Global hospitality company Hilton is confident about the recovery of the tourism market in China, driven by rising number of international travelers and hails China as a significant contributor to the global travel economy, according to its top executive.

Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer of Hilton and national chair of the United States Travel Association, visited China this week to attend the 14th China-US Tourism Leadership Summit in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

On May 22, Nassetta delivered a keynote speech that underscored Hilton's confidence in the recovery of travel and the power of tourism to bring people together.

"China is a significant contributor to the global travel economy, and represents Hilton's next largest market outside of the United States," said Nassetta.

"We see the important strides that China is making to welcome back international travelers, and have every confidence in the full return of its travel industry."

Nassetta said the company is committed to promoting international exchange, advancing professional opportunities and bringing diversified new offerings to Chinese travelers in this new golden age of travel.

Hilton has now operated more than 660 hotels across 10 brands in over 210 destinations in China as of April 2024. Since 2020, Hilton has opened more than 100 new hotels every year in the country.