China Set to Achieve Record ¥13,7TN in Travel and Tourism Sector in 2025

International

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has projected that China's Travel & Tourism sector will reach a record ¥13.7 trillion this year, marking a 10.3% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

This growth will support more than 83 million jobs, with an additional 1.3 million created this year alone.

Despite being nearly 1 million jobs short of pre-pandemic figures, the sector is rapidly closing the gap. International visitor spending is expected to rise by ¥33 billion (13% above 2019), while domestic spending is forecast to increase by ¥1.1 trillion, reaching ¥7 trillion.

Looking Back on 2024

In 2024, China’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly ¥12 trillion to the economy, a 23% rise from the previous year, and supported over 82 million jobs. International visitor spending surged to ¥1 trillion, a 66% increase from the previous year and nearly 10% above 2019 levels. Domestic tourism dominated, accounting for over 85% of all tourism spending, reaching ¥5.9 trillion.

Future Growth and Global Ambitions

By 2035, the WTTC forecasts that the sector will contribute over ¥27 trillion to the economy (14% of GDP) and support more than 100 million jobs, adding nearly 20 million new roles. Domestic visitor spending is projected to approach ¥14 trillion, while international spending could rise to ¥1.5 trillion.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, stated: "China’s Travel & Tourism sector is making a strong comeback. Recent strategic moves, like refund-upon-purchase for international visitors and expanded visa-free access, demonstrate a commitment to strengthening global connectivity and competitiveness."

China's continued investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainable tourism positions it as a leader in the future of global Travel & Tourism.