Chinese visitor arrivals to the US reached 2.04 million, up 21.2% y-o-y, in the first 11 months of last year according to the US National Travel and Tourism Office. The outlook for this year is positive, with Chinese tourists to the US increasingly attracted to tailored tours, enrichment and specialty travel.
Chinese visitor arrivals to the US comprised 2% Of the 100 million strong horde of Chinese outbound last year, making China became the fastest growing overseas visitor market for the US.
The growth potential of the Chinese visitor market for the US tourism industry is enormous thanks to accessible pricing of US tour products and eased visa rules offering 10-year tourist visa validity since last November.
Chinese visitors’ travel preferences have also shifted significantly in recent years, with travelers opting for personalized itineraries offering more time to experience local sights and culture over budget tours covering a lot of destinations at a frantic pace.
Chinese travelers are also losing interest in the well-trodden tourist trails and are seeking unique experiences such as scenic helicopter flights around New York City, hunting and living on a ranch or entertaining family or guests in a private estate.
However, growing visitor numbers will put pressure on services like hotels and rental cars. The US service providers with the most resources will be in a position to win a bigger slice of the market. (Translation by David)
