During this Lunar New Year, Trip.com Group is spearheading the surge in international and inbound travel, experiencing remarkable growth in various aspects. International travel has seen a tenfold increase, driven by more lenient visa policies, particularly in Asian destinations. Inbound travel to China, amidst one of its busiest travel seasons, has also surged tenfold compared to the previous year, drawing a growing number of global tourists participating in the festive celebrations across the country. The month of festivities is expected to witness a record-breaking nine billion inter-regional movements, with the eve of Reunion Day, on 8th February, standing out as the busiest travel day of the season.
The spike in international travel is characterized by families exploring Asia, with a growth of more than 10 times compared to the same period last year, accompanied by increased expenditure, particularly on flights. Short-haul routes to Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea are the preferred choices, with popular destinations including Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam.
This international travel trend is gaining momentum due to relaxed visa requirements, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s announcement of visa-free arrangements for more than 10 countries since July last year has contributed to this trend. Notably, the Middle East is also witnessing increased travel, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) attracting attention due to favorable visa policies and convenient arrival procedures, with destinations like Dubai and Qatar being popular.
Family-centric travel has taken the spotlight during the Spring Festival, constituting 47% of all travelers, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Families are embracing various travel preferences, including renting cars for flexibility, opting for customized tours, and hiring local guides for personalized experiences.
Differences in Spring Festival attractions between Asia and Europe are evident, with theme parks being the focus in Asia and Europe drawing travelers with its cultural heritage and historical landmarks. Cruise tourism has also emerged as a major draw, with sold-out schedules for cruise ships sailing from Shanghai and strong demand in Hong Kong and Singapore.
China continues to attract a massive influx of global travelers for Lunar New Year celebrations, with inbound travel bookings surging more than 10 times. There is an increased preference for staying at 4-star hotels, an extension in the average duration of stay, and a significant expansion in the booking window, indicating heightened awareness of travel opportunities.
The record-breaking travel season in China is driven by the road trip trend, with approximately 9 billion inter-regional movements, nearly tripling the numbers from 2019. The “North-South Exchange” trend in regional travel attracts travelers seeking unique and immersive journeys, with a notable increase in road trips by approximately 60%. Destinations like Hangzhou and Kunming are promoting experience-based tourism, offering discounted or free admission to scenic spots and organizing various activities to attract tourists, including ice skating, skiing, hot springs, culinary experiences, lantern exhibitions, temple fairs, and cultural events.
* Travel And Tour World
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