China Is on Track to Become the World’s Largest Travel Economy, WTTC Says
New WTTC data shows China’s tourism sector reached $1.8 trillion in 2025, fueled by surging inbound demand, visa reforms, and infrastructure investment.
Photo: Rafik Wahba / Unsplash
China is positioning itself to become the world’s leading travel and tourism economy within the next decade, according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The organization’s latest Economic Impact Research, produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, found that China’s travel and tourism sector grew by just under 10% in 2025 to reach $1.8 trillion—more than double the global growth rate of 4.1%. If current trends continue, WTTC projects the sector could nearly double in size again by 2036, reaching $3.5 trillion.
China’s resurgence has been driven in large part by a sharp rebound in international visitation. The country welcomed more than 68 million international arrivals in 2025 (a 15.5% year-over-year increase), and inbound visitor spending climbed 10.5% to $135 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to WTTC, China recorded 9 million additional international arrivals in 2024, the largest increase of any country globally.
The government’s expansion of visa-free entry policies has been a major catalyst in the growth. More than 50 countries now benefit from streamlined access, including visa-free stays of up to 30 days and extended transit programs. WTTC reports that arrivals from visa-exempt markets have increased fivefold since 2020.
Infrastructure investments are also playing a key role. China continues to expand air connectivity and high-speed rail networks, improving access not only to major gateways but also to secondary destinations. At the same time, the country is investing heavily in new tourism districts, cultural attractions, and theme parks to broaden its appeal to international travelers.
Of course, the findings also reinforce China’s growing importance on both the inbound and outbound sides of the market. WTTC forecasts outbound travel spending will increase 22.5% in 2026 to nearly $280 billion, letting China to reclaim its position as the world’s largest outbound travel market, surpassing the United States. The country also ranks second globally for business travel spending, with $192 billion in annual volume.
Looking ahead, WTTC expects China’s travel and tourism sector to grow another 5.3% in 2026 and support more than 103 million jobs by 2036. By that point, the country is projected to account for one in every five new tourism jobs created worldwide.
