Myanmar (Photo/Xinhua)

Chinese travelers are choosing to visit more diverse destinations, especially countries along the route of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to a recent report on Chinese outbound tourism issued by a research institute cofounded by China Tourism Academy and China's online tour platform Mafengwo.

The report notes that Chinese tourists have left footprints in more than 60,000 places around the world.

Since the BRI was launched, China has promoted tourism cooperation with BRI countries and regions along the route, allowing Chinese travelers to get to know more about the local sights and customs in these places.

Statistics indicate that the number of Chinese travelers to Qatar and Myanmar doubled in the first half of 2019. Croatia has grown into one of China's most popular outbound tourism destinations, thanks to fans of the hit TV show "Game of Thrones,” parts of which were filmed in the country.

On top of that, Russia gained popularity among Chinese tourists, on occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.

The report notes that young Chinese travelers prefer less popular countries such as Seychelles or Georgia, or lesser-known cities in popular countries like Thailand and Malaysia.

Outbound tourism has witnessed fast growth in second and third-tier cities, according to the report.

Alongside an increase in average income, Chinese people's demand for outbound tourism is also on the rise. Tourists from second and lower-tier cities add potential for the growth of China's outbound tourism market.