For the past decade or so, Chinese tourists have been the biggest spenders when they travel overseas. Their spending was only momentarily halted during the pandemic due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. Once they were able to fully venture abroad again, they return to claim the top spot.
Based on reports, in 2023 Chinese tourists spent over US$195bil (RM917bil) on international travel. The figure is 23% higher than the spending by American tourists, who placed second on the global list, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Interestingly, according to data, six out of 10 Chinese tourists last year were women.
Based on this finding, global marketing agency FINN Partners, together with the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific, presented an industry report entitled China’s Women In Charge recently. “Debunking the stereotypical image of affluent Chinese females shopping at designer boutiques or dining out with their multi-generational family when travelling, our study reveals affluent Chinese women have a newfound sense of empowerment,” Joshua Wang, associate vice president of Brand & Market Intelligence of FINN Partners, said in a press statement. “Where travel was once a form of conspicuous consumption, it is now a sign of independence.
” The report, which highlighted how Chinese women’s perspective on travel is changing and how they are redefining luxury travel, was presented at the ILTM Asia Pacific opening forum as part of t.