China’s domestic tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, and it’s not just boosting the nation’s economy—it’s creating exciting opportunities for Africa as well.
China’s Tourism Explosion
In the first quarter of 2025, residents of the Chinese mainland made approximately 1.79 billion domestic trips, marking a year-on-year increase of 375 million. This impressive growth highlights how tourism is becoming a key driver of economic recovery, job creation, and social vitality.
Platforms like Ctrip and Alipay have made it easier than ever for people to plan and book trips, fueling this tourism boom. Real-time digital services provide travelers with accurate information, great deals, and reliable support.
Boosting Local Economies
Zhou Mi, a Senior Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, explains that the vast population and diverse landscapes of the Chinese mainland create a unique environment where local tourism thrives. Small guesthouses in fishing villages, for example, are seeing increased income as more urban explorers venture off the beaten path.
China Tourism Day: More Than a Celebration
China Tourism Day, celebrated on May 19th, has become a vital event for raising awareness about the benefits of tourism. The “5A” rating system for top tourist destinations encourages places to improve infrastructure and services, fostering healthy competition and cooperation across regions.
Stanley Banda, Tourism Attaché for Zimbabwe in China and ASEAN, praises the dedication shown by the Chinese mainland in promoting tourism. “It shows how serious China is about promoting tourism. Africa should take note,” he says.
Africa’s Tourism Vision
Tourism contributes over 12% to Zimbabwe’s GDP. Banda shares that Zimbabwe is focusing on community-based and heritage tourism, religious travel, business tourism, and sports events to diversify its attractions.
“Gone are the days when we promoted just one country,” Banda says. “We now need to package Africa as a region so that tourists, especially from China, can visit multiple destinations on one trip.”
Strengthening China-Africa Ties
The Chinese mainland has signed bilateral tourism cooperation documents with 31 African countries. Zhou Mi points out that these agreements help plan better infrastructure, improve services, and promote African destinations more effectively.
Zimbabwe was one of the first African countries to receive Approved Destination Status from the Chinese mainland in 2003. Banda emphasizes the importance of moving beyond agreements to real action, like creating joint tourism platforms and regional travel packages.
Looking Ahead: Making Tourism a Way of Life
Banda believes that travel should become a part of daily life in Africa, just as it has in the Chinese mainland. “From civil servants to students, from family trips to religious pilgrimages, tourism should be part of our culture,” he says.
Zhou Mi agrees, emphasizing the need for lasting connections. “It’s not just about a one-time visit,” he notes. “It’s about building emotional links that make people want to return.”
As China celebrates its Tourism Day, it’s clear that the ripple effects of its tourism boom are being felt worldwide. For young people in the Global South, this presents new opportunities to explore, connect, and build a shared future.
