Dubai, UAE – As China’s outbound tourism steadily rebounds from the pandemic’s impact, the Middle East is emerging as a preferred destination for Chinese travelers, alongside traditional hotspots like Thailand and Malaysia.
Data from online travel agencies including Ctrip, Tongcheng, Tuniu, Mafengwo, and Zuzuche indicates a significant rise in Chinese tourists flocking to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Middle Eastern countries. The UAE’s visa-free policy for Chinese visitors and robust flight connections have contributed to its popularity among Chinese travelers, reported SKIFT, a travel website.
Chinese actress Liu Yifei’s appointment as tourism ambassador for Abu Dhabi, coupled with promotional efforts by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, has further boosted interest in the region among Chinese tourists.
According to Mafengwo, cited by the SKIFT,destinations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Morocco have witnessed increasing demand from Chinese travelers, partly due to their visa-free entry or visas on arrival policies.
Qunar reported a threefold increase in outbound orders for the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco compared to the previous year, with Dubai experiencing a tenfold rise. Similarly, Fliggy noted a fifteenfold increase in travel orders for Egypt year-on-year.
Research by Oxford Economics predicts a nearly doubled outbound travel from China in 2024 compared to the previous year, with the Middle East leading the global recovery in Chinese inbound tourism. ForwardKeys’ data already shows that Chinese arrivals to the Middle East have surpassed 2019 levels, with Cairo experiencing a notable increase.
The upcoming Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, scheduled for May 6, anticipates double the number of Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals compared to its 2019 show, highlighting the growing interest in the region among Chinese tourists.
In addition to the Middle East, visa relaxation in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand has further fueled Chinese tourist arrivals during peak travel seasons. The recent Chinese New Year period saw a surge in international tourists visiting Thailand, with over 200,000 arrivals from China alone. Similar trends were observed in Singapore and Malaysia, with significant increases in travel bookings following the implementation of visa-free policies.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Labor Day holiday and the summer travel season are expected to drive further growth in Chinese outbound tourism, with the Middle East likely to remain a key destination for Chinese travelers seeking diverse experiences and attractions.