A cross-national analysis of international tourist flows in China

Abstract

This article is devoted to the identification and observation of the distinctive characteristics of the spatial behaviour of tourists in a destination country, utilizing a comparative analysis of cross-national differences of international tourist flows (ITF) in China. One chief advantage of this study is that the selected country - China - has a good data availability in terms of both tourist arrivals and tourism resources. Therefore, a comprehensive comparative study of tourist flows within a destination country can be carried out. This study commences by discussing the conceptual and theoretical issues of tourist flows within a destination country. Then it outlines the demand and supply side of the international tourism market in China. Following this, using various qualitative and quantitative approaches, the article engages in a detailed examination of the definable features and regularities of ITF within China. In conclusion, cross-national differences of ITF in China have been identified, establishing that ITF are not random, but patterned by the geographical and national background of tourists. However, the effect of nationality is not consistent across all groups, suggesting that factors other than nationality, such as cultural differences and socio-economic factors might be functioning. Further research is recommended based on these findings.