According to a new forecast report from Timetric, Chinese outbound tourism is expected to rise from 45.8 million departures in 2012 to 77.6 million in 2017, at an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.12%. This optimistic outlook comes as China has seen a rising level of disposable income, falling unemployment, and expansion in air transport capacity to key outbound destinations.

According to the Timetric report, Asia is the primary tourist destination for Chinese outbound tourists, accounting for 84.8% of total Chinese outbound tourism in 2012. The most popular Asian countries are Macau, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. All of them countries approved by the ADS scheme. Between 2008 and 2012, the number of outbound tourists to Macau and South Korea increased at CAGRs of 20.88% and 16.18% respectively.