China pushes tourism to boost spending as domestic trips rise
China is encouraging both foreign and domestic tourism to stimulate consumer spending, with officials projecting tourism to become a larger share of GDP by 2030.
Chinese authorities are promoting tourism as a way to offset slower economic growth, encouraging citizens to spend on short trips such as a recent three-day visit by teacher Kuo Ťie-chuej and her son in Kuang-si province. Analysts at Morgan Stanley expect tourism’s contribution to GDP to climb to 6.7% by 2030, up from 4.8% this year, which could lift tourism revenue to about $1.8 trillion. Visa-free policies have increased foreign visitor numbers, while domestic travel rose by more than five percent in the first half of 2026, though average spending grew only two percent to roughly $478 billion.
Travelers favor inexpensive photo-taking activities at scenic sites like the Fuli bridge, while luxury resorts see higher prices and longer stays by foreign guests. The overall strategy aims to generate export-like revenue from tourist spending that is less politically sensitive than industrial exports.
Why it matters
Tourism growth could become a key driver of China's economy and consumer spending.
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