International tourists in China spent more than $4.6 billion in 2008 on their Visa-branded payment cards across all merchant segments, up 7% over 2007, according to Visa’s Tourism Outlook China report. Visa’s Tourism Outlook China report suggests that despite global economic uncertainty, opportunities still exist for the Chinese tourism economy in 2010 and beyond.
Li Sheng, general manager of Visa China., said, "The Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games have put a spotlight on China and its broad appeal and have also contributed to vast infrastructure developments that will support China’s tourism economy for years to come."
PATA states the report provides a qualitative insight into the mindset and attitudes of international travelers considering China as a future travel destination. Interestingly, of the $4.6 billion spent on Visa cards in China by international travelers in 2008, some 56% was by US visitors.