‘Race Across the World’ sparks surge in China tourism interest

British travellers are flocking to book holidays to China after being inspired by the latest series of the BBC’s Race Across the World. Olivia Palamountain reports

According to new figures released by tour operator Great Rail Journeys, the BBC’s Race Across the World TV programme is inspiring Brits to book rail adventures across Asia

The television programme, which follows contestants racing from the Great Wall of China to the southernmost point of India without flights, has triggered extraordinary growth in interest for Chinese adventures.

“In the past two weeks, views of our flagship China tour, Treasures of China & Yangtze River Cruise, have soared by 1321% compared to last year,” says Rob Payne, CCO of Great Rail Journeys.

“Bookings since the start of the year are up 75%, a clear sign that more people are feeling inspired to explore the wonders of China,” he added.

The fifth series of the show has featured teams racing through Chinese cities like Sanya on Hainan Island and the mountainous region of Shangri-La. Contestants have showcased both coastal routes along the East China Sea and inland journeys through rural landscapes.

“When the show aired in April, we saw a nearly 600% increase in China searches on our website and bookings on our China tours are 2.5x stronger than this time last year,” says David Riley, CEO of Great Rail Journeys.

“China has one of the largest, fastest, and most modern rail networks in the world, making it the perfect way to experience the beauty of the country. Or travellers can slow down and soak up the beauty along the Yangtze River,” Riley explains.

The operator offers several tours to the region (check them out here), including its signature “Treasures of China & Yangtze River Cruise” from £2,999 per person. The 15-day escorted journey takes in iconic sights such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the pandas of Chengdu, combining high-speed rail travel with a Yangtze River cruise.

A shorter “Highlights of China” tour starts from £2,499 per person for a 13-day adventure that includes Beijing’s Forbidden City, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Chengdu’s panda research centre.

Set-jetting aka destination-based television shows influencing travel choices is still booming. It follows similar trends seen with programmes including HBO’s The White Lotus which sparked increased interest in featured locations such as Sicily and Hawaii.

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