This paper compares and contrasts the political dimensions of tourism between the United States and China, examining how policy changes and bilateral agreements have shaped travel and tourism growth between the two nations. Drawing on industry data and political analyses, the paper discusses the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding, the Open Skies treaty, and their combined effect on tourist flows. It also addresses safety concerns, language barriers, product development for Chinese travelers, and the broader implication that expanded tourism may foster improved political relations between the two countries.
Statistics indicate that tourism is booming among the Chinese now more than ever. Chinese tourist numbers reached just under 41 billion in 2007, a figure that was up 18.6 percent from the previous year (Xola, 2008, p. 2). Roughly 90% of those tourists traveled within other Asian countries, with just 3% traveling to U.S. destinations (Xola, 2008; Roy, 2011). The government has good reason to be involved in travel and tourism, as it is an important source of revenue in both the U.S. and in China, especially during tough economic times (Butler & Suntikul, 2010; Roy, 2011).
Travel and tourism is one of the few industry sectors that continues to generate revenue even when times are difficult, as affluent travelers continue to require leisure time and business travelers will always require transportation — whether for commercial or political purposes (Roy, 2011). Studies suggest that international tourists are more interested than ever in traveling to China out of curiosity, with 41% of the travel industry flocking to China and other Asian destinations. Approximately 2.72 million of these visitors travel from the U.S. (Xola, 2008).
Visits to the U.S. by Chinese tourists are likely to increase following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in June 2008, which allowed Chinese leisure travelers to travel to the U.S. in group tours (Xola, 2008, p. 5). This agreement also enabled U.S. tourism destinations to market their products and services directly to Chinese consumers. Both countries additionally agreed to U.S. tour standards for tour operations, ensuring that U.S. materials were translated appropriately into Chinese and that competent translators were provided to tourists on all tours.
The Open Skies treaty, agreed upon by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Chinese government in mid-2007, allowed China and the U.S. to double the number of flights permitted for tourism purposes over the following five years (Xola, 2008, p. 7). As a result of these agreements, significantly more liberal political policies have been put in place between China and the U.S. with regard to the travel and tourism industry.
The hope is that both countries will benefit from greater travel and tourism revenues, and that adventure travel providers can develop new products and services that will attract new tourists. The U.S. is particularly interested in creating markets specifically tailored for Chinese travelers. Product development efforts will pay attention to the high-prestige experiences that many Chinese travelers seek, and staff in both the U.S. and China will work to accommodate language barriers.
This mutual investment in tourism infrastructure reflects a recognition that cultural exchange through travel carries economic as well as diplomatic value. By adapting tour offerings, translation services, and marketing materials to meet the needs of Chinese visitors, U.S. destinations position themselves competitively in what is projected to be a rapidly expanding outbound travel market.
"Safety concerns and building trust with tourists"
"Tourism fostering broader US–China political relations"
You’re 53% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.