Industry insiders estimate that growth in the sector will largely stem from people living in second-or third-tier cities, a preferential currency exchange rate and simplified visa application procedures.

The report said first-tier cities were still the top source of outbound tourists. However, Tianjin and Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Liaoning and Sichuan provinces have also seen more tourists take overseas trips.

Li Baochun, deputy general secretary of the World Tourism Cities Federation, said the population of second-and third-tier cities is far greater than first-tier ones. Even a small percentage of travelers from second-and third-tier cities going abroad will trigger significant growth in outbound tourism.

Although the yuan's reference rate against the US dollar was adjusted last month, it is still much stronger against the euro and the US currency than it was in the past, Li said.

"In addition, tax rebate policies offered in Europe have also stimulated shopping by Chinese tourists," he added.

Zhang Guangrui, honorary director of the Tourism Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said further growth will be fueled by overseas countries and regions willing to simplify visa applications for Chinese tourists.