The World
Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recognized the Chinese government’s ongoing
efforts to facilitate international travel, highlighting the impact of
visa-free policies, transit visa initiatives, and broader measures to create a
seamless travel journey for visitors.
At the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) in Harbin, China
where global leaders and industry experts examined the future direction of
Travel & Tourism and China’s increasingly central role, these developments formed
a core part of discussions.
During the keynote speech on Global Trends and China Outlook,
WTTC Interim President and CEO, Gloria Guevara said, “China’s Travel &
Tourism sector continues to gain strength. Travelers come for the heritage, the
energy of the cities, the landscapes, and the caliber of the country’s
infrastructure. China offers a breadth of experiences that appeals to visitors
from all over the world.”
Guevara also highlighted the strength of the sector in 2025,
noting that Travel & Tourism now contributes $1.9 trillion to China’s
economy with an annual growth rate of 15.8 percent, double the global growth
rate. “The government’s
policies are creating real momentum, giving businesses the confidence to
invest and travelers the freedom to explore,” she added.
Highlights of China’s 2025 initiatives include:
- Inbound visitor spending projected to reach
$144.1 billion while domestic spending is expected to total nearly $968
billion.
- The number of jobs supported by the sector expected
to reach 83.4 million in 2025, marking a new level for employment impact.
- Inbound visits from newly visa-free countries expected
to reach 15 million by the end of 2026, with visitors spending $1,000 more than
the average international traveler.
Future forecasts include:
- China’s Travel & Tourism sector forecast to
grow seven percent annually over the next decade, reaching a GDP contribution
of $3.8 trillion by 2035, equivalent to almost 14 percent of the Chinese
economy.
- By 2031, China is expected to become the world’s
largest travel and tourism market, passing the U.S.
- The sector is projected to support 103 million jobs by
2035, with one in five new jobs in global Travel & Tourism located in
China.
GTEF also showcased Harbin’s evolution as a destination that
has built a compelling winter tourism proposition. In winter 2024, the city
welcomed 90 million visitors and recorded almost 17 percent growth in tourism
spending, reaching $19 billion.
Guevara said, “China’s continued leadership presents major
opportunities for destinations across the country. Places like Harbin show how
natural strengths can be developed into world-class visitor experiences.”
She added, “WTTC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with the GTEF to strengthen collaboration through the platform and support
connections between China and the global travel and tourism sector. WTTC will
continue to work with partners across China to support long-term, sustainable
growth in Travel & Tourism.”
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