China is all set to replace the United States as the world’s third most popular tourism destination next year, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Fourth in the world ranking at present
Accounting for 5.8 percent of the global tourism market, a growth of 0.3 percent compared with two years ago, China currently ranks fourth, after France, Spain and the United States.
The Chinese traveler – an emerging segment
More and more Chinese are traveling, although at the moment 75% of Chinese travelers visit only Hong Kong and Macao due to credit card and visa issues.
A recent survey found the number one travel destination is France, followed by Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Europe is attractive due to shopping, scenery, its culture, dining and outdoor activities. Likewise, the Chinese find Europe to be modern, civilized and cultured.
Incoming tourists
The number of overseas travellers to China has increased from 10.5 million in 1996 to 49 million in 2006. The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai will further boost China’s tourism market.
