China's travel and tourism industry is set to dominate the global stage in the coming decade, according to a recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The report predicts that China will overtake the United States as the world's leading destination for travel and tourism investment, with a projected investment of $402 billion by 2036. This surge in investment is fueled by a combination of factors, including a growing number of international travelers, a strong policy support system, and a comprehensive long-term plan that prioritizes the industry. The WTTC's forecast indicates that China's tourism sector will contribute 3.7 percent to the country's total national investment by 2036, up from 2.3 percent in 2025. This significant growth is attributed to China's rich cultural heritage, excellent infrastructure, and ease of movement within the country, which are all factors that Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO, believes will drive a significant increase in international travelers. The report also highlights the strong performance of the travel and tourism sector, which outperformed the wider global economy in 2025, contributing a record $11.6 trillion to world GDP. China's 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans have set ambitious goals for the industry, aiming to become a world tourism powerhouse by 2035 and develop high-grade tourism products and services. The country's investments in airports, high-speed rail stations, and infrastructure, along with its comprehensive long-term planning, are key to unlocking its full potential in travel and tourism. In 2025, international overnight arrivals reached a record 1.54 billion, with China, France, and Japan accounting for nearly 30 percent of the total increase. The WTTC predicts that China's tourism industry will expand by 5.3 percent in 2026 and grow at an average annual rate of 6.5 percent over the next decade, with the sector expected to nearly double in size to $3.5 trillion by 2036. This growth trajectory is a testament to China's commitment to the travel and tourism industry and its potential to become a global leader in the sector.
