The U.S. travel sector is actively tapping into the growing demand for outbound tourism from China, introducing new products and initiatives to attract more Chinese travelers.
According to the China Tourism Academy, Chinese outbound trips reached 130 million in 2024, highlighting a strong recovery and potential in the market.
To capitalize on this opportunity, Visit California, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting California as a premier travel destination, has unveiled new plans for business expansion in 2025.
"This year we're investing 7.2 million [U.S.] dollars across various channels such as brand, PR, trade and partnerships. We've recently just invested over 10 billion dollars on product upgrades, new hotels, attractions, and other experiences, really trying to communicate the strong commitment we have to the market," said Caroline Beteta, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit California in an interview with China Media Group.
Beteta emphasized California's efforts to enhance accessibility for Chinese travelers, including increasing direct flights and trying to streamline visa procedures.
"We have some good news with United Airline's expanding from Beijing to LA in 2025. In addition to that, we're working with government and federal partners to help alleviate some of the visa challenges in the market," she said.
U.S. travel sector eyes opportunities in growing Chinese outbound tourism
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
