(Yicai) April 21 -- China’s outbound tourism market is rebounding strongly, with visa application volumes in the first quarter of 2026 nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to global outsourcing specialist VFS Global.

The recovery highlights a broader resurgence in international travel demand from China, with applications for Schengen visas rising 20 percent from a year earlier. Simon Peachey, chief operating officer for Asia Pacific at VFS Global, said he expects the Chinese market’s overall performance this year to surpass 2019 levels.

Visa applications in China increased steadily in the first quarter, based on VFS Global data. Canada, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain the top destinations for Chinese travelers, with demand driven mainly by study abroad, family visits, and business travel. Among these, Italy recorded particularly strong growth, while Germany maintained stable performance, Peachey said.

Looking ahead, demand is expected to remain resilient despite geopolitical uncertainties. Peachey noted that conflicts in the Middle East have had only a limited impact on China’s outbound tourism market, even as rising aviation fuel costs have pushed up international airfares. Chinese airlines are continuing to expand into overseas markets, including adding routes and increasing capacity to Europe during the summer and autumn seasons of 2026, particularly on routes connecting Chinese cities with Frankfurt.

Data from VFS Global last year showed that some lesser-known European countries, including Hungary, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia, were among the fastest-growing outbound destinations for Chinese tourists. Interest in Nordic countries has also been rising in recent years.

Retirees have emerged as a major segment of outbound travelers, accounting for more than one-third of China’s visa applicants since last year, a trend that continued into the first quarter. This group tends to favor long-haul cultural trips to Europe or cruise itineraries.

Peachey emphasized that China remains one of the most resilient outbound tourism markets globally, with strong demand unmatched by other countries. Even amid geopolitical tensions, Chinese carriers are actively diversifying their international networks.

VFS Global operates more than 4,000 visa application centers across 166 countries worldwide, including over 400 centers in 16 cities across China.

Editor: Emmi Laine