NPR

Chinese Tourism To U.S. Is Down After Years Of Booming Growth

Fewer Chinese tourists have been visiting Hawaii, Arizona and other population destinations in recent years. The strong dollar has made travel more expensive, just as political tensions have grown.
Grand Canyon officials don't keep track of visitors by country of residence, but Mandarin-language brochures are the most in demand there. The Arizona Office of Tourism estimates that in 2018, the number of Chinese visitors to the state dipped 3.7%, after nearly quadrupling from 2010 to 2017.

For years, a record number of Chinese tourists have flocked to U.S. attractions like Hollywood, Capitol Hill and the Grand Canyon. But their numbers are now falling.

The strong dollar has made U.S. travel more expensive and tourism to the U.S. has matured — just as trade and political tensions have grown between the countries.

In Hawaii, the number of Chinese visitors dropped by a quarter in April and by more than 23% through the first four months of 2019, compared to the same time last year, according to the islands' tourism office.

In Arizona,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
A Portrait Of Haitians Trying To Survive Without A Government
Haiti is on the verge of collapse, with little to no government. But many Haitians have already learned to live without the support of the state, as NPR discovered traveling to Cap-Haïtien.
NPR3 min readAmerican Government
The Search For An Impartial Jury In Trump's Hush Money Case Resumes
Jury selection continues in the trial focused on the former president. Trump is present in the courtroom while New Yorkers answer personal questions about their ability to serve on the jury.
NPR2 min read
Trader Joe's Recalls Basil Linked To 12 Salmonella Infections In 7 States
The Food and Drug Administration warns Trader Joe's customers in dozens of states to throw out fresh basil after a federal investigation linked the product to a salmonella outbreak.

Related Books & Audiobooks