TNS: US could emerge as China’s outbound tourism favourite

SHANGHAI – New research from Taylor Nelson Sofres plc (TNS), a world leader in market information and insight, shows that the US could emerge as a new highlight for China’s outbound tourists. For a long time, the destinations most frequently visited by outbound Chinese tourists were Hong Kong and the neighbouring enclave of Macau. But that is set to change.

One driver for this is the agreement sealed in December 2007 between China and the US of terms for Approved Destination Status (ADS) for the US. Under ADS, Chinese nationals can obtain a tourist visa for entry to the US, provided that travel is organized by a tour operator approved by the Chinese National Tourism Administration (CNTA). Another driver for interest in the US is the continued depreciation of the US dollar.

According to the study, New York is China’s favourite city destination and visiting the Grand Canyon is the ideal tourist experience