Covid-19 has disrupted tourism in China and the rest of the world. In 2021, China’s total tourism trade was 789.76 billion yuan, down 22.5% year-on-year and equivalent to only 40.1% of that in 2019. Its share in China’s total trade in services decreased from 36% in 2019 to 14.9%. Since 2022, tourism in China has recovered. From January to November, 2022, total tourism trade was 758.05 billion yuan, up 8.2% year-on-year. According to the estimates of the UN World Tourism Organization, international tourism is expected to recover to 65% of the pre-pandemic level by the end of 2022.

China has for a long time been a major destination of inbound trips and source of outbound tourists, creating huge revenue for the global tourism sector. On January 8, China began to treat Covid-19 as a Class-B infectious disease, with optimized entry and exit policies. According to statistics, sales of plane tickets for some popular overseas tourist destinations have increased significantly, and bookings for overseas hotels have surged. At the same time, demand is increasing for inbound trips for sightseeing, visiting relatives and business. We are ready to work with all sides possible to create favorable conditions for safe and healthy international travels and contribute to global tourism growth and economic recovery. Thank you.