China’s economy is weakening. Unemployment and inflation rates have risen, but tourism – particularly domestic – remains remarkably unaffected by the slowdown. International tourist arrivals dipped following the recession of 2007-09, but they quickly recovered. Foreign tourists accounted for 57.6 million arrivals in 2011, making China the third most popular destination in the world (behind the US and France), according to the UNWTO.

In 2011, international tourism revenues totalled US$48.47 billion – up from US$37.23 billion in 2007. Revenues from domestic tourism have also shown a healthy increase. In 2011, well over 2 billion Chinese opted for a holiday at home, contributing a sizeable US$412.81 billion to government coffers – almost US$100 billion more than in 2007.

There are several reasons for the growth of both domestic and international tourism – increased airlift between China and the rest of the world, a growing list of countries that have been granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) status and an easing of visa requirements for overseas visitors. Moreover, the Chinese are enjoying a higher standard of living than even a decade ago, with more leisure time to spend their hard-earned money.