Growth in Chinese tourists slows, says UnionPay
CHINA’S OUTBOUND tourism has entered a period of “rational increase” - slowing down - but will continue mounting steadily in the next five to 10 years, according to UnionPay International.
Thailand and Japan became popular destinations, while UnionPay cards are providing payment support for Chinese people’s travel abroad, the company said in its “Annual Report on China’s Outbound Tourism” co-authored by the China Tourism Academy.
Chinese outbound tourists increased 9.8 per cent to 117 million last year, which is much lower than the 20-per-cent annual growth seen in previous years.
The growth rate is expected to accelerate to 11.5 per cent this year, reaching 133 million.
Better visa policies and easier payment are two major factors promoting outbound tourism.
UnionPay cards are accepted at 35 million merchants and more than 2 million ATMs in 160 countries and regions.
Most tourists chose short-haul destinations last year, with over 70 per cent of tourists travelling to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
Outside China, the top 10 are Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the US, Singapore, Russia, Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Thailand and Japan saw an 88-per-cent increase in Chinese tourists. In the future, Eastern Europe, South America and Central Asia are expected to gain popularity.
Almost all ATMs and about 90 per cent of merchants in Thailand, over half of ATMs and about 500,000 merchants in Japan, almost all ATMs and more than 80 per cent of merchants in the US and all ATMs and over 80 per cent of merchants in Singapore accept UnionPay cards.
Spending by Chinese outbound tourists jumped 16.6 per cent to US$1.04 trillion (Bt36 trillion) last year. Spending per capita showed a slower increase to $893.
