China expected to show first ever tourism deficit

China’s statistics from 2009 are expected to show its first deficit in tourism, due to a weak global economy and a strong travel incentives at home, a senior researcher said.

China Tourism Academy reports Mainland tourists spent some $42 billion in overseas destinations including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan last year.

At the same time, overseas tourists spent only $38 billion on the Mainland, down by 7%.

China Daily reported that though official statistics for 2009 are yet to be released, the academy estimated that the tourism deficit will stand at $4 billion in 2009 – the first ever tourism deficit in China.