Chinese tourists boost U.S. businesses

Last year, thousands of Chinese tourists flocked to Yellowstone National Park to view the mountains, the buffalo and Old Faithful.

Later, at least 1,600 trekked to the Ranch at Ucross, some 200 miles to the east, where they feasted on burgers made from said beast, baked beans and biscuits. Following lunch, they were treated to a demonstration of rodeo-style riding by 14-year-old Katie Wilhelm.

"She takes off with that big American flag in her stirrup, and they go crazy," said ranch owner Judie Blair. "All the political issues between the two countries just evaporate."

Blair is one of a growing number of U.S. business owners looking to capitalize on the surge in Chinese tourism to the United States.

purred by increasing urbanization, rising levels of disposable income and relaxed travel restrictions, Chinese visitors to the United States jumped from under 400,000 in 2007 to almost 1.5 million in 2012, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The Chinese spend more traveling than any other nation: In 2012, they spent almost $9 billion in the United States.

Blair hosted over 80 buses of Chinese tourists at the three hotels she owns in Cody, Wyo., last year. It's a small but rapidly growing part of her family-run business, Blair Hotels, which also includes the ranch. This year, she's expecting 160 buses, and over 200 are already booked for 2015. The increase in Chinese tour groups has helped offset losses from other Asian countries.

Cody (founded by William "Buffalo Bill" Cody) offers easy access to Yellowstone -- which is hugely popular with Chinese tourists thanks to an Chinese television program on U.S. National Parks, said Blair.