The number of Chinese citizens travelling overseas reached 70.3 million in 2011, an increase of 22 percent from the previous year, according to statistics issued by the National Tourism Administration, CRI reported Thursday.

In 2011, the number of Chinese citizens visiting America, Europe, Australia and Africa accounted for one third of overseas tourists. The number of people visiting Africa increased by 40 percent, according to the report.

Shopping is the main reason Chinese people travel. A survey shows one in three tourists from the mainland thought the cost of shopping was their highest expenditure. Data shows during the 7-day National holidays in 2011, Chinese mainland tourists spent three times the amount of money on luxury goods to the domestic market in three months.

But Chinese visitors are less satisfied with the services at their destinations than last year, saying tourism agencies and companies pay too much on consumption and ignore real tourist experiences.

In addition, the report estimates more than 78 million Chinese citizens will travel abroad in 2012 and the travel market is expected to hit $80 billion, 16 percent higher than 2011.