China anticipates travel surge for the Lunar New Year

With the Lunar New Year slated between 28th January and 4th February, several Chinese travel agencies forecast an upward trajectory for both inbound and outbound travel.

Based on recent reports, consumer willingness to travel is at an unprecedented high, with both inbound and outbound tourism flourishing and showing a growth trend.

China Tourism Academy expert Yang Jingsong pointed out that travel to and from China is anticipated to increase significantly, possibly reaching record levels.

Yang added that the surge may be attributed to favourable visa-free policies and the continuous release of pent-up consumer demand.

Likewise, the growth in outbound tourism is expected to be more pronounced during the upcoming holidays due to the increasing number of countries with visa exemptions and visa-on-arrival policies, which enhance travel convenience for Chinese travelers.

The recovery of international direct flights is another factor contributing to the sustained growth of outbound tourism.

Where are Chinese travellers 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 UK. 

The OTA’s research team also noted that short-haul outbound routes to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are particularly popular.

Other factors that contribute to the stronger outbound travel include the continuous release of China’s consumption potential.

Indeed, travel to Southeast Asian countries is expected to be particularly attractive, as the cost of short-distance travel is relatively low.

At the same time, China’s civil aviation international market is projected to recover to 74.8 percent of its 2019 levels 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 levels.

A surge in inbound travel for the Lunar New Year

Inbound travel is also expected to show positive growth, primarily driven by China’s visa-free policies, with the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers being extended from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours.

Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region, per the National Immigration Administration in December.

According to Trip.com, the number of travel orders from foreign tourists visiting China is expected to increase by 203 percent year-on-year.

The main source countries will include South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. 

The domestic destinations that foreign tourists are particularly interested in include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Harbin.