China: 2009 Chinese Outbound departures expected to reach 50 Million
Despite the global financial crisis, Chinese outbound departures are expected to reach 50 million in 2009, up over 9% from last year.
Chinese tourists made a staggering 45.8 million outbound trips last year, up 11.94 percent from 2007, as the appreciation of the yuan against other currencies raised their purchasing power.
At the 5th COTTM 2009, (China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market), a number of exhibitors shared their views on the Chinese outbound market.
“The business prospects of the Chinese market compared to other markets is very good. We need to continue these two types of travel marts to continue to educate the travel agents about the various destinations that their customers can experience,” said a representative from the Guam Visitors Bureau.
“With the fast growing economy of China, prospects are there for more Chinese people to travel overseas as they will have a lot of disposable income,” said a spokesperson from Tanzania National Parks.
A tourism in Italy exhibitor said, “It is no doubt that China is the biggest increasing market in the global area and it will recover fast from the financial crisis”.
“The growing trend shows China will be the biggest outbound market in the near future,” said a representative from Tourism Western Australia.
(etravelblackboardasia.com)