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外国游客奔向中国小城
21世纪经济报道·2025-08-22 00:24

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant recovery and growth of China's inbound tourism market, driven by factors such as the expansion of visa-free policies and the increasing interest of foreign tourists in exploring smaller cities beyond major urban centers [1][7][12]. Group 1: Market Recovery and Growth - Inbound tourism in Beijing has seen a remarkable resurgence, with a 48.8% year-on-year increase in the number of inbound tourists in the first half of 2025, totaling 2.467 million visitors [5]. - The total tourism expenditure reached $3.2 billion, marking a 51.3% increase compared to the previous year [5]. - The number of cities foreign tourists are booking flights to has increased to 144, with a notable rise in bookings for third-tier and lower cities [1][11]. Group 2: Changes in Tourist Demographics - The proportion of European tourists has significantly increased, with 80% of them being first-time visitors to China, indicating a shift from primarily American tourists to a more diverse international clientele [5][6]. - The implementation of visa-free policies for 54 countries has been a key factor in attracting more tourists, particularly from Europe [7][8]. Group 3: Tourism Trends and Preferences - There is a growing trend towards customized and small group tours, with a shift from traditional longer tours to shorter, personalized experiences [3][5]. - Tourists are increasingly interested in exploring lesser-known destinations, with significant growth in flight bookings to cities like Datong and Yiwu, which saw increases of 900% and 260% respectively [11][12]. Group 4: Economic Impact and Policy Initiatives - The inbound tourism sector is projected to contribute approximately 0.5% to China's GDP, with potential for growth as it aligns more closely with global averages of 1% to 3% [8]. - The Chinese government is actively promoting policies to enhance the inbound tourism experience, including the expansion of tax refund services and the introduction of new travel routes [7][8]. Group 5: Challenges and Industry Upgrades - Despite the recovery, challenges remain, particularly in adapting payment systems for foreign tourists, who often face difficulties with mobile payment methods [14][15]. - The industry is responding to these challenges with service upgrades, such as the introduction of an international card for transportation and entry to attractions in Beijing [15].