Beijing is set to become the largest travel and tourism city destination on the planet within the next 10 years – overtaking Paris, in the process – according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The forecast – on the back of research carried out in conjunction with Oxford Economics – is based on employment, traveller spend and contribution to GDP, as well as other key indicators.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said: “China has long been a world-favourite holiday destination and after more than two years of disruption, it’s great to see tourists heading back. Tourists provide a massive boost to both the economy and job creation.
“It is crucial that the national and local governments continue to recognise the importance of Travel & Tourism for the local and national economies, jobs and businesses.”
While now reopen, China was one of the very last to drop its Covid travel restrictions – something which dented the local economies of main cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai.