– China has reopened to foreign visitors
– International travel to and from China is below pre-pandemic levels
– Domestic tourism in China has surged in popularity
– The travel and tourism industry contributed 11.6% to the Chinese GDP in 2019, but it decreased to 7.8% by 2023
– Slow recovery is due to airspace issues and visa difficulties
– Top five international destinations for Chinese tourists in 2023 were Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia
– Domestic travel in China has outperformed 2019 levels
– Chengdu, Hangzhou, Changsha, and Nanjing are gaining popularity among travellers
– Key opinion leaders on Chinese social media platforms promote cultural experiences
– Cultural tourism favours smaller cities over major ones like Shanghai
– Domestic travellers increasingly seek cultural heritage, unique experiences, scenic beauty, and historical significance
– “Bleisure” travel is rising
– Younger travellers prioritise organic and local food choices and eco-friendly transport
– Sustainable practices are a priority for hotels and the hospitality sector
– Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have seen a strong recovery in travel and tourism
– Inbound travel to China is expected to increase with improved airlift capacity
– Improved entry requirements in various countries for Indian passport holders
– Anticipated increase in international events in China
– Optimism regarding the future of travel as concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic diminish
– China expected to overtake the United States as the biggest single travel and tourism economy within a decade
– In 10 years, travel and tourism in China projected to employ 105 million people and contribute over 14% to the economy
– Global travel and tourism economy expected to grow by about 5.6% annually
– Future of travel and tourism in China promising
– New trends and opportunities on the horizon
– Visa-free entry, cultural tourism, sustainability to be prioritised
– Increased airlift capacity and return of international events expected in coming years.
