- China is projected to surpass the United States as the world's largest outbound travel market, according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
- The country welcomed over 68 million international visitors in 2025, marking a 15.5 percent year-on-year increase, with international visitor spending reaching $135 billion, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
- This growth is attributed to progressive policy reforms, including expanded visa-free stays for over 50 countries, significant investment in air and rail infrastructure, and the implementation of biometric systems at entry points.
- China's travel and tourism spending is forecast to surge by 22.5 percent to nearly $280 billion in 2026, and it currently ranks second globally in business travel spending at $192 billion.
- The WTTC report also predicts that China will generate one in five new global tourism jobs by 2036, with the sector expected to nearly double in size to $3.5 trillion over the next decade.
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