbound trips and spent nearly $248 billion abroad, accounting for 14% of global tourism spending.
In addition, tourism and service businesses around the world have been adjusting their strategies to attract Chinese tourists again, from improving service quality, increasing promotion, to providing amenities that suit their habits and preferences. The return of Chinese tourists not only brings economic benefits but also promotes cultural exchanges, 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 yet to fully reopen.
