China and India shape the future of global tourism

With China re-establishing itself as a top outbound travel market and India experiencing a rise in young, ambitious travelers, the opportunities are significant

The tourism industry is keeping a close eye on two key markets: India and China. With their large populations, rising incomes and growing enthusiasm for travel, both countries are reshaping the global tourism landscape.

Key takeaways

• Entertainment-driven travel: This sector is experiencing remarkable growth, highlighted by events such as the Taylor Swift concert in Singapore, which led to a 400% increase in accommodation bookings. Destinations such as Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong are capitalizing on this trend by enhancing their entertainment offerings;
• Eco-friendly travel: Chinese travelers are increasingly concerned about sustainability, choosing low-carbon options and exploring lesser-known destinations. For example, electric vehicle bookings have doubled on Trip.com's platform, and many are opting to take the train instead of flying for domestic travel;
• Senior-friendly travel: The senior demographic, especially those in their 50s and 60s, is emerging as a significant force in the travel market. This group has both the time and financial means to travel. According to Sun, more than 100 million senior travelers from China are expected to spend more than RMB 1 trillion ($142 million) on travel by 2025.

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