The impacts of China’s policy-making and legislation on outbound tourism – perspectives from long-haul intermediaries

This paper provides an overview of the development of tourism policy and legislation in China. Based on this historical background and on interviews with 21 intermediaries in China, the paper presents a qualitative investigation of the impact of policy-making and legislation on long haul China outbound travel. The study seeks insights into the top-of-mind issues experienced by the intermediaries in relation to Chinese tourism legislation and policy-making. It generates insights about the concerns (or in some cases the lack thereof) of these intermediaries, regarding Chinese tourism policy and legislation. Some intermediaries are largely oblivious to and unconcerned about tourism legislation, while others have been impelled to undertake substantial changes to their business operations because of it. The Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China was found to be of little importance. This is especially the case when it is compared with the anti-corruption campaign and its intended or unintended impacts on China outbound tourism. Finally, the study reveals that in addition to official policy and legislation, tourism intermediaries are also affected by unofficial politically motivated decrees issued by the Chinese government.