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24 Feb, 2016

Chinese outbound tourists expected to heat up world economy

Beijing, 22 February 2016, (People’s Daily Online) – Despite headwinds over the global economy, China’s outbound tourism is again showing excellent numbers as Chinese outbound tourists are expected to reach 5.7 to 6 million during this year’s Spring Festival holidays.

Chinese outbound tourism revenue might reach 90 billion yuan, as Chinese outbound visitors are spending more and more, with average expenses per trip reaching 15,000 yuan, according to the latest data provided by China Tourism Research Institute and Ctrip.com, one of the largest travel service websites in China.

Chinese tourists are expected to bring more growth momentum to the weak world economy.

During the seven-day Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, Chinese outbound tourists demonstrated strong spending power. (File Photo)

During the seven-day Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, Chinese outbound tourists demonstrated strong spending power. (File Photo)

During the seven-day Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, Chinese outbound tourists demonstrated strong spending power. Shopping has become the single largest outbound expenditure.

According to data provided by the Korea National Tourism Organization, the number of Chinese visitors to South Korea reached 15.7 million between Feb. 7 and Feb. 13. Sales jumped at three major department stores in South Korea: Lotte, Hyundai and Shinsegae.

Sales in supermarkets also soared, with 106.9 percent sales growth at the Lotte Mart Seoul Station store. Chinese tourists’ consumption grew from 60,000 won per capita in 2015 to over 80,000 won this year—an increase of 37.1 percent. Famous brand cosmetics and food have also become popular goods for Chinese tourists.

Based on statistics collected by major online travel agencies, the most popular destinations for Spring Festival travelers were Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the U.S., Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia.

Influenced by the Paris terrorist attacks last November, the number of Asian visitors to Lafayette France shopping mall decreased, but Chinese customers were still out in great force, queuing up to shop at luxury brand stores during the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays.

According to data provided by the Korea National Tourism Organization, the number of Chinese visitors to South Korea reached 15.7 million between Feb. 7 and Feb. 13. Sales jumped at three major department stores in South Korea: Lotte, Hyundai and Shinsegae. (File Photo)

According to data provided by the Korea National Tourism Organization, the number of Chinese visitors to South Korea reached 15.7 million between Feb. 7 and Feb. 13. Sales jumped at three major department stores in South Korea: Lotte, Hyundai and Shinsegae. (File Photo)