Vietnam Follows South Korea as Global Visitors Boost China’s Tourism Powerhouse Into a Trillion-Dollar Economy

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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September 8, 2026 08:33 GMT+5:30

Vietnam follows South Korea as global visitors fuel China’s trillion-dollar tourism rise. The tourism and leisure industry in China is being transformed into an economic powerhouse as growing international arrivals and an expanding number of visa-free countries fuel the country’s trillion-dollar tourism economy. Global markets, including South Korea, Vietnam and other Asian destinations, are helping recover inbound travel, while domestic tourism continues to be the engine for long-term economic growth.

The tourism sector is increasingly being positioned as a major pillar of China’s economic strategy. As traditional growth drivers face pressure, travel spending is being encouraged as a way to strengthen consumption, support local economies and increase international engagement.

China’s tourism industry rises as a trillion-dollar economic powerhouse

China’s travel economy has entered a new phase, with tourism becoming one of the country’s most important service-sector growth opportunities. The sector generated approximately $1 trillion in tourism revenue in 2025, highlighting the enormous economic importance of travel, hospitality, transportation and visitor spending.

The expansion of tourism is being driven by a combination of domestic mobility, international visitor recovery and increased investment in high-value travel experiences. Tourism is no longer being viewed only as a leisure activity but as a strategic industry capable of supporting employment, regional development and consumer spending.

The future expansion of China’s tourism economy is expected to be supported by higher-value travel, longer visitor stays and increased spending from international travellers.

South Korea and Vietnam strengthen China’s inbound tourism recovery

International visitors are playing an increasingly important role in China’s tourism revival. Among the key regional markets, South Korea and Vietnam are emerging as important contributors because of their geographical proximity, strong air connectivity and growing interest in Chinese destinations.

South Korean travellers remain one of the most important visitor groups for China due to close economic ties, cultural links and frequent short-haul travel demand. Vietnam has also become a significant regional market, supported by expanding travel connections and growing demand for cross-border tourism.

The return of these international markets is supporting China’s ambition to rebuild inbound tourism after years of reduced global mobility. International arrivals are increasing as entry procedures become easier and more travellers seek cultural, historical and modern experiences across China.

Visa-free access opens China to more global travellers

A major factor supporting China’s tourism growth has been the expansion of visa-free entry policies. Easier access has encouraged more international travellers to consider China for leisure, business and cultural trips.

Nearly 23 million foreign visitors entered China during the first half of 2026, representing significant growth compared with the previous year. More than three-quarters of these visitors entered through visa-free arrangements, showing the impact of simplified travel policies.

The strategy has been designed not only to increase visitor numbers but also to strengthen international engagement. By attracting more foreign travellers, China is aiming to showcase its cultural heritage, modern cities and tourism infrastructure.

Key destinations benefiting from rising international interest include:

Domestic travellers remain the backbone of China’s tourism boom

Although international tourism is attracting attention, domestic travel continues to represent the largest part of China’s tourism economy.

Millions of Chinese residents are travelling within the country, supporting hotels, airlines, rail networks, restaurants and attractions. Nearly 3.5 billion domestic trips were recorded in the first half of 2026, demonstrating the scale of internal tourism demand.

However, spending growth has remained more cautious. Domestic tourism expenditure increased by around 2% year-on-year, indicating that travellers are still managing budgets carefully despite continuing to travel.

This trend has encouraged tourism businesses to focus on affordable experiences while also developing premium products aimed at higher-spending visitors.

Luxury tourism becomes the next growth opportunity

China’s tourism strategy is increasingly shifting from visitor volume towards visitor value. Premium tourism experiences are being expanded to attract travellers who stay longer and spend more.

Luxury resorts, cultural journeys, wellness retreats and exclusive travel experiences are becoming important parts of China’s tourism development plans.

International visitors are particularly valuable because they often generate higher spending across multiple sectors, including:

• Hotels and resorts
• Restaurants
• Retail shopping
• Transportation
• Entertainment
• Cultural attractions

The development of premium tourism is expected to help China increase tourism revenue without depending only on higher visitor numbers.

Tourism supports China’s economic transformation

The rise of tourism comes at a time when China is attempting to strengthen domestic consumption and reduce dependence on traditional economic drivers.

Tourism supports a wide range of industries, creating economic benefits beyond hotels and attractions. Aviation, railways, restaurants, retail businesses and local communities all benefit from increased visitor movement.

The tourism sector is therefore being developed as a broad economic ecosystem rather than a single industry.

China’s challenge is increasing tourist spending

Despite strong visitor numbers, China faces a major challenge: increasing average tourist expenditure.

Many travellers continue to spend cautiously compared with visitors in some competing global destinations. The next stage of growth will depend on encouraging longer stays, premium experiences and higher-value travel.

China’s tourism future will rely on attracting travellers who are willing to spend more on:

• Luxury accommodation
• Unique cultural experiences
• Regional exploration
• Specialised tourism products
• Long-duration holidays

Global visitors strengthen China’s tourism future

China’s journey towards becoming a tourism powerhouse is being supported by both domestic demand and international visitor growth. Markets such as South Korea and Vietnam are strengthening regional tourism connections, while wider global markets are helping rebuild inbound travel.

The country’s trillion-dollar tourism economy represents a major shift in how travel contributes to economic growth. With expanding access, improved infrastructure and a growing focus on premium experiences, China’s tourism sector is positioned as one of the most influential travel markets in the world.

Vietnam comes after South Korea as the global tourist boom makes China’s trillion-dollar tourism industry grow by the influx of overseas visitors, eased access and the rise of domestic demand. Increased international visitors and premium travel options are transforming China’s tourism into an economic growth pillar.

With international tourists flocking back to China, the transformation of the tourism sector will lead to new opportunities for airlines, accommodation, destinations and international business in general. The next stage will be to turn this influx of visitors into greater spending, extended stays and increased global tourism engagement.