The restructuring of the global tourism landscape is accelerating. According to the latest industry analysis, as inbound passenger flow decreases, the leading position of the U.S. tourism industry is being challenged. Relying on high growth potential, however, China is expected to replace the U.S. as the world's largest tourism economy by the end of this decade. Data indicates that China's tourism industry expanded by 9.9% last year, a growth rate more than double the global average, whereas the U.S. grew by only 0.9% during the same period. This contrast reflects a shift in consumption patterns. Spending by foreign tourists visiting China rose by over 10%, while total consumption by travelers heading to the U.S. declined by nearly 5%.

Officials from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) noted that amidst a contracting U.S. market, China is on a rapid upward trajectory. If current growth rates are sustained, China will narrow the volume gap with the U.S. within the next three to four years and achieve overtaking within a decade. As an established tourism destination, the U.S. has witnessed a marked decline in international visitors in recent years due to policy tightening and geopolitical tensions. Trade data reveals that foreign visits to the U.S. fell to approximately 68 million last year, a 5.5% drop, representing 86% of pre-pandemic levels. Notably, while Canada remains a key source market, visitor numbers plummeted by over 20%, linked to repercussions from tariffs and diplomatic remarks. While events may offer short-term boosts, conflict risks could constrain the overall recovery pace.

Regarding economic contribution, U.S. tourism generated $2.6 trillion in GDP last year compared to China's $1.8 trillion, a difference of roughly $800 billion, though the growth differential is rapidly narrowing this gap. Regionally, the Asia-Pacific region acted as the growth engine, with tourism GDP rising 8.1% to reach $3.29 trillion, while North America recorded only 1.0% growth. China's specific figures are equally noteworthy. In 2025, it hosted 154.5 million inbound tourists, with overseas consumption reaching $131.1 billion, a year-on-year surge of 39.2%. As visa-free access expands to 48 countries and discussions regarding travel in China continue to trend on overseas social media, market interest in China's tourism potential is further intensifying.