【财经观察】听外国嘉宾为中国“旅游+”建言献策

Core Insights - The global tourism industry is showing resilience and steady growth despite economic uncertainties, with China's inbound tourism market recovering significantly, highlighted by a 53.9% year-on-year increase in foreign visitors in the first half of 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Inbound Tourism Trends - In the first half of 2025, approximately 19.16 million foreign visitors entered China, with 13.64 million benefiting from visa-free entry [1]. - The expansion of China's visa-free policies since the second half of 2024 has increased foreign tourist interest, with many international guests expressing surprise at the rapid changes in China [2][3]. - Simplified visa processes are expected to boost inbound tourism, with estimates suggesting that visa facilitation can increase visitor numbers by 8% and visa-free policies by 16% [4]. Group 2: Economic Impact of Tourism - The global tourism sector is projected to contribute $10.9 trillion to global GDP in 2024, a 6% increase from 2019, with expectations of reaching $16 trillion by 2035 [5]. - The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth in international inbound tourist numbers, with a 33% increase expected in 2024 [5]. - China's outbound tourism is also growing steadily, with significant increases in visitors to countries like Italy, reflecting a rising interest in cultural experiences [6]. Group 3: Experience-Based Travel - There is a notable shift towards experience-based travel, with tourists increasingly seeking immersive experiences such as sports events and cultural activities [7][8]. - The "tourism+" economy is emerging as a growth highlight, integrating various sectors to enhance the travel experience and create memorable moments for tourists [7]. - Foreign guests are particularly interested in China's potential for sports-themed tourism, with specific interest in activities like table tennis courses [8].