Chinese Tourism Diplomacy: A Chinese–style Modernity review

Abstract

Viewed from Chinese-style modernity, this article explores Chinese tourism diplomacy in relation to the development of Chinese outbound tourism. Using public policy analysis, the article examines the role of modern Chinese statecraft in the outbound tourism sector. It identifies four main characteristics in the nature of tourism diplomacy: the economic power of outbound tourism; outbound tourism as sanctionable or rewarding forces; the relatively low political sensitivity and high flexibility of outbound tourism; culture and tourism integration to enhance international relations. The article contributes to the literature by illuminating the interconnectivity between diplomacy and tourism via investigating through China-style modernity. It contributes to a repositioning of the nation-state power metrics of China’s outbound tourism industry.