China’s tourism spending is expected to reach 5.3 trillion RMB in 2017, contributing around 10 percent to the national economy, according to an industrial report.

The report, which was released by China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) on Dec. 19, noted that the volume and spending of domestic travelers have increased 13.17 percent and 16.55 percent, respectively, in the past three quarters compared to that in 2016.

The number of domestic and inbound tourists has reached 5.1 billion in 2017, while over 128 million Chinese tourists have traveled overseas in 2017, a number that has increased five percent compared to that in 2016.

“Due to the optimization of China’s tourism services and environment, the country’s tourism industry has developed steadily and become more regulated and rational,” Tang Xiaoyun, chief data expert of CNTA, told People’s Daily Online.

According to the report, Chinese tourists have become more rational regarding shopping, but have shifted their focus to cultural and dining experiences.

CNTA expects more than 14 billion trips to be made by 2040, which equates to every Chinese travelling at least nine times within the year. “Travel will be a part of the people’s everyday lives.”

“China’s tourism industry will keep improving and developing in 2018, and is expected to offer one million new jobs. Tourism spending in 2018 is expected to be over 6 trillion RMB,” read the report.