Determinants of International Tourists Inflows: The case of China

Abstract

This study is aim to evaluate the effect of five factors on the amount of tourists arrivals to China in those countries who have most visitors. To apply empirical estimation, a balanced panel data based gravity equation is established, with 22 countries and 15 years period (1998 - 2002). Our main estimates conclude that GDP per capita has a positive impact on the amount of tourists, as well as population, whereas exchange rate and distance will deter the amounts of tourists. Unfortunately PPP conversion factor also has a positive impact but not as expected. The findings of this study will fill the gap of relative literatures for China and provide another evidence of gravity model.