Chinese travellers set to spend US$375bn by 2022

Outbound expenditure of Chinese travellers is set to increase from US$244bn in 2018 to US$375bn by 2022, at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, Tourism source market: China – Analysis of tourist profiles & flows, spending patterns, current and potential destination markets and the risks and opportunities reveals that despite domestic tourism nearly tripling the expenditure for 2022, China remains the world’s largest outbound source market.

Johanna Bonhill-Smith, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, said: “Due to rising numbers of the affluent middle class, higher disposable incomes and decreases in unemployment, outbound expenditure is set for rapid growth within the next few years, with a high CAGR of 12.6% for 2020 to 2022. For 2019 alone there will be an increase of 9.7%, generating US$268bn.”

Overnight stays for Chinese travellers are forecast a slowdown in growth over the next five years, and yet tourists will be venturing internationally more frequently. Outbound trips will increase due to improved air services and connectivity, visa policy adjustments and the continual development of new and upcoming destinations. Thus, outbound trips and expenditure mirror growth for the years 2018 to 2022.

Despite retail still towering over, travellers are becoming more interest-driven, searching for authentic experiences, reflecting a boost in entertainment and sightseeing expenditure.

“As younger generations look for forms of experiential travel, specialising in a particular form of tourism such as gastro, eco and cultural, they are willing to spend more on different types of experiences,” added Bonhill-Smith.

“Targeting different market segments within these particular forms of tourism enables DMO’s and local authorities to attract a wider berth of Chinese travellers, yet reduces the risk of overcrowding and potential degradation of resources.”