An Analysis of the Sentiment and Impact of Mainstream Media Coverage of Chinese Tourists in the U.S. and China in the Aftermath of the COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping global travel, particularly affecting Chinese tourists in the U.S. and China. This study dives deep into how Chinese and American mainstream media portrayed the travels of Chinese tourists in 2023 by analyzing the sentiment and broader impact of the media portrayal surrounding Chinese tourists in both countries, post-COVID-19 outbreak. Doing so sheds light on how these media outlets shape our perception of Chinese tourists, depending on the cultural and national settings. Comparative analysis is used to examine the difference between China Daily and Voice of America in the news headlines on Chinese tourists from 2023. 109 China Daily reports and 59 Voice of America reports were analyzed. Sentiment analysis is used to explore emotional attachments in mainstream media that are rooted in cultural, social and discursive contexts. By digging into the content, the researchers grasp a fuller picture of the experiences and hurdles faced by Chinese tourists. Moreover, this analysis prompts us to contemplate the fairness and impartiality of media coverage, offering valuable insights for reflection. The study finds differences in news coverage between Chinese and U.S. media about Chinese tourists, impacting China’s image and the tourists’ perception.