Published on February 15, 2026
Italy joins Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, France, Argentina, Brazil, and more as China’s outbound travel market soars, with one hundred seventy million trips expected by 2026. This dramatic increase is driven by the expansion of China’s 45-country visa-waiver list, making travel easier for Chinese citizens and opening up new destinations. Countries like Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, France, Argentina, and Brazil are among those benefitting from the strong demand for both leisure and business travel. The growing middle class, an extended nine-day Spring Festival holiday, and improved air connectivity are propelling this surge, marking a significant recovery in Chinese tourism that is expected to bring millions of visitors to these destinations by 2026.
The outbound travel market from China is undergoing a significant transformation in 2026, with projections showing a dramatic rise in travel demand. This surge is expected to push China’s outbound trips to an impressive one hundred seventy million by 2026, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels. This growth is not just about the numbers—it’s driven by strategic initiatives like an expanded visa-waiver list, a booming tourism sector, and new digital payment reforms. Countries across the globe, including Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, France, Argentina, Brazil, and many others, are seeing a boost in Chinese visitors. Here’s an in-depth look at the key factors driving this growth and the countries benefiting from it.
The Surge in China’s Outbound Travel
A rare nine-day Spring Festival break combined with an expanded 45-country visa-waiver list has set the stage for the most significant surge in China’s outbound travel market since 2019. According to the National Immigration Administration, daily cross-border travel is expected to average 2.05 million, which is a 14% increase from 2025. The visa-waiver list alone has opened doors for millions of Chinese citizens, allowing them to visit a wide array of countries without the need for a visa, further encouraging travel.
What Does This Mean for Global Destinations?
Several countries across the globe are capitalizing on this boom in Chinese tourism. With an eye on boosting their tourism revenues, these countries have ramped up their services and travel infrastructure. Let’s take a closer look at the countries benefiting from this travel surge.
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- Italy: Italy is now part of the growing number of European countries that are seeing a rise in Chinese visitors. The country’s rich history, world-class art, and vibrant culture make it an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists. Major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are experiencing a surge in bookings as Chinese travelers flock to explore the architectural marvels, art galleries, and historical sites.
- Germany: Germany has long been a favored destination for Chinese tourists, and with the expanded visa-waiver list, this trend is only set to continue. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are seeing an influx of Chinese visitors keen to experience the country’s cultural offerings, modern cities, and picturesque landscapes. With German businesses looking to strengthen their ties with China, this surge in travel is expected to positively impact the local economy.
- Saudi Arabia: As China looks to increase its presence in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is welcoming more Chinese tourists, particularly for pilgrimage purposes. With the introduction of multiple entry visa waivers for Chinese nationals, Saudi Arabia has set its sights on positioning itself as a key player in the tourism industry, focusing on religious tourism, cultural exploration, and luxury travel.
- Australia: Australia remains a top destination for Chinese travelers, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The country is capitalizing on Chinese tourists visiting for holidays, education, and business. With a robust visa system and increased flight capacities, Australia is ensuring that it can cater to the rising demand. The country’s natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, continue to attract tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.
- France: France, with its world-renowned cuisine, fashion, and historical landmarks, remains a staple destination for Chinese travelers. Paris, the French Riviera, and regions such as Provence are seeing an influx of Chinese tourists, drawn by the country’s culture, shopping, and art. The visa-waiver list has made it easier for Chinese nationals to visit, making France an even more accessible destination.
- Argentina: In South America, Argentina is a rising star among Chinese travelers. With the country’s stunning natural landscapes, including Patagonia and the Andes mountains, Chinese tourists are exploring Argentina’s natural beauty and vibrant cities like Buenos Aires. The relaxation of visa policies has made it easier for tourists to visit, contributing to the country’s growing popularity among Chinese visitors.
- Brazil: Brazil is another key player in the South American tourism market, with Chinese tourists drawn to the country’s lively culture, stunning beaches, and the world-famous Carnival. Cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are experiencing higher visitor numbers, and Brazil is working hard to expand its travel infrastructure to accommodate this growing demand.
- Thailand: Thailand has long been a favorite destination for Chinese tourists, and with the addition of the visa-waiver program, the country is seeing even greater numbers. Known for its beaches, temples, and vibrant street life, Thailand’s major cities like Bangkok and Phuket are hubs for Chinese visitors seeking an exotic yet accessible getaway.
- Australia and New Zealand: The close proximity of Australia and New Zealand makes them attractive to Chinese tourists seeking to explore both countries in one trip. While Australia offers vibrant city life and beach resorts, New Zealand is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Both countries are seeing a rise in Chinese visitors, thanks to their seamless travel offerings and expanded flight routes.
Additional Countries on China’s Visa-Waiver List Benefiting from the Surge:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Finland
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Oman
- Uruguay
- Peru
Corporate Travel and Business Implications
While leisure tourism surges, there’s also an increase in corporate travel, particularly on routes like Shanghai–Singapore, where business and leisure travel intersect. As corporate travel demand grows, there is fiercer competition for seat inventory, especially on popular routes where short-notice business trips overlap with leisure travel. Travel managers are advised to act quickly and secure corporate fare buckets well in advance to avoid dynamic pricing.
The rebound of Chinese corporate travel is also reshaping the global business landscape. In major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, business travelers are seeking flexible itineraries and access to high-demand destinations, driving up prices and creating a more competitive market for available seats.
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Digital Payment Reforms: A Game-Changer for Travelers
One of the key challenges in catering to a rapidly growing number of outbound Chinese travelers is the lack of universal payment options. To address this, China’s new digital-payment reforms aim to make UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard universally accepted across the globe by mid-2026. In pilot zones like Beijing and Shanghai, foreign bank cards are now being linked to local payment systems like Alipay, allowing Chinese tourists to make payments using QR codes. This development is set to enhance the ease of travel for Chinese visitors, making it even more convenient to explore international destinations without the hassle of currency exchange or limited payment options.
What’s Next for the Chinese Travel Market?
Looking ahead, the surge in outbound travel is expected to continue, with tour operators predicting that 170 million Chinese trips will be made by 2026. This marks a return to pre-pandemic travel patterns and signals a broader recovery in global tourism. With many major economies avoiding recession, the addition of new visa facilitations, and a growing appetite for international exploration, China’s travel sector is poised for a full recovery.
Moreover, the country’s growing economic power, the rise of middle-class travelers, and the increasing number of destinations with easier access are contributing factors to this boom. As international airports and travel agencies gear up to meet the needs of these tourists, it’s clear that Chinese travelers are no longer just a significant market—they are the key drivers of global tourism growth.
Key Takeaways
- One Hundred Seventy Million Chinese Trips: Projections indicate that by 2026, outbound Chinese tourism will hit 170 million trips, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
- Expanding Visa Waiver List: The introduction of a 45-country visa-waiver list has been instrumental in driving up the number of outbound travelers.
- Destinations Benefiting: Countries like Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, France, Argentina, and Brazil are witnessing a substantial increase in Chinese visitors, thanks to relaxed visa requirements and a growing demand for international travel.
- Corporate and Leisure Travel Surge: There is a noticeable overlap between business and leisure travel, particularly on high-demand routes, leading to heightened competition for flight inventory.
- Digital Payment Reforms: China’s digital-payment system reforms will enhance the convenience of travel for Chinese tourists, making it easier for them to shop and pay abroad.
Italy joins Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, France, Argentina, Brazil, and more as China’s outbound travel market soars, with one hundred seventy million trips expected by 2026, driven by an expanded 45-country visa-waiver list, increased travel demand, and improved connectivity. This surge is further fueled by the nine-day Spring Festival holiday and growing economic stability in China.
The surge in Chinese outbound travel is not just a phase—it’s a shift in global tourism dynamics. With the right infrastructure, services, and policies in place, countries around the world are positioning themselves to capture a piece of the rapidly expanding Chinese tourism pie. By 2026, the international travel landscape will be drastically reshaped by the growing influence of Chinese travelers.
