It wasn’t that long ago that only the most intrepid travelers would come to China. But in recent years, especially since the Beijing Olympics, it’s seemed that people from all countries and walks of life are increasingly making visiting the Middle Kingdom a travel priority.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is predicting China to become the world’s most popular travel destination sometime between 2016 and 2018.
An increase in international visitors to China has potential upsides such as improving mutual understanding between China and the world. But there are also downsides, such as the potential environmental and social impact of an increase in numbers foreign travelers.
According to figures provided by the UNWTO, China had 53 million international visitors in 2010 and is already the number three international tourism destination in the world.
We believe this volume of inbound travelers visiting any country has the potential to either harm a country or improve it. This is why now, more than ever, we are dedicated to providing sustainable, socially responsible travel in China – with the eventual hope that even China’s domestic travel industry will see that sustainability and social responsibility need not get in the way of unforgettable travel experiences.
Watch this space throughout 2011 for more information about the little – and big – things we’ll be doing to promote sustainable, socially responsible travel in China.
