US visitors spend more

International tourists in China spent more than $4.6 billion in 2008 on their Visa-branded payment cards across all merchant segments, up 7% over 2007, according to Visa's Tourism Outlook China report.  

 

 

Li Sheng, general manager of Visa China., said, "The Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games have put a spotlight on China and its broad appeal and have also contributed to vast infrastructure developments that will support China's tourism economy for years to come."  

 

PATA states the report provides a qualitative insight into the mindset and attitudes of international travelers considering China as a future travel destination. Interestingly, of the $4.6 billion spent on Visa cards in China by international travelers in 2008, some 56% was by US visitors.