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EconomyChina Economy

China targets 190 million inbound travellers, more global influence in 2030 plan

Inbound tourism has grown since late 2023, when China began expanding its visa-free entry scheme to cover an additional 50 countries

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Tourists from Spain seen on the Bund in Shanghai, Dec. 4, 2024. Photo: Xinhua
Ralph Jennings

China aims to attract 190 million international visitors by 2030 – generating US$150 billion in spending – under a new five-year tourism plan that also seeks to increase Beijing’s influence over global industry rules.

The State Council on Tuesday announced its 15th five-year plan for the fast-growing tourism industry, which included an annual target of 8.3 billion domestic trips worth 7.7 trillion yuan (US$1.13 trillion) by the end of the 2026-2030 period.

Tourism would further play a part in “showcasing China’s image” while continuing to improve its “ability and influence in participating in the formulation of international rules”, according to the plan.

Inbound tourism has grown since late 2023, when China began expanding its visa-free entry scheme to cover an additional 50 countries. Their spending helps support a domestic economy that has been soft since the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 154 million inbound visitors, including those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, arrived in mainland China last year, a 17.1 per cent increase over 2024, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

A foreign tourist poses near a monorail as it passes through a residential building in Chongqing, southwest China, April 23, 2026. Photo: Xinhua
A foreign tourist poses near a monorail as it passes through a residential building in Chongqing, southwest China, April 23, 2026. Photo: Xinhua

“The inbound angle is especially important,” said Subramania Bhatt, CEO of the marketing and technology firm China Trading Desk.

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