Chinese travelers to spend more this year, survey finds

Despite a still uncertain global economy, many travelers worldwide are planning to spend more on their vacations this year compared with last year, with Chinese vacationers expected to be the biggest spenders of all.

Of 5,000 travelers surveyed around the world, 70% said they planned to spend the same or more on vacation travel in 2012 than last year, according to a report commissioned by Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company.

In countries with burgeoning economies, more travelers are planning to surpass last year’s travel budgets.

In China, for example, 58% of travelers surveyed said they planned to spend more this year.

When they leave home, travelers from around the world have different spending priorities, the survey found.

For example, U.S. and Chinese travelers plan to use the extra money they spend this year to take longer vacations. Travelers from Britain said dining was a top priority for their vacations, while Brazilian vacationers put shopping at the top of their lists.

And it seems theme parks are a universal pleasure: The survey found that 43% of all travelers said the vacation they aspire to take includes a visit to a theme park.

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