China's growing role in tourism hailed at WTM

The China Pavilion drew widespread attention as it opened at the 2025 World Travel Market, or WTM, in London on Tuesday.

Held at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom's capital, the annual event is one of the world's largest and most influential tourism trade fairs, bringing together more than 5,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries and regions.

This year's China Pavilion features its strongest lineup to date, with around 200 participants representing cultural and tourism authorities from 13 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, together with 56 outstanding tourism enterprises showcased collectively.

Wang Qi, minister of Chinese embassy in the UK, highlighted the nation's growing role in global tourism, saying it has the world's largest domestic tourism market and is both a major source of outbound travelers and an increasingly attractive destination for international visitors.

He pointed to a series of recent measures aimed at improving inbound travel, including expanded visa-free entry, tax refund services, convenient mobile payment systems, and multilingual support, which are all designed to make travel in China easier for visitors.

The measures are already having visible results. In the third quarter of this year, more than 7 million foreign travelers entered China visa-free, accounting for 72.2 percent of all foreign arrivals — a 48.3 percent increase year-on-year.

"We want international friends to experience China more easily, more comfortably, and more closely," Wang said.

Zhang Li, director of the China National Tourist Office in London, emphasized the significance of tourism in strengthening international understanding.

"Tourism is a bridge of friendship," he said. "People-to-people exchanges are the most sincere and direct way to bring hearts closer. When we travel, we not only see landscapes, we meet each other."

Sebastien Lion, a travel expert and associate professor at Sorbonne University in Paris said he benefited from China's new visa policies during recent trips.

"It's a great move. A lot of countries that want Chinese tourists already offer visa-free entry, so China doing the same makes perfect sense as tourism rebounds," he said.

As inbound tourism picks up pace, conversations at the WTM also turned to how Chinese outbound travelers are reshaping global destinations.

"The Chinese traveler of 2025 is younger, more independent, and more selective," said Daniel Cheng, founder of MDS Collective, who spoke during a panel session on Tuesday. "They want immersive experiences — to live like locals, take part in workshops and cultural activities — not just check off landmarks."

Destinations around the world are adapting to the changes.

Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, said the first wave of Chinese travelers has shown keen interest in places that still feel new or undiscovered.

"What impresses us most is their curiosity," he said. "From desert heritage sites to stargazing in AlUla, it's that balance of discovery and warmth that resonates."

He added that major international sporting and entertainment events — from esports competitions to cultural festivals — are becoming new cultural bridges.

In the UK, cinematic storytelling is proving to be a powerful draw.

"Of Chinese travelers considering the UK, 96 percent are interested in visiting film and television locations," said Robin Johnson, global marketing director at VisitBritain. The agency's "Starring Great Britain" campaign highlights destinations associated with Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders, and James Bond and encourages travelers to "step into the scene".

Johnson said the UK expects 522,000 visits from China this year, with more travelers exploring beyond London into regions including Yorkshire, the Scottish Highlands, and coastal areas.

Technology is playing a central role as well.

"We're seeing greater spontaneity and independence in how Chinese travelers plan their trips," said Boon Sian Chai, managing director for international markets at Trip.com Group. "Digital platforms allow them to shape their journey in real time."

wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com