General Market Overview
China is rapidly becoming one of the most important outbound tourism markets in the world. According to the UN World Travel Organization (UNWTO), China is the fastest growing travel market in the world, and is estimated to reach 100 million international travelers by 2020. According to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), China’s outbound travelers reached 40.95 million in 2007, an 18.6% increase over the previous year. China will continue to be the largest travel market in Asia.
The United States is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Chinese travelers. In 2007, China ranked as the 16th largest international market for the United States, with 397,405 Chinese visitors to the U.S. Chinese visitors spent a record $2.56 billion in the U.S. in 2007, with average expenditure of over $6,000 per person.
On December 11, 2007, the U.S. and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate Chinese group leisure travel from China to the United States. U.S. destinations can now market themselves in China, and the agreement also provides the necessary framework to permit group leisure travel from China to the United States. This agreement complements the expansion of air services that the United States and China agreed to at the May Strategic Economic Dialogue.
Prior to this agreement, Chinese travel agencies could only organize and market leisure tour group packages to countries that have a bilateral agreement with China, often referred to as Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreements. As of January 2008, China granted ADS status to 134 countries and regions, and implemented the program in 91 countries (http://www.cnta.gov.cn/zhuanti/cjy/index.asp). The tourism MOU between China and the United States fulfills that function, and opens this market for U.S. companies. The U.S. travel and tourism industry will benefit from the tourism MOU. Chinese visitation is forecasted to reach 579,000 Chinese travelers to the U.S. by 2011, which will increase tourism related exports.
For more information about this agreement, please click here. Another important development in 2007 was the Chinese government’s announcement that China’s holiday schedule will be expanded in 2008. Previously, there were three week-long holiday periods for Chinese New Year, International Labor Day, and National Day. Beginning this year, there will be two week-long holiday periods and an additional 5 holidays.
Upcoming Events
CS Tourism Road Show/Trade
Promotion to Southwest China
Expanding Your Reach-U.S.
Commercial Service Tourism Road Show to South China
Ongoing Tourism Promotion and Policy Initiatives
Hot Topics
Commerce Secretary Locke Helps Clarify the Situation for Travelers Regarding H1N1 Flu in the US
Familiarization Trips to the U.S:
- CS China is working with U.S. and Chinese partners to send more media/tour agent familiarization trips to the United States. If you would like to work with us and/or would like more information, please contact Cao Yue or Lynn Jiao.
Customized Services for U.S. Travel and Tourism Organizations and Companies
In April 2009 CS China announced a new customizable service designed exclusively for American destination marketing organizations (DMOs), inbound tour operators and organizations. The “Platinum Key Service” or PKS allows clients to take advantage of longer term, sustained and customized U.S. Commercial Service assistance on a range of tourism events and services that clients can select from on a PKS menu. For more information on the Tourism PKS please click here or contact Lynn Jiao.
Tourist Visa Outreach and Programs
- In 2006, CS China began working with the State Department to explore measures to facilitate more efficient information flow from Chinese tour operators/U.S. industries to visa officers regarding tour groups. We welcome your feedback and your participation. Please contact Cao Yue or Lynn Jiao if you would like more information and/or would like to work with us.
Travel and Tourism Newsletter
China Tourism Industry Newsletter (April 2009)
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Information on U.S. – China Tourism Agreement
National Tour Association (NTA) China Inbound Program
