With the development of China’s emerging consumption center cities, South Korea and Japan are expected to usher in inbound tourism growth. China’s ambitious two-year pilot project aims to transform 15 key cities into global consumption hubs, which is expected to significantly boost international tourism. The project focuses on enhancing the visitor experience by improving payment systems, providing multilingual services, and upgrading infrastructure to attract high-spending tourists. As China continues to recover from the global pandemic, its tourism industry is growing rapidly, with foreign tourist arrivals expected to increase by more than 19% year-on-year by early 2025. This growth is particularly important for neighboring countries such as South Korea and Japan, which are already China’s main source of tourists. As airlines increase flight frequency and hotels improve service levels, the project is expected to enhance cross-border tourism flows, provide new opportunities for tourists, and boost local economic development.

As China attracts tourists through emerging consumption hub cities, South Korea and Japan are poised for an increase in inbound visitors

To attract international tourists, China has launched a two-year pilot project to establish and evaluate the effectiveness of world-class consumption hubs in 15 cities, which is poised to revolutionize the inbound tourism landscape. China’s consumer hubs will be highly attractive to visitors from neighboring South Korea and Japan due to their focus on enhancing the visitor experience, expanding services and hospitality, and boosting economic growth. The airline and hospitality industries are ready for the expected increase in demand from these consumer hubs.

This article explores what travelers will experience, how the aviation and hospitality industries are positioning themselves, and why travelers should visit China’s upcycled urban centers.

South Korea and Japan are expected to grow inbound tourism

As China’s two closest neighbors, South Korea and Japan have continued to grow in tourist numbers. This pilot program is expected to further boost inbound tourism. South Korea and Japan have historically been China’s main source markets for tourists. In densely populated business districts, Korean tourists can often be seen; while Japanese tourists often come to China to visit famous historical and cultural attractions.

South Korean tourists participating in the project will enjoy a more convenient travel experience, including easier access to shopping facilities, duty-free shopping services, and modern tourism infrastructure. As the cities participating in the pilot program continue to improve their service levels and simplify the payment process for international visitors, Korean tourists will have more reasons to visit South Korea.

The newly introduced Japan Consumer Center will help raise the expectations of Japanese tourists to China. As we all know, Japanese tourists are both shoppers and cultural experience enthusiasts. As Japanese tourists explore China’s rich cultural heritage while also looking forward to enjoying modern amenities, Japanese travel to China is set to reach a new level.

Prepare for increased demand in the aviation industry

With growing interest in China’s emerging consumption hub cities, the aviation industry will help cope with the surge in passenger numbers. Major airlines such as China Eastern, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines have begun adjusting their flight schedules to meet additional demand from South Korea and Japan. They have also increased the number of flights to China, particularly to cities recently listed as national key development cities, in response to the expected growing number of tourists in the coming months.

The number of flights from South Korea to China increased

To meet the growing demand for travel, the number of flights to China has increased. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are increasing the number of flights from Seoul to Beijing and Shanghai, and routes to Guangzhou will be available soon. Travelers traveling between these two capitals can use …… Korean Air is the fastest way to travel. Passengers can also take …… Korean Air more than once a day. More and more lesser-known or smaller cities can reach their destinations directly this way. Asiana Airlines and Jeju Air aim to help these passengers travel outside of the big cities. These lesser-known or smaller cities are also included in the pilot program.

Flights from Japan to China: Connecting important locations

Japan’s major airlines, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines (JAL) are increasing flights to China, especially to key cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and new cities participating in the pilot consumption center program. ANA offers multiple daily flights from Tokyo to Beijing and Shanghai, while Japan Airlines is expanding its routes to second-tier cities such as Chongqing and Hangzhou, providing travelers with more options. In addition, Peach Airlines and other low-cost airlines are also more likely to increase flights for low-cost travelers.

The new routes will not only make it easier to travel to popular tourist destinations, but will also encourage visitors to explore and experience some of China’s lesser-known attractions. Expanding flight options is crucial to helping China achieve its goal of increasing inbound tourism.

Meet the growing demands of the hospitality industry

As Chinese cities transform into international consumption hubs, the hospitality industry is adapting to the changing needs of foreign tourists. Major hotel chains such as Marriott International, Hilton, Accor, and Hyatt Hotels have begun to strengthen their services and infrastructure in key cities in China. They are working to enhance the tourism experience and make targeted investments to ensure that the services provided to foreign tourists meet international standards.

For example, Marriott International plans to open several new properties in cities such as Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, and Hilton is expanding its business to major cities such as Guangzhou and Beijing. These international hotel chains are upgrading their services to better serve foreign tourists, including increasing multilingual staff, simplifying the check-in process for overseas tourists, and providing high-end services for tourists interested in immersing themselves in Chinese culture, history, and contemporary developments.

The rise of luxury hotels and boutique hotels

In China, high-end tourism is on the rise, and the rise of emerging consumer centers has led to interest in high-end boutique hotels. Brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and InterContinental Hotels have expanded in China. These hotels not only enhance their service but also strive to create a unique and personalized experience for foreign guests. For example, the hotel offers guests a private cultural tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing and a customized shopping experience in a high-end shopping mall in Shanghai.

In order to provide an inclusive and modern experience for foreign tourists, China’s hospitality industry integrates 21st century international hotel standards with local culture, making hotels more attractive to tourists from Japan and South Korea, which are culturally similar. Visitors from both countries especially appreciate experiences that combine cultural heritage with modern comforts.

How should China’s tourism industry develop next?

In emerging consumption center cities, both the local economy and tourists will benefit. China’s tourism industry will continue to thrive, thanks to the services provided by airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. The tourism service chain will continue to improve, increasing direct flights and providing unique experiences for international tourists.

The Chinese tourism market is ready to compete more fiercely on the global stage. The options are endless for travelers, whether it’s shopping in Shanghai, sightseeing in Beijing, or feeling the serene beauty of Chengdu.

With the development of China’s emerging consumption center cities, South Korea and Japan are expected to usher in inbound tourism growth. With its continuously improving infrastructure and services, China’s pilot projects are expected to attract a large number of international tourists, especially from neighboring countries.

China’s tourism industry has a bright future

To achieve its goal of becoming a global consumption center, China may expand its tourism offerings. The increase in routes, improved hotel services, improved tourism infrastructure, and China’s welcoming and friendly approach to foreign tourists all indicate a bright future for global tourists and travelers. While visitors to China are mainly from Japan and South Korea, people from all over the world are eager to visit China’s diverse attractions.

Seize the opportunity to explore new destinations, book your flights now, and enjoy the growing tourism ecosystem of China’s world-class cities.