China

Chinese Tourists Flock to Europe – 2025 Set to Break Records

Summer 2025 is showing a strong comeback for Chinese travelers to Europe, despite challenges with visas and flight availability.

Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 9. August 2025

Chinese Tourists Flock to Europe – 2025 Set to Break Records

A Return of Wanderlust

After years of travel restrictions, pandemic lockdowns, and a sluggish recovery of international air travel, Europe is once again witnessing a significant influx of Chinese tourists. Tourism experts predict that the summer of 2025 could set new records for Chinese visitors since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Political and Economic Drivers

Several factors have contributed to this surge in travel. A robust Chinese domestic economy and global political developments—including the impact of Donald Trump’s foreign policy—have made Europe even more attractive as a destination. At the same time, the warm summer weather and Europe’s rich cultural offerings provide additional appeal.

Challenges Fail to Slow the Wave

Although visa requirements and reduced flight capacity—still a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—remain a reality, these hurdles have not stopped Chinese travelers from crossing continents to experience Europe. “We’re quite optimistic. I work in the center of Brussels and we see many Chinese visitors. I hear Mandarin spoken everywhere,” says Ludivine Destrée, senior marketing manager at the European Travel Commission.

From Paris to Brussels – The Icons Attract

Iconic cities such as Paris, Rome, Prague, and Brussels are experiencing this influx in full force. In public squares, shopping streets, and in front of famous landmarks, the sound of camera shutters is everywhere. The Palais Garnier opera house in Paris is once again filled with Asian tourists seeking the perfect photo—a strong symbol that European tourism is back in full swing.

With these lasting effects from the pandemic, 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for both Chinese travelers and Europe’s tourism sector.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.