More than a year since China reopened its borders, some 63% of its residents say they’re ready to return to exploring the world, according to a survey published on Wednesday, which Bloomberg previewed. They plan to venture farther afield than previously, with just 10% spurning international travel altogether—a significant shift from a year ago, when more than half of China’s consumers said they had no plans to go abroad and 31% said they weren’t even interested.
The return of China’s travelers has long been awaited in the travel industry, which is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year by contributing $11.1 trillion to the global economy. The March 6–19 survey by marketing solutions firm Dragon Trail International queried 1,015 mainland Chinese leisure travelers located in 127 places, including first-, second- and third-tier cities.
