China's newly unveiled 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) has formally elevated tourism development to a national strategic priority, with industry leaders anticipating a transformative shift in high-end cultural exchange. The inclusion of "tourism nation" building marks the first explicit recognition of the sector's role in soft power diplomacy and economic modernization.
Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotels Group and executive vice chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, revealed in an exclusive CGTN interview how her enterprises are aligning with this vision. "We're creating curated journeys that reimagine China's cultural heritage through contemporary luxury," Cheng told interviewer Guan Xin, emphasizing collaborations with local artisans and digital innovation in experiential tourism.
The policy shift comes as international arrivals to the Chinese mainland reach 85% of pre-pandemic levels, with luxury spending recovering faster than mass tourism. Analysts project the premium travel market could contribute $230 billion annually to China's economy by 2028, driven by infrastructure upgrades and visa facilitation measures outlined in the Five-Year Plan.
