China Poised to Become World's Leading Tourism Economy by 2026
China is on track to become the world's largest tourism economy, with a record 68 million international visitors in 2025. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, international visitor spending in China rose by 10.5% to USD 135 billion, with arrivals growing 15.5% year-on-year. The country's tourism sector expanded by 9.9% in 2025, driven by policy reforms such as expanded visa-free access and investments in biometric entry systems and digital payment infrastructure. These developments have positioned China as a leading destination, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming years. 
