China Outbound Tourism in 2012

In 2012, China’s outbound tourism market continued to grow and the country became the world’s largest outbound tourism market, surpassing Germany and America.

In 2012, 83,182,700 Chinese nationals traveled abroad, up 18.41 percent 2011 and the total outbound tourism market reached 102 billion USD. The trade deficit in the tourism sector widened, reaching 51.9 billion USD. The increasing outbound consumption contributed to the destinations’ tourism development, economic growth, and job creation. At the same time, foreign visa availability greatly improved, and the Chinese language gained greater exposure.

58.9% of the outbound tourists went abroad for the first time, down 4.66 percent on 2011, while the percent of multiple-exit travelers increased. The rapid growth of new destinations leveled off. In 2012, new outbound tourism destinations increased by three, reaching 114. The increasing multiple-exit tourists and steady growing of travel destinations drew more attention to deep discovery and exploration in the destinations.

The number of travelers spending over 5000 CNY reduced dramatically, indicating that outbound tourism became more popular among a wider population, and people became more discerning in their travel and shopping choices.

Travel needs became more diverse. Travel purposes included sightseeing, business trips, and holiday tours. Travelers were not only joining large tour groups, but also organizing small family groups and private tours.

 In 2012, travel agencies helped 28,305,700 people travel abroad, up 39.99% on the previous year. Their total income from outbound tourism was 93.606 billion CNY, up 40.11 percent on 2011, contributing 30.13% of the total tourism income of travel agencies. The outbound tourism profits of travel agencies were 4.467 billion CNY, up 24.25% on 2011, accounting for 30.13% of the total tourism profit by travel agencies.
 In 2013, China’s outbound tourism will still grow quickly. It is predicted that outbound tourists will increase to 94,300,000 in 2013, up 15% on 2012; the outbound consumption will reach 117.6 billion USD; as the inbound tourism growth slows down, the trade deficit will be larger, reaching 68.3 billion USD. 
 

Data Source: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of People's Republic of China

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