Britain 'failing' on China tourism target Last year the Government announced the goal of increasing annual visitors from China from 149,000 to 500,000 by 2015. But a study published this week by the Tourism Alliance, a lobbying group for the travel industry, suggested that fewer than 320,000 will visit in 2015, based on the current level of growth. China is one of the world's biggest markets for outbound tourism, and visitors from China spend £1,680 in Britain per visit, almost three times more than a typical American visitor (£857). But just 179,000 Chinese tourists came to Britain in 2012, representing 0.22 per cent of the outbound market. By comparison, France attracted 1.4 million Chinese tourists last year. A family of four from China must pay £332 in APD on their return flight, or £664 if they want to fly home in premium economy, business- or first-class. Prior to 2007, this figure was just £80. And a tourist visa for Britain currently costs Chinese visitors £80 per person. For around £50, they could secure a visa to visit all of Europe's 26 common border or "Schengen Area" countries. "Despite some reforms to visa processing and the boost provided by the Olympics, it is clear that not enough has been done to achieve the targets for attracting inbound tourism from China," said Mary Rance, chair of the Tourism Alliance. Darren Caplan, CEO, The Airport Operators Association, said: "Despite the detrimental affect APD is having upon Britain ability to attract international tourists, the Government is also planning to increase APD yet further, missing the opportunity to attract foreign spenders to these shores."