2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-12-26 08:21Core Insights - The implementation of visa facilitation policies in 2025 has significantly boosted China's inbound tourism market, with a 27.2% year-on-year increase in foreign visitors, totaling 40.6 million [1] - The influx of visa-free travelers has led to a substantial increase in consumer spending, with a 300% rise in related project bookings and a 50% increase in the number of foreign visitors entering China in the first three quarters of 2025 [1] - The combination of optimized departure tax refund policies and "buy and refund immediately" services has created a stimulating effect on consumption [1] Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - The number of foreign visitors benefiting from 240-hour visa-free transit has increased by 60.8%, with major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou seeing over 55% of inbound travelers enjoying this convenience [1] - By November 2025, over 12,000 departure tax refund stores were established, with a 285% increase in the number of foreign travelers processing refunds and nearly doubling the sales of tax refund products [1] Group 2: Structural Changes in the Industry - Three structural "watersheds" have emerged in the tourism market: a shift in inbound tourism sources, a change in the role of platforms, and the evolution of AI in demand creation [2][6] - The engine of inbound tourism has shifted from primarily Asian markets to a rapid increase in visitors from Europe and America, indicating a broader global appeal of Chinese tourism [6] - Platforms are evolving from mere sales channels to industry coordinators, utilizing technology to optimize operational efficiency across the tourism sector [6] Group 3: Service and Experience Enhancement - The dual flow of outbound and inbound tourism is enhancing service capabilities and quality standards, with a 15-point increase in user satisfaction for products adhering to new quality standards [5] - The industry is now required to provide immersive experiences rather than just selling tickets and accommodations, reflecting a shift in consumer expectations [4] Group 4: Addressing Industry Bottlenecks - The rapid growth in visitor numbers has outpaced the upgrade of the tourism supply chain, particularly affecting small hotels and local businesses that lack the tools to serve international tourists [8] - Initiatives are being implemented to empower local businesses, such as providing AI translation tools and optimizing transfer services at airports to enhance the overall travel experience [8] Group 5: Cultural and Product Innovation - The transformation of intangible cultural heritage into marketable experiences is crucial, with innovative product offerings like immersive dining experiences attracting global visitors [10] - A tourism innovation fund of 1 billion yuan has been established to reward successful cultural transformation cases, promoting the development of experiential and shareable cultural products [11] Group 6: Global Service Integration - The trend of "Chinese tourism services going global" reflects the natural process of capability overflow, enhancing the global experience for Chinese tourists and contributing to international tourism industry standards [11] - Chinese platforms are becoming co-builders of new global rules, promoting payment interoperability and service quality systems, which is essential for transitioning from a "tourism powerhouse" to a "service powerhouse" [11]