US still top for tourism but China inbound market stalls
The United States retained its top spot as the world’s largest tourism economy but the inbound China marked has stalled.
New research released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says the US travel and tourism sector contributed nearly $1.6 trillion or 7.8% of US GDP.
Accounting for inflation the sector grew 2.2% last year.
However the inbound Chinese market was flat last year in part due to trade tensions.
It had registered average annual growth of 23% over the last decade.
It is a worry as the China market contributes 11% of tourism related spending in the US.
"Given the economic importance of Chinese visitors, any thawing in the trade relations between the two countries would have a positive effect for the wider US economy," said WTTC president & CEO, Gloria Guevara.
WTTC says the sector generates 15.6 million American jobs directly and indirectly.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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