Qunar: Inbound Tourist Origins Covered 575 Global Cities in H1 2026
Qunar's travel data reveals a significant expansion in inbound tourism to China during the first half of 2026. As of June 30, 2026, flights purchased by non-Chinese passport holders targeted 160 Chinese cities. The platform saw inbound tourists originating from 575 cities across 158 countries globally during this period, an increase of 11 countries compared to the same period last year. Countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative showed the fastest growth in tourist numbers. Specifically, Mongolia saw a 150% year-on-year increase in visitors, while Uzbekistan experienced a 120% rise. European travelers, known for longer stays and higher spending, also continued to grow, with a nearly 70% year-on-year increase in visitors from Milan, Italy.
The data from Qunar indicates a strategic diversification in China's inbound tourism markets, moving beyond traditional sources to encompass a broader range of global cities, particularly those linked to the Belt and Road Initiative and key European hubs. This expansion suggests an effort to rebuild and grow international visitor numbers by tapping into emerging markets and leveraging existing strong relationships. The focus on cities rather than just countries highlights a more granular approach to market penetration. Future success will likely depend on continued investment in destination marketing, visa facilitation, and ensuring competitive travel costs and experiences for these diverse traveler segments, especially in the context of evolving global travel patterns and potential geopolitical influences.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.