China’s homegrown C919 passenger jet departs Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport for Beijing Capital International Airport during its maiden commercial flight in Shanghai on May 28, 2023.
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Outbound travel from China is experiencing a surge ahead of the first “Golden Week” holiday period since international travel resumed, despite China’s slowed economic growth.
Travel provider Trip.com revealed that bookings for popular foreign destinations like Singapore, Australia, and Thailand have increased twentyfold compared to the same period last year, according to a press release published on Monday. Golden Week, which starts on October 1 this year, encompasses the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day in China.
Trip.com CEO Jane Sun emphasized the growing demand for “unique and immersive experiences,” as indicated by the rise in private group tours and bookings for lesser-known destinations like Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
“We’ve noticed a significant shift towards high-quality services and in-depth travel encounters,” Sun stated. “Travelers are not only exploring popular destinations but also seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences.”
The surge in bookings follows the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions in China in December and the removal of the ban on group tours to over 70 countries in August. The United Kingdom and South Korea, two countries experiencing an increase in Chinese tourists, were included in the list.
However, contrary to expectations, experts have not witnessed a widespread boom in outbound travel from China since the country fully reopened its borders more than six months ago. Many residents chose to stay home either due to preference or because of the challenges and expenses associated with international travel.
In contrast, domestic travel has rebounded strongly. Trip.com reported a fourfold increase in bookings for travel within China compared to last year’s Golden Week, with residents opting for longer trips between different provinces. Northwestern China’s autumn tours and the pleasant climate in Southern China have particularly attracted travelers, according to Trip.com.
Golden Week traditionally sees hundreds of millions of people in China embarking on journeys. Despite pandemic restrictions, the country recorded 637 million domestic travelers in 2020. The holiday season is known for stimulating shopping and tourism among residents.
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