Ngo Dong River at the Tam Coc between giant karst mountains. Image by ©Efired/Shutterstock

Euromonitor International, a market research company, released a new report that predicts the country will take the title in less than 15 years. According to 2017 stats from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), China was already the fourth most-visited country last year. France remained at the top with 86.9 million travellers in 2017, followed by Spain with 81.8 million visitors, knocking the US out of second place. China had 60.7 million inbound tourists last year.

Anshun Bridge over the Jin River in the evening with its mirror image reflected in still water. Image by ©Nick Wonnell/Shutterstock

The UNWTO stats show that China already leads the world in outbound travel, but it seems it will also take the led when it comes to travellers arriving in the country. According to the Euromonitor report, all of Asia continues to grow in inbound and outbound tourism, “supported by rapidly growing economies, and an expanding middle class seeking to spend its increasing disposable income on travel. The gradual process of loosening visa restrictions has made travelling in the region easier, with 80% of arrivals in Asia originating from the region”.

Furong zhen is ancient vilage in Huna province, China. Image by ©Bamboome/Getty Images