The 2025 ITB Shanghai International Travel Fair kicked off on May 27, marking an exciting new chapter for the Chinese mainland's tourism sector. This three-day event brought together over 700 exhibitors from 85 countries, with European participants increasing their space by 35%, South American exhibitors surging by 99%, and Asian representation growing by 47%. First-time exhibitors from Colombia and Mexico City, along with representatives from Belt and Road Initiative countries, underline the rising global interest in the region.
The revival of inbound tourism is equally impressive. In 2024, the Chinese mainland welcomed 131.9 million tourists—a 61% year-on-year increase—with 26.94 million foreign visitors spending a total of $94.2 billion. The online buzz around "China travel" and dramatic increases in ticket sales for cultural festivities like lantern shows highlight the country's rich heritage and modern allure. ✨
Driving this boom are innovative policies: enhanced visa facilitation, offering visa-free entry to travelers from 43 countries and a 240-hour transit visa for visitors from 54 nations, has greatly smoothed travel logistics. Meanwhile, digital payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, alongside an instant tax refund system lowering the threshold to 200 RMB, are boosting convenience and visitor spending.
At ITB China 2025, smart networking tools like the "Match & Meet" system are connecting international buyers with domestic suppliers, supported by forums, whitepapers, and roundtable discussions on topics like cruise travel. These initiatives are transforming discussions into real business opportunities, further strengthening the Chinese mainland's strategic role in global tourism.
As consumer spending rises and cultural tourism continues to flourish, the Chinese mainland is set to leave an even stronger mark on the global stage, bridging cultures and inspiring travel innovations around the world. 🌍
Reference(s):
ITB China 2025 signals China's rising global tourism influence
cgtn.com
