The business travel market in China has become one of the most vital segments of the global travel industry, with a dynamic and rapidly expanding market driven by China’s status as the world’s second-largest economy. As both an inbound and outbound travel destination, China plays a crucial role in the business travel ecosystem. The country has witnessed significant growth in business travel activities due to factors such as globalization, China’s increasing trade relations, the rise of corporate investment, and the development of infrastructure.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of China’s business travel market, including market size, key segments, market dynamics, and future growth prospects.

Overview of China’s Business Travel Market

Business travel in China refers to travel that is undertaken for professional purposes, including meetings, conferences, trade shows, corporate events, and client visits. It encompasses both domestic travel within China and international travel to and from the country. As one of the largest and fastest-growing business travel markets in the world, China continues to attract a significant number of both foreign business visitors and outbound Chinese business travelers.

Market Size and Growth

In 2023, the total value of China’s business travel market was estimated at approximately USD 40 billion. This figure includes all expenditures related to business travel, such as accommodation, transportation, meals, and other expenses. China is expected to remain one of the largest business travel markets globally, with a projected CAGR of 7% from 2023 to 2030.

• In 2023, business travel accounted for nearly 20% of China’s total travel and tourism market, a significant share of the overall sector.
• The value of outbound business travel from China reached USD 10 billion in 2023, as increasing numbers of Chinese professionals and entrepreneurs travel abroad for meetings, conferences, and business expansion.

The business travel market is influenced by factors such as economic growth, government policies, trade agreements, and advancements in technology, all of which continue to shape the dynamics of this market.

Key Segments of China’s Business Travel Market

The business travel market in China can be divided into several key segments, each with its own specific characteristics and dynamics. These segments include corporate travel, meetings and events, trade shows and conferences, and the growing role of digital and hybrid meetings in the business travel landscape.

Corporate Travel

Corporate travel is the largest segment of China’s business travel market, comprising the travel needs of companies sending employees on domestic and international business trips. This segment includes travel for meetings, client visits, corporate training, and other business-related activities.

Market Demand and Trends

In 2023, the corporate travel segment accounted for approximately 60% of China’s business travel market, representing a market value of USD 24 billion. With the growth of China’s private and public sector companies, as well as the increasing need for international trade and partnerships, corporate travel demand has surged.

• China’s increasing position in the global supply chain and its role as a key trade partner has led to growing demand for business-related travel to and from major international cities.
• Major industries driving corporate travel in China include technology, finance, manufacturing, and e-commerce, with companies in these sectors regularly sending employees on business trips for meetings, partnerships, and investment opportunities.

As companies embrace digital tools to improve efficiency, business travel remains a critical activity for building relationships, attending meetings, and exploring new opportunities.

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment is a significant component of China’s business travel industry. China’s growing economy, improving infrastructure, and increasing number of international business visitors make it one of the most important MICE destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Market Dynamics

In 2023, the MICE sector in China was valued at approximately USD 9 billion, representing 23% of the overall business travel market. The country’s extensive array of modern conference facilities, world-class hotels, and connectivity to global markets have contributed to its appeal as a host nation for international business events.

• Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are the leading MICE destinations in China, attracting a large number of international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events each year.
• The Chinese government has invested heavily in MICE infrastructure, including the development of new convention centers, exhibition halls, and hotels, to accommodate the growing demand for corporate events.

China is set to continue benefiting from the MICE sector, with the increasing demand for international conferences and exhibitions, particularly in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and consumer goods.

Trade Shows and Conferences

Trade shows and conferences in China have seen significant growth, particularly in industries such as technology, automotive, healthcare, and fashion. These events are major drivers of both inbound and outbound business travel, as companies from around the world attend trade shows in China to exhibit products, explore business opportunities, and build international connections.

Market Outlook

The trade show and conference market in China was valued at approximately USD 6 billion in 2023. China is home to some of the largest trade shows globally, including the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) and the China International Industry Fair (CIIF), both of which attract thousands of international exhibitors and buyers each year.

• The rise of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) has further expanded opportunities for international trade events, bringing together business leaders and entrepreneurs from participating countries.
• With increasing international trade and commerce, the demand for large-scale exhibitions and conferences in China is projected to grow, particularly in the sectors of green energy, digital technology, and e-commerce.

The growth of trade shows and conferences plays a central role in driving inbound business travel to China, further positioning the country as a global leader in business events.

Digital and Hybrid Business Travel

The rise of digital technology, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a significant shift in the business travel landscape. Hybrid and virtual meetings, where participants join remotely via digital platforms, have become a viable alternative to traditional business travel for some companies.

Shift Toward Virtual and Hybrid Solutions

Although physical business travel remains dominant, the digital transformation of business meetings has reshaped the business travel market. The global shift towards remote and hybrid events, which combine in-person and virtual components, has been rapidly adopted in China as companies seek to reduce travel costs and environmental impacts.

• In 2023, the virtual and hybrid meeting market in China was valued at approximately USD 3 billion, with continued growth driven by companies seeking more flexible, cost-efficient alternatives.
• Leading digital platforms like Zoom, Tencent Meeting, and Alibaba’s DingTalk have gained significant market share in the virtual business meetings space, offering companies in China the tools to conduct business remotely while maintaining face-to-face interaction digitally.

While virtual and hybrid meetings have become more mainstream, in-person business travel continues to play an essential role in building relationships, attending conferences, and making strategic decisions.

Key Players in China’s Business Travel Market

The business travel market in China is supported by a wide range of players, including travel management companies, airlines, hotels, and event organizers. These companies offer services that cater specifically to the needs of business travelers, including booking systems, accommodation, and event management.

Ctrip (Trip.com Group)

Ctrip, now known as Trip.com Group, is China’s largest online travel agency (OTA), offering a wide range of services for business travelers. The platform provides corporate travel management services, including flight and hotel bookings, ground transportation, and event management.

• In 2023, Trip.com Group generated USD 6 billion in revenue, with a significant portion of its income coming from the corporate travel segment.
• The company has established partnerships with major corporations to offer tailored business travel solutions, including discounts on business class flights and accommodations.

Trip.com Group continues to dominate the business travel landscape in China, with its strong market presence and comprehensive travel services for corporate clients.

Air China and China Eastern Airlines

Air China and China Eastern Airlines are two of the largest state-owned carriers in China and are key players in the country’s business travel market. Both airlines operate extensive domestic and international networks, catering to the needs of business travelers.

• Air China and China Eastern Airlines combined accounted for over 45% of China’s domestic air travel market in 2023, with a substantial portion of their passenger base consisting of business travelers.
• Both airlines offer premium services, including business class flights, priority check-in, and executive lounges, to cater to the growing demand from corporate clients.

The role of Air China and China Eastern Airlines in facilitating business travel is crucial, as both airlines provide the necessary connectivity, services, and routes to support domestic and international corporate travel.

Jin Jiang International

Jin Jiang International is one of China’s largest hotel groups, offering a wide range of properties catering to business travelers. The company operates hotels across China and internationally, providing services such as conference facilities, meeting rooms, and business center amenities.

• Jin Jiang International’s revenue from the business travel sector was approximately USD 2 billion in 2023, with the company’s hotels serving corporate clients across the country.
• Jin Jiang International has made significant investments in developing hotels that meet the needs of business travelers, including hotels with large meeting and event spaces, convenient locations near business districts, and high-tech facilities.

Jin Jiang International’s strong presence in both the domestic and international markets makes it a significant player in China’s business travel ecosystem.

Marriott International

Marriott International is one of the largest global hotel chains, and it has a strong presence in China’s business travel market. The company offers a wide range of properties catering to business travelers, with locations in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

• Marriott International’s revenue from its business hotels in China was estimated at over USD 1 billion in 2023, with the company’s properties playing a major role in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market.
• Marriott’s loyalty program and its portfolio of premium brands, such as the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriott, cater to the needs of corporate clients seeking high-end accommodations.

Marriott’s strong reputation for quality and its wide array of business-oriented services make it a leading player in China’s hotel industry for business travelers.

Travel Technology and Corporate Travel Management

Technology has played a pivotal role in shaping the business travel market in China. Online booking systems, travel management platforms, and mobile applications have made it easier for businesses and travelers to book trips, manage expenses, and stay on top of itineraries.

Travel Management Companies (TMCs)

Travel management companies (TMCs) have become essential for large corporations that need to manage employee travel efficiently. These companies offer a variety of services, including travel booking, policy management, expense tracking, and reporting.

• TMCs like Carlson Wagonlit Travel, American Express Global Business Travel, and China’s own TravelSky have been growing in prominence as they help businesses streamline the booking process and optimize travel costs.
• In 2023, the corporate travel management market in China was valued at approximately USD 5 billion, with the growing adoption of mobile apps and automated systems driving greater efficiency.

TMCs are increasingly adopting AI and machine learning to personalize travel options, reduce costs, and enhance the travel experience for business travelers.

Mobile Travel Solutions

Mobile applications have become an essential part of the business travel ecosystem, providing corporate travelers with convenient access to bookings, itineraries, expense management, and more. Platforms like Trip.com, Fliggy (Alibaba’s travel service), and TravelSky’s mobile app allow travelers to manage their trips from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.

• In 2023, over 60% of corporate travel bookings in China were made via mobile apps, reflecting the growing trend of mobile-first solutions in the travel industry.
• Companies are increasingly integrating travel management systems with expense tracking and reporting tools to simplify administrative tasks and improve financial oversight.

Mobile technology is expected to play an increasingly critical role in the corporate travel sector, streamlining processes and enhancing the traveler’s experience.

Regulatory Environment

China’s business travel market operates within a complex regulatory framework that involves government policies on visas, taxation, travel safety, and business events. The government plays a critical role in shaping the business travel landscape through policies that promote international trade and business relations.

Visa Regulations and Policies

China has made significant efforts to streamline visa processes for business travelers, making it easier for international businesspeople to visit the country for meetings, conferences, and trade shows. In recent years, China has implemented multiple measures to simplify visa applications and extend visa durations for business professionals.

• The Chinese government has introduced measures to facilitate short-term visas for business travelers, particularly those attending trade fairs and exhibitions.
• The introduction of the “M” visa for business visits and the “Z” visa for long-term work assignments has enhanced the ease of travel for foreign professionals coming to China.

The regulatory environment is continually evolving, with the government seeking to balance international business relations with security concerns.

Future Outlook for China’s Business Travel Market

The future of China’s business travel market is promising, with continued growth expected in both domestic and outbound travel. Technological advancements, increasing trade relations, and the rise of new business hubs will continue to drive demand for business travel services.

• Smart travel solutions, including AI-driven booking systems, mobile apps, and virtual meeting technologies, will further shape the business travel landscape in China.
• As China’s economy grows and more companies expand their global operations, the demand for international business travel, especially in sectors like technology, finance, and manufacturing, will continue to rise.

The growth of China’s business travel market will be influenced by global economic conditions, government policies, and technological innovations. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with new opportunities arising as China deepens its role in the global business ecosystem.