Geographical limits of outbound Chinese tourism in France

ABSTRACT

This research focuses on the geographical spread of Chinese tourism within France and explores the factors influencing these movements. As a destination, France holds the highest visitation rates in the world, but when it comes to the China Outbound tourism market, visitor movements are centralized around the most popular sites. Mapping tourist distribution in France revealed limited visitation rates in regional France. This research assumes a geographical perspective in two less frequented regional destinations: Algers and Cognac. Qualitative data were collected from key stakeholders in these regions to explore the mechanisms that limit tourist distribution. The analysis found a lack of knowledge on both sides (Chinese tourists and French tourism industry) and blockages that limited stakeholder mobilization in following through with tourism initiatives. This approach from the fringes of tourism allows us to reveal the complexity of the phenomenon and highlight the management and economic stakes that underpin it.

KEYWORDS:

• Chinese outbound tourism
• France
• stakeholder mobilization
• spatial limits of tourism
• tourist distribution

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.