Destinations in Asia that have sorely missed the economic impact of
travellers from China during the country’s Covid-enforced shutdown might
have to wait a little longer to see the full benefits of China’s 8
January reopening.
Insights from market research provider, Euromonitor International,
indicate that the reimposition of inbound Covid-health checks by some
countries will hold back outbound travel from China until later in the
year.
China took the leading position in most Asian countries as a source
market in 2019; top in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand
and Vietnam, second in Philippines and Singapore, according to
Euromonitor’s Top 100 City Destination Index 2022.
Those travellers loved to spend. The value of Chinese outbound
tourism spending on shopping in 2019 was US$54.7 billion, a figure which
will be tested once Chinese travel picks up full speed.
Alex Jarman, travel consultant, Euromonitor International, said
China’s neighbours in Asia will see the most immediate impact from
China’s removal of travel quarantine requirements.
“As China joins other countries in reopening its border, Asia will be
the first region to watch in 2023 for international travel as Chinese
tourists return.
“Many countries globally, however, have added new testing
requirements for Chinese travellers due to the country’s surge in COVID
infections. That surge may hinder growth this winter but expect to see
strong growth of outbound travel beginning spring 2023.”
Jarman said Europe may have to wait longer for the return of Chinese travellers.
“However, Chinese travellers’ appetite for shopping remains as strong
as ever, a welcome sign for Europe’s luxury retailers,” he added.