In early this month, the World Tourism Economic Trends Report (2018) was unveiled at the 2017 World Tourism Trade Fair in London. The report highlighted that the global tourism economy is expected to grow rapidly and significantly in 2018. It's anticipated that China, currently leading in both the number of tourists and total tourism revenue, will continue its strong development trajectory and play a key role in shaping the future of global tourism. Roger Carter, an expert in international tourism destination management, noted that Chinese tourists have undergone significant changes in both quantity and characteristics.
For China’s tourism sector, new trends are emerging. Once considered a minor activity, travel has now become a major event that impacts the well-being of the general population and is increasingly reflected in national policies. In 2018, with government support, China’s tourism industry is entering a new era, showing a fresh outlook. The newspaper analyzed three major trends in China’s tourism for 2018, focusing on market dynamics, industry evolution, and societal impact.
Shared tourism is gaining momentum. Imagine waking up early to share breakfast with your host, engaging in casual conversations, enjoying local meals, strolling through community parks, and exploring streets that locals love. This kind of immersive experience is becoming increasingly popular, giving rise to numerous shared accommodation platforms.
Short-term rentals, as part of the sharing economy, are experiencing rapid growth in China. Data shows that the online short-term rental market reached 8.78 billion yuan in 2016, more than doubling from the previous year. However, challenges such as security, privacy, and regulation have accompanied this growth, with occasional negative news reports. Chen Chi, founder of a short-rent platform, pointed out that China’s unique cultural traditions and credit system are still not fully equipped to regulate this industry effectively.
In 2015, the State Council issued guidelines promoting the development of living service industries, including short-term and long-term rental formats. This marked a step toward legitimizing short-term rentals at the national level. Industry experts believe that these challenges will drive the development of clearer regulations and standards, similar to how online shopping and shared bicycles evolved. As a model that enhances resource efficiency and builds social trust, short-term rentals remain popular. By the end of 2016, Airbnb had around 75,000 listings in China. In November 2017, Airbnb announced plans to invest more in China and accelerate localization efforts. With a projected transaction size of 16.96 billion yuan in 2018, the market is set for continued growth.
Technology is opening new doors for tourism. A recent survey by Bingo found that advancements in AI and digital technology are empowering travelers to access comprehensive travel information. More tourists are using VR (Virtual Reality) to explore destinations before booking accommodations. Over 80% of travelers expect to use VR for decision-making in the future. Companies like Song City, Shanghai Disneyland, and OCT are integrating VR/AR (Augmented Reality) to offer immersive experiences. The Montreal "Quelight Forest" project is a successful example, boosting visitor numbers from 6,000 to 72,000. In China, similar applications at Shanghai Disneyland and OCT Happy Valley have enhanced attraction appeal. Fei Zhenxuan, head of the Shanghai Tourism Industry Association, believes AR/VR is just beginning to make an impact and has a bright future in the industry.
According to International Data Corporation, AI could boost global tourism revenue by over $47 billion by 2020. Travel companies that understand customer behavior will have significant opportunities.
More foreign tourists are visiting China. A survey by the China Academy of Tourism revealed that most inbound tourists are first-time visitors. Li Xin, an associate researcher at the China Tourism Institute, noted that nearly 80% of foreign tourists visited China for the first time, highlighting the country's untapped potential. To attract more visitors, promotional efforts are expanding beyond traditional destinations like Beijing and Shanghai to introduce lesser-known cities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other organizations, launched campaigns to promote China as a top travel destination.
China’s rich tourism resources, combined with a secure environment, make it an attractive destination. According to the 2018 World Travel Risk Map, China is rated as a low-risk country. Foreigners often express confidence in China’s safety, with many reporting that they feel safe exploring cities like Shanghai at night. Documentaries and personal stories from foreigners further reinforce China’s reputation as a secure and welcoming place. Safety remains a key factor in travel decisions, and China’s high security level significantly boosts the goodwill of foreign tourists.
Dongguan Pinji Electronic Technology Limited , https://www.iquaxusb4cable.com