Chinese outbound tourism is on the rebound following the pandemic, with experts predicting a full recovery by 2025. Research by Dragon Trail International forecasts that Chinese travel will reach 80% of pre-pandemic levels by the year’s end. During the recent Chinese New Year, there were 3.6 million outbound trips, accounting for 57% of the 2019 figures.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a favored destination for Chinese tourists, thanks to its visa-free policy and excellent flight connections. Celebrity endorsements, such as Chinese actress Liu Yifei’s role as tourism ambassador for Abu Dhabi, have further fueled interest, with promotional content garnering millions of views online.
Furthermore, Chinese travelers are exploring visa-relaxed countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, contributing to a surge in international visits during peak holiday periods like the Chinese New Year. This growth in outbound tourism signals a positive trend for the travel industry, particularly in the Middle East, which is experiencing an uptick in Chinese tourist arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
China outbound tourism, Visa-free travel, Middle East tourism, Tourism rebound, China travel trends