With the Lunar New Year between January 28th and February 4th, several Chinese travel agencies forecast an upward trend for both inbound and outbound travel.
Based on recent reports, consumer interest in travel is at an all-time high, with both inbound and outbound tourism flourishing and showing growth trends.
China Tourism Academy expert Yang Jingsong noted that travel from China will increase significantly, possibly reaching record levels.
Yang added that the surge can be attributed to favorable visa-free policies and continued consumer demand.
Likewise, growth in outbound tourism is expected to be more pronounced during the upcoming holidays due to the growing number of countries with visa-exempt and visa-on-arrival policies, which are travel destinations for Chinese travelers. Increases convenience.
The recovery of international direct flights is another factor contributing to the sustained growth of outbound tourism.
Where are Chinese travelers planning to go for the Lunar New Year?
According to online travel agency Trip.com, popular outbound travel destinations for Chinese tourists include Japan, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Thailand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
OTA's research team also noted that short-haul outbound routes are particularly popular in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.
Other factors contributing to strong outbound travel include China's continued release of consumption potential.
Indeed, travel to Southeast Asian countries is expected to be particularly attractive, as short-distance travel costs are relatively low.
At the same time, China's international market for civil aviation is projected to recover to 74.8 percent of its 2019 level in 2024, with Southeast Asia remaining the most popular region.
It is expected that, in 2025, the international civil aviation market will continue to focus on recovery, reaching 88 percent of the 2019 level.
A surge in domestic travel for the Lunar New Year
Domestic travel is also expected to show positive growth, driven primarily by China's visa-free policy, which has increased the permitted stay for qualified foreign travelers to 240 hours from the original 72 and 144 hours.
Under the updated policy, eligible citizens of 54 countries can enter China without a visa when transiting to a third country or region, according to the National Immigration Administration in December.
According to Trip.com, the number of travel orders from foreign tourists to China is expected to increase by 203 percent year-on-year.
Key source countries will include South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.
Domestic destinations that are of particular interest to foreign tourists include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Harbin.