The Chinese mainland is riding a tourism wave: in Q1 2025, residents logged 1.79 billion domestic trips, up 375 million year-on-year. This surge is fuelling economic revival, job creation and social vitality across the country.
Beyond its borders, the tourism boom is opening fresh avenues for China-Africa collaboration. Senior researcher Zhou Mi from the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation and Stanley Banda, Zimbabwe’s Tourism Attaché in China and ASEAN, explored how stronger ties could reshape global travel flows.
Domestic Tourism: Engine of Growth
Zhou Mi explains that the mainland's vast population and diverse landscapes—from coastal fishing villages to mountain retreats—create a rich playground for local travel. As urban visitors seek authentic experiences, small guesthouses are seeing a boost in revenues. Digital platforms like Ctrip and Alipay make planning, booking and payment seamless, offering real-time info and competitive pricing.
Celebrating China Tourism Day
China Tourism Day, marked on May 19, showcases the power of a national tourism rating system—think the 5A designation for top spots—to drive infrastructure upgrades and cross-regional cooperation. Banda sees the event as a clear sign of the mainland's commitment to promoting travel and believes Africa could learn from this approach.
Zimbabwe’s Strategic Pivot
Tourism accounts for over 12% of Zimbabwe’s GDP. Banda outlines a shift toward community-based and heritage tourism, religious visits, business travel and sports events. He argues for packaging multiple destinations into a single journey, turning the region into an essential multi-stop experience.
Strengthening China-Africa Ties
The Chinese mainland has inked tourism cooperation pacts with 31 African countries, creating frameworks for better infrastructure, service standards and targeted promotions. Zimbabwe was among the first to secure Approved Destination Status from the mainland in 2003. Future steps include joint platforms, regional travel packages and deeper involvement in alliances like the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities and the World Tourism Cities Federation.
A Shared Vision for Cultural Exchange
Experts agree tourism should be woven into daily life, not treated as a luxury. From students to civil servants, family trips to pilgrimages, travel builds emotional ties that last beyond a single visit. As the Chinese mainland celebrates its Tourism Day, this spirit of innovation and people-to-people connection is set to guide the next chapter of global exploration.
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China's tourism boom offers momentum for China-Africa cooperation
cgtn.com
