China will become the world's largest travel and tourism market.

“China is finally opening up again and we are seeing that full recovery,” said Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC.

Noting that before the pandemic, tourism accounted for 10% of the global economy and one in 10 global jobs, Julia said: “By the end of 2023, tourism will have almost returned to the $10 trillion it generated globally.”

Passengers pass through a ticket gate at Shenzhen North Railway Station in Shenzhen, September 28, 2023. (Photo: Xinhua)

International tourism has continued to recover from the worst crisis in history, with international arrivals reaching 84% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2023, according to data released by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) this week.

Optimization and adjustment of COVID-19 response measures in China, as well as other reopened Asian markets and destinations, are expected to continue to boost tourism both within the region and elsewhere in the world, UNWTO said.

Commenting on the outlook for China’s tourism and travel, Ms Simpson added: “China is a significant market worth $1.8 trillion. Despite the losses during the pandemic, China has reopened and Chinese people are back to international travel. At the same time, tourists from all over the world who have returned to China are also starting to visit China.”

“We expect that within the next 3 to 5 years, China will become the largest travel and tourism market in the world…”, said the Chairman and CEO of WTTC.

WTTC was founded in 1990 and is a non-profit organization based in London (UK). WTTC members are CEOs, presidents and chairmen of private travel and tourism businesses around the world.

(Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

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