International Visitors Research Articles

The Broken Promises of Neoliberal Soccer: Illusion and Disillusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar attracted over 3.4 million spectators and more than a million international visitors. However, the tournament required a colossal investment of 220 billion US dollars for facilities whose future use remains uncertain. It also highlighted the excesses of neoliberal soccer, dominated by financial interests. Since the World Cup was awarded in December 2010, controversies have emerged, particularly regarding the working conditions of migrant workers, which have led to several thousand deaths. There have been widespread denunciations of labor and civil rights violations, and the banning of the “One Love” armband has illustrated FIFA’s censorship. Environmental criticisms were also significant, questioning the event’s claimed carbon neutrality. Extravagant spending on stadium construction and hotel infrastructures, often seen as unnecessary luxury after the tournament, has been highlighted. Qatar has not fulfilled its promises to dismantle and repurpose the stadiums, which remain underused. The 2022 FIFA World Cup exposed the tensions between sporting values and economic realities and underscored the need for a thorough analysis of the long-term impact of mega-sporting events.

Tourist Satisfaction in Kerala Agritourism: Insights from Domestic and International Visitors

Purpose: Tourism has been an essential component of human civilization since the beginning, evolving through various forms, phases, and practices over the centuries. Agritourism is a type of tourism that uses agricultural life as a tourist attraction. It is either agricultural tourism or agricultural marketing. It has the potential to generate additional income and employment for farmers. Agriculture has been a cornerstone of life in Kerala since ancient times, and even in today’s digital era, traditional farming methods remain prevalent among the farming community. It can help to boost local economic development and also helps to preserve biodiversity. Furthermore, rural communities must recognize the value of agricultural biodiversity and the need to protect it. It is important to measure the quality of services offered at the agritourism centre to ensure the operational effectiveness of centres as well as the tourist satisfaction [1]. The study was conducted to assess the level of satisfaction of foreign and domestic tourists in the agritourism destinations. Methodology: Primary survey was conducted among 150 domestic tourists and 150 foreign tourists who visited agritourism centres in Kerala using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Results: The findings indicated low satisfaction with accessibility, disability-friendly environment, telecommunication facilities and medical facilities available at the agritourism center. The low satisfaction level indicates that these elements are not functioning efficiently in agritourism destinations. As mentioned in the earlier discussions, accessibility is vital for the success of agritourism destinations. Most of the tourists were hesitant to revisit the centers because of inadequate accessibility. More than just a practical concern, it is crucial for boosting economic development, enhancing visitor satisfaction, and promoting sustainable agritourism practices. Likewise network connectivity challenges in agritourism centers located in hill areas pose significant obstacles to effective operation and visitor satisfaction. These issues affect communication, emergency response, and financial viability of centres as well as tourists. Medical facilities are essential to agritourism destinations, crucial for safeguarding the well-being of visitors. The agritourism centers are located in remote areas, making it challenging to access hospitals in emergency situations. So having adequate medical services in tourism centers are essential for protecting the health and well-being of tourists. Conclusion: The study assessed the level of satisfaction of foreign and domestic tourists in the agritourism destinations. Visitor satisfaction is critical to the success of agritourism destinations, as it influences visitor loyalty, the destination's reputation, operational improvements, and financial gains. By focusing on providing superior experiences and actively seeking feedback, agritourism operators can enhance their offerings, establish a positive reputation, and foster long-term growth.

Talent Retention and Competitive Advantage of Star Rated Hotels in Rift Valley and Western Region, Kenya

The demand for both local and international visitors has seen local investors in the hospitality industry in Kenya jostle for market share. The arrival of the international hotel brands such as Best Western, Pullman and Park-In among others has increased competition as hotels scramble to provide quality products and services to their customers. Consequently, this sought to explore the influence of talent retention on competitive advantage of star rated hotels in Rift Valley and Western region, Kenya. The study was anchored on human capital theory. The study used simple random sampling to select a sample size of 62 respondents. The study adopted a correlational research design and data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed quantitatively using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Prior to the actual data collection exercise, the study conducted pilot testing which involved both validity and reliability testing. The findings were presented in tables. The findings revealed that talent retention had a positive and significant influence on competitive advantage of star rated hotels in Rift Valley and Western Region, Kenya (P=0.000). The study concluded that hotel's talent retention strategies are generally effective especially enhancing a minimal employee turnover, a positive corporate image, and the use of succession planning and growth opportunities to retain talent. In view of the findings, the study recommends for the strengthening of the internal talent pool by investing in employee development programs. Encourage internal mobility and provide clear career progression paths to retain and motivate top talent. Keywords: Talent Retention, Competitive Advantage, Star-Rated Hotels, Rift Valley, Western Kenya

Talent Retention and Competitive Advantage of Star Rated Hotels in Rift Valley and Western Region, Kenya

The demand for both local and international visitors has seen local investors in the hospitality industry in Kenya jostle for market share. The arrival of the international hotel brands such as Best Western, Pullman and Park-In among others has increased competition as hotels scramble to provide quality products and services to their customers. Consequently, this sought to explore the influence of talent retention on competitive advantage of star rated hotels in Rift Valley and Western region, Kenya. The study was anchored on human capital theory. The study used simple random sampling to select a sample size of 62 respondents. The study adopted a correlational research design and data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed quantitatively using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Prior to the actual data collection exercise, the study conducted pilot testing which involved both validity and reliability testing. The findings were presented in tables. The findings revealed that talent retention had a positive and significant influence on competitive advantage of star rated hotels in Rift Valley and Western Region, Kenya (P=0.000). The study concluded that hotel's talent retention strategies are generally effective especially enhancing a minimal employee turnover, a positive corporate image, and the use of succession planning and growth opportunities to retain talent. In view of the findings, the study recommends for the strengthening of the internal talent pool by investing in employee development programs. Encourage internal mobility and provide clear career progression paths to retain and motivate top talent. Keywords: Talent Retention, Competitive Advantage, Star-Rated Hotels, Rift Valley, Western Kenya

Rooted in Family, Exploring the World: The Integrated Identities of Advantaged Guatemalan Adolescents

Adolescents in today’s globalized world construct their identities within complex and intersecting ecologies. In majority world countries, such as Guatemala, adolescents are exposed to external influences through international media, travel, and visitors from other cultures. In this study, 131 middle and high school adolescents (53% girls, Mage = 14.5, range = 11–19) attending a bilingual school in Guatemala completed two quantitative measures (concerning local and remote acculturation and identity domain importance) and two qualitative measures (open-ended responses to the prompt “I am” and an autophotography exercise). The quantitative results showed that cultural affiliation with Guatemala was associated with a collective identity. Qualitative findings provided a deep and complex view of identity in the context of collectivism and global influences. In response to the prompt “I am,” adolescents described themselves as profoundly social, embedded in networks of nuclear and extended family and friends. They reported personal qualities that foster and maintain social bonds, including friendliness, kindness, sincerity, and a sense of humor. Reflexive thematic analysis of the text from the autophotography activity revealed participants’ interdependent self-construals and their developmental model of growth strategies and aspirations. Integration of traditional and global influences was creative and seamless for these adolescents who saw themselves as firmly embedded in family, Guatemala and its culture, while confidently growing and exploring the world. A mixed-methods approach can provide complementary findings that are more meaningful and expansive than either quantitative or qualitative methods alone.

Determinant factors of gross domestic product (GDP) in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries

Background The gross domestic product (GDP) of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states can be used to determine their overall economic growth. In order to increase GDP, all emerging nations in Southeast Asia are stating to depend on foreign direct investment (FDI), the tourism industry, international visitors visiting ASEAN member nations banking credit, and low inflation rates. High inflation is a problem that developed and developing countries will definitely face. One of the problems faced by ASEAN member countries is that most of the member countries are in the developing country category. For ASEAN member countries, high inflation levels will encourage economic instability. GDP is less than optimal because of these classic problems in developing countries so that economic growth is not as planned. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which ASEAN established, is seen as a way to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty by boosting the travel and tourism industry and increasing investment, as well as to offer or distribute credit to businesses at low interest rates in order to boost GDP. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze how the GDP of ASEAN member nations is affected by FDI, foreign visitors, bank credit, and inflation. s: We analyzed panel data for seven ASEAN members from 2002 to 2020. FDI, foreign tourists, banking credit, and inflation are the research factors examined as independent variables that have an impact on GDP, the dependent variable. Results The study’s findings indicate that while inflation has a large negative impact on GDP, FDI, foreign tourism, and bank credit have a considerable positive impact on GDP. Conclusions FDI, foreign tourists, bank credit, and inflation have a significant influence on GDP in ASEAN member countries.

Changes in Proportion of International Patients Attending An Urban Stroke Service Over 10 Years

Abstract Background The population of Ireland has become increasingly ethnically diverse. St James’s Hospital is a large inner-city hospital with a diverse multi-ethnic catchment and, because of its location, also admits quite a large number of tourists and international visitors. About 30% of the population of the St James’s catchment were not born in Ireland. We evaluated the effect of this in 2014 and repeated the study in 2024 to determine the how this has changed over the succeeding decade. Methods We reviewed admissions with primary or secondary diagnoses of ischaemic stroke or primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICD 10 i61 or i63) over 4-year periods, identified by HIPE. Data for the period 2010-2013 were compared with that for the period 2020-2023. Data were confirmed from patient records. International patients (non-Irish/UK) were identified, and demographic details noted. Results Between 2010 and 2013 there were 1550 admission of which 62 (4.0%) were international. Between 2020 and 2023 1266 patients were admitted of which 101 (8.0%) were international (Chi Sq 19.5, p<0.0001). Mean age of the international population increased from 52 to 56 years over the period compared to an increase from 71 to 73 for the indigenous population. Mean length of stay (LoS) for the international population had reduced for international patients (2010-13: 20.9 days. 2020-23: 12.2 days. Between 2020 and 2023, LoS was significantly shorter for the international than the indigenous population (Mean LoS 12.2 days, vs. 19.6 days, p<0.0003 t test). The international population had a higher proportion of males (67.3% vs. 53.9%, Chi Sq 6.8, p=0.009). Conclusion Over the 10-year period the number of international patients admitted doubled. As a proportion of admissions, they remain low and represent a lower proportion than in the community. Length of stay of international stroke patients is lower and there are a higher proportion of males.

Law on environmental protection in tourist villages in the context of sustainable development of the tourism industry: A qualitative case study in Vietnam

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam's tourism industry welcomed 1.37 million international visitors. For the whole year 2023, the total number of international visitors will reach 12.6 million, nearly 3.5 times higher than in 2022, exceeding 57% of the original target (8 million) and reaching the adjusted target (12 -13 million views). In Vietnam, which a country which is undergoing economic development, this is a good sign for many workers and businesses, but it can create great pressure on environmental protection in many localities with tourist destinations. For example, as a destination attracting foreign tourists in Hoi A City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, the average amount of waste per day is nearly 100 tons; of which single-use plastic waste accounts for 15 - 23% (Thu Huong 2022). In order to prevent and minimize environmental pollution in tourist villages, the Goverment of Vietnam has issued many different documents such as: Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP orienting no circulation after 2025 and using single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic packaging in tourist areas and destinations; Decision No. 1316/QD-TTg Project to strengthen plastic waste management in Vietnam also points out that by 2025, 100% of tourist resorts and accommodation establishments will not use single-use plastic products and plastic bags which are so hard to decompose. In addition, the Government has also issued a set of criteria guiding environmental protection for tourism establishments and services in tourist areas and destinations, with instructions on minimizing plastic waste...However, around the issue of environmental protection in tourist villages in Vietnam, there are still problems that need to be solved. Through qualitative analysis method, the authors will analyze and propose solutions to remove regulations related to environmental protection mechanisms in tourist villages, aiming at sustainable development of the tourism industry towards a circular economy in the current period.

Translation of signs and a renewed understanding of the post-pandemic cosmopolis: a diachronic study of street signs in the hybridised area of Guangzhou

ABSTRACT From a translational perspective, the researcher conducts a diachronic study of the changing street signs in one of the hybridised areas in Guangzhou. The street signs in the present study were investigated through an ethnographic process and were compared and discussed in relation to their changing contexts before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show a decrease in multilingual signs in the area post-pandemic time, which may indicate the influence of the pandemic on international visitors. In contrast, increasing monolingual Chinese signs exhibit the authorities’ reassertion of the dominant ideology and restoration of social order. On the other hand, however, a large number of bilingual and monolingual English signs in multifarious modes, among which many are from the business sectors in the 2023 corpus, may signal the open nature of an export-oriented economy in the area and recovery of international business after the pandemic. The changing translational landscape of the area constructs a gateway for us to renew our understanding of the influence of the pandemic on the cosmopolitan city and the relationship between language practice and the city.

Not seeing the wood for the (invasive) trees: Visitors’ perceptions of invasive wilding conifers in the New Zealand landscape

Currently we know little about how visitors perceive invasive species, nor how this may vary across visitor cohorts. Previous research suggests that visitors to natural areas have a low awareness of the impact of invasive species. This note reports on a survey of domestic and international visitors (n = 231) in New Zealand, investigating their awareness of invasive wild conifers and attitudes toward their control. Awareness of the wild conifer problem was generally low, especially among international visitors. There were significant differences between domestic and international visitors, and among visitors of different nationalities for how wild conifers were perceived. International visitors, and particularly those from China or other Asian countries were more accepting of wild conifers in the landscape and less supportive of eradication. The findings have implications for management of invasive species, which requires the support of all stakeholders, including tourists, recreationists and their associated sectors.

Measuring Risk Perception and Risk Compensation among Local Residents toward COVID-19 in the Tourism Sandbox Islands: Comparative Evidence from the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus Model in Thailand

Since Thailand is a tourism-dependent country, its economy suffered tremendously during the COVID-19 lockdown. In a pioneering effort to re-open the country, two islands (Phuket and Koh Samui) began to welcome fully vaccinated international visitors in July 2021 under the “Phuket Sandbox”1 and “Samui Plus Model.” Even though the sandbox programs were found to create more income and some benefits for tourism businesses, they also generated concern among local people about contracting such an infectious disease as COVID-19. The aim of this study was to measure perception of COVID-19 infection among local residents due to contacts with in-ternational tourists. Using secondary data from a survey of 400 local residents living on the two islands, monetary compensation under the contingent valuation methods (CVM) and risk perception scale of 0–10 were analyzed to get an indication of the level of local residents’ risk perception toward COVID-19 possibly being transmitted by international tourists. Our results show that the risk perception was found to be higher among those who believed that the coronavirus could possibly result in death. Older individuals, especially females, and those with higher incomes seemed to have a higher risk perception. Residents who were working in the tourism sector were found to have a lower risk level than those who were working in other branches. There were also discordances in terms of education level and risk perception between residents in two islands. The paper suggests that awareness of residents’ risk perception and effective communication regarding such risk perception should be put in place to ensure appropriate practices that affect local residents in such sandbox areas in the future.

Определение уровня восприятия риска заражения COVID-19 и размера компенсации за него у местного населения в островной туристической зоне: сравнительные показатели островов Пхукет и Самуи в Таиланде

Since Thailand is a tourism-dependent country, its economy suffered tremendously during the COVID-19 lockdown. In a pioneering effort to re-open the country, two islands (Phuket and Koh Samui) began to welcome fully vaccinated international visitors in July 2021 under the “Phuket Sandbox”1 and “Samui Plus Model.” Even though the sandbox programs were found to create more income and some benefits for tourism businesses, they also generated concern among local people about contracting such an infectious disease as COVID-19. The aim of this study was to measure perception of COVID-19 infection among local residents due to contacts with in-ternational tourists. Using secondary data from a survey of 400 local residents living on the two islands, monetary compensation under the contingent valuation methods (CVM) and risk perception scale of 0–10 were analyzed to get an indication of the level of local residents’ risk perception toward COVID-19 possibly being transmitted by international tourists. Our results show that the risk perception was found to be higher among those who believed that the coronavirus could possibly result in death. Older individuals, especially females, and those with higher incomes seemed to have a higher risk perception. Residents who were working in the tourism sector were found to have a lower risk level than those who were working in other branches. There were also discordances in terms of education level and risk perception between residents in two islands. The paper suggests that awareness of residents’ risk perception and effective communication regarding such risk perception should be put in place to ensure appropriate practices that affect local residents in such sandbox areas in the future.

Smoke-free legislation impact on the hospitality sector in the Republic of Georgia

IntroductionComprehensive smoke-free (SF) policies reduce secondhand smoke exposure and improve population-level health outcomes. However, some decision-makers heed the tobacco industry’s argument that SF policies negatively impact the hospitality sector. This...

Linguistic landscapes of intangible cultural heritage museums representing minority languages: the case of the ‘Gerhard Rohlfs’ Museum of the Calabrian Greek Language

ABSTRACT Interest in the intangible cultural heritage of minority and Indigenous communities has grown in recent years. Minority languages are often a key element of this heritage but require constant safeguarding and practice to be available for future generations. The linguistic landscapes of (in)tangible cultural heritage museums can play a crucial role in this. In this study, the linguistic landscape of the ‘Gerhard Rohlfs’ Museum of the Calabrian Greek Language is therefore explored to understand how it can contribute to the safeguarding of a severely endangered language. A linguistic landscape analysis of 248 photographs revealed a significant presence of Calabrian Greek (Greko), reflecting a more equal status and prestige compared to Italian. The most widely used language, however, was Italian, ensuring museum content was accessible to the presumed main target audience. The lack of English suggests lower international visitor numbers, potentially benefiting the safeguarding of Calabrian Greek by reducing competition with another majority language. The findings thus demonstrate how language choices can support safeguarding measures for languages as intangible cultural heritage, through challenging language hierarchies and hegemonies. Further research should explore tourists’ and locals’ perceptions of such museums and the potential use of minority or endangered languages as sustainable tourism resources.

Destination image and revisit intentions: a mediation-moderation study through tourist satisfaction and place attachment

Purpose The purpose of this study is to test the relationship of cognitive destination image and affective destination image with tourist satisfaction and revisit intention. This study also tested the mediation effect of tourist satisfaction between cognitive destination image and affective destination image with revisit intention. Furthermore, place attachment is aimed to test as a moderator between tourist satisfaction and revisit intention. Design/methodology/approach Participants in this study are international visitors who were visiting different tourist places in Pakistan. A total of 340 tourists participated in the data collection process, and subsequent data analysis was performed using SPSS and smart-PLS. Findings The results confirmed a significant effect of affective destination image on revisit intention, whilst’ cognitive destination image does not signify a significant influence on revisit intention for international tourists; however, tourist satisfaction confirmed the mediation effect between cognitive-affective destination image and revisit intention. Furthermore, the place attachment confirmed significant moderation with revisit intention. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into the context of tourist revisit intention in Pakistan. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the model tested in this study (affective destination image and cognitive destination image > tourists’ satisfaction > place attachment > revisit intention) is developed for the first time and is the first of its kind to test the moderation effect of place attachment with revisit intention. This study is supported by the Oliver expectancy disconfirmation theory and the Bowlby theory, which is another novelty of this study.

I Think, Therefore I Am: A Reflection of Family Nurse Practitioners

<p>隨著台灣人口老化和社區醫療照護需求增加，在原本的內外婦兒、精神和麻醉專科護理師外應運而生「家庭專科護理師」，從傳統的急性照護邁向基層照護，更多的在門診、社區、居家、長照、偏鄉離島等場域提供民眾專業健康照護服務。本文從簡介國人健康形態的轉變延伸到對家庭專科護理師的需求、發展與培育，以國立陽明交通大學為例，分享家庭專科護理師養成的核心能力架構，並佐以核心訓練理念，達到：全生命歷程轉銜（從新生兒到老人）、急慢性疾病無縫接軌（照護能力養成）、醫護進階合作、國際領航訓練和無邊界學習擴充（線上虛擬實境），同時配合學生過去的教育背景（有無專科護理師碩士學位）提供完整或是轉銜家庭專科護理師訓練，讓學習更有效率。期待家庭專科護理師不僅僅是第一線的民眾健康照護提供者，更是具有國際觀和科技識能的進階護理專家。</p> <p> </p><p>Taiwan is going to be a super-aged society and has increased needs of primary care providers. There-fore, the demand for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) is expected high and strong in addition to the roles in medical, surgical, women health, pediatric, psychological, and anesthetic areas that nurse practitioners have contributed in Taiwan. FNPs are specialized in providing preventative and primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan in various care settings, including primary care clinics, family medicine practice, urgent care centers, long-term care facilities, home health agencies or in the places where medical services needed. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University’s FNP master program emphasizes hands-on, real-life care in meeting all core competence requirements across the lifespan from infants to the elderly, from acute illness to chronic diseases, physician-nurses advanced collaborations, international visits and virtual education. We expect that our FNP graduates have the competence and confidence in their clinical practices and leading the advanced nursing prac-tice with global vision and technology skills in the new era</p> <p> </p>

COMPARISON OF K-NEAREST NEIGHBOR AND NEURAL NETWORK FOR PREDICTION INTERNATIONAL VISITOR IN EAST JAVA

Tourism is one of the government's priority sectors for economic growth. East Java is one of Indonesia's provinces and is attractive to international visitors. International visitors will appreciate the natural beauty and multiculturalism offered by East Java. In this study, predictions of international visitor visits in East Java from the entrance of Juanda International Airport were carried out using k-NN (k-Nearest Neighbor) and a neural network. The dataset used is based on BPS statistics of Jawa Timur Province in the form of the number of international visitor arrivals from January 2000 to February 2024. The datasets were distributed by dividing the data into 70% for training data and 30% for testing data. The creation of the k-NN model is carried out using k-values 2 to 7. The creation of a modern neural network using hidden layers 1 to 3. The prediction results that were made using k-NN obtained optimal RMSE at k-values 2, resulting in an RMSE of 1594,674 or an error of 3,98%. Meanwhile, the prediction results that have been made using neural networks obtained optimal RMSE at two hidden layers, which resulted in an RMSE of 1873, 355 or an error of 4,68%. So, it is recommended that the k-NN algorithm be used to predict the number of international visitors in East Java. The results of this study can be used to provide quantitative information for the government and stakeholders in adjusting the program to the development of international visitors visiting East Java.

Business as usual? Unraveling the impact of Brexit on UK‐EU business links

AbstractWe present the first systematic evidence on the impact of Brexit on the business links between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) through the lens of international visits. We find important asymmetry in the direction of changes in business visits between the two regions following the referendum. Specifically, we observe a significant drop in EU‐to‐UK trips, while UK‐to‐EU trips increased noticeably after the vote. These results support the claim that Brexit has made the UK less attractive to EU businesses, but also reveal that UK businesses are investing more in their relationships with EU partners to offset the uncertainty.

Do red and yellow flags indicate a danger zone?: Exploring Japanese university students’ beach safety behaviour and their perceptions of Australian beach safety signage

BackgroundCoastal drowning is a tragic regular occurrence in Australia, and in the decade 2012–2022, 455 overseas-born beachgoers drowned. Being one of the top five countries of international visitors who drown, Japanese tourists are an at-risk group. This study investigates Japanese university students’ knowledge of beach safety and their perceptions of Australian beach safety signage. MethodsThe present study conducted an online survey with 152 university students in Japan, comprising both closed and open questions. Although the survey was in Japanese, the signage terms used in the survey were in English as used in Australia. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the statistical data via SPSS and deductive thematic analysis was conducted on the open responses using Nvivo. Results90 % of them planned to visit beaches and 64 % would enter the water when or if visiting Australia. However, 60 % interpreted the safer supervised zone denoted by red and yellow flags as signifying a danger zone. Regardless of their English proficiency, almost none fully understood terms commonly used on safety and warning signs such as submerged objects, shore dump, shore break and rip currents, and 60 % of them didn’t know the Japanese term of rip currents, riganryuu. Visual icons were understood much better than these English terms. So what?This study explored a specific (i.e. Japanese) cultural perception and understanding of Australian beach signs beyond the scope of CALD communities. Future studies should continue exploring those of other cultures so Australian beach signs can be revised and improved based on scientific evidence.

Diplomatic Geography of Xi Jinping: What the Statistics of the Chinese Leader’s Foreign Visits Reveal

This article seeks to delineate the foreign policy priorities of the People's Republic of China (PRC) by analyzing the international visits of Chinese President Xi Jinping. It posits that the evolution of a state's foreign policy can be traced through the foreign engagements of its leaders. This is particularly pertinent for China, where presidential visits are historically significant. The article offers an overview of China's traditional diplomacy and the foreign policy activities of Xi Jinping's predecessors. It concludes that Xi Jinping continues to undertake foreign visits in alignment with the «openness» policy, similar to his predecessors. Through a detailed analysis of the frequency and destinations of Xi Jinping's international visits over his two terms, the authors present a periodization of his foreign policy priorities. A comparative analysis is conducted on the visit frequencies of Xi Jinping and his predecessor, Hu Jintao, with adjustments for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Xi Jinping's re-election for a third term in 2023, this study provides insights into the nature and priorities of China's foreign policy for his current term and potential developments in the ongoing five-year political cycle. The findings indicate that from 2018 to 2023, Xi Jinping increased his visits to Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, while maintaining a consistent focus on Russia and the United States, akin to the approach under Jiang Zemin. The enduring partnership with Russia, spanning over two decades, corroborates the assertion that Sino-Russian relations are at their strongest in the history of bilateral ties. Data for this study were sourced from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, and materials from the Chinavitae and China Power research projects.