Chinese tourism gold rush unabated

Although the development of the Chinese economy is slowing down, its outbound tourism is still growing undeterred. Given that more Chinese tourists are becoming affluent and are able to travel to farther countries, tourist destinations around the world are interested in attracting more Chinese tourists in 2016.

For Chinese citizens, the desire for travelling is firstly fueled by the enormous investment of the Chinese government on the domestics market. According to the state media in China, the investment on tourism has roughly reach USD 220 billion. This increase of investment is contradicting the general economic slowdown of the country. China Daily, one of the most important English newspapers in China, predicts that tourism investment will surpass USD 456 billion in the next three years, thus making it one of the most important economic sectors in the country.

In term of tourism developments in the future, foreign countries are also paying attention to the possible consequences of the economic development in China. Some are worried it will lead to the reduction of the number of Chinese tourists, but others are still optimistic. Professor Wolfgang Georg Arlt of COTRI China Outbound Tourism Research Institute wrote on his Forbes blog on Jan. 1 that China will possibly become the world’s fourth largest source market of international tourists in 2016, behind the UK, the United States and Germany. Furthermore, Chinese tourists are by far the biggest spenders worldwide.

One country that is now paying extra attention to Chinese tourists is Australia. It is now preparing to launch a new campaign in order to attract more young middle class tourists from China, who are willing to stay longer and visit more places.

Meanwhile, Canada wishes to apply the same strategy. Canada has abundant natural resources which also serve as fascinating tourists attractions. Therefore, the country hopes to make itself better known to Chinese middle class tourists, who are interested in exploring more about foreign countries. Despite the recent slowdown of the Chinese economy, the number of outbound tourists is still going to grow, which is a huge market for the Canadian tourism market.

Source: The Vancouver Sun

Photo: flickr