For the first time in recent years, Chinese tourists to the US declined by 5.5% in 2018. Trade fight and other American actions against China are putting off Chinese from visiting the US according to a recent article at DW. This negatively impacts American businesses.

Chinese tourism to the US – Chart:

Chinese are no longer poor or middle-class travelers on  a tight budget. Compared to other foreigners, Chinese spend well while in the country as the chart below shows:

Click to enlarge

From the DW article:

The impact of the drop in arrivals is likely to be felt throughout the US economy. American companies have put considerable resources into becoming China-friendly, especially as Chinese tourists spend an average of $5,900 per trip — about half more than visitors from other countries.

Although the Chinese have gained a reputation for boorish behavior on foreign trips while being transported to the usual tourist traps in large tour groups, the stereotype is increasingly inaccurate.

China is now one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and many of its citizens have substantial travel budgets to splash on luxury transportation, accommodation, and shopping.

Source: US loses billions as Chinese tourists stay away over trade war, Duestche Welle