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Russian outbound travel surges in Asia amid shift toward independent booking

At the TDM Global Summit Bangkok 2026, held at the Amari Bangkok, Victoria Rossi, Business Development Manager, Asia at Yandex Ads, delivered a data-rich session on “Travellers from Russia and CIS: Insights and Trends 2026,” offering a deep dive into one of the most dynamic outbound travel segments today. Understanding Yandex Ads and Its Market Influence Rossi began by introducing Yandex Ads as one of the largest global tech ecosystems, particularly dominant across Russian-speaking markets. Victoris adds: “So we have access to about 125 million Russian-speaking people.” With over 90 integrated services and this kind of access, Yandex plays a central role in shaping digital behaviour—from search and booking to navigation and content consumption. Its presence extends well beyond Russia, with growing operations across Southeast Asia and China. For travel businesses, this positions Yandex Ads as a critical gateway to understanding and engaging Russian and CIS travellers at scale. Defining the Russian & CIS Traveller The Russian-speaking outbound market spans a vast geography, including countries such as Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. While traditionally led by major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Rossi emphasised that secondary cities are increasingly contributing to outbound demand, particularly for Asian destinations. A defining characteristic of this market is its youth. Many travellers are financially active but face limitations in long-term investments such as real estate. As a result, travel becomes a priority expenditure—an experience-driven choice over asset accumulation. Weather Over Everything: The Core Travel Driver For Russian travellers, climate is the single most influential factor. Rossi highlighted that destinations offering warm weather, sunshine, and access to the sea consistently outperform others—often outweighing considerations such as cost or geopolitical concerns. She says: “We have this joke wherein we are asking our friends and colleagues who are still based in Moscow and Russia, are they coming to Dubai or Israel today? And they say yes, because the weather is good.” This preference explains the sustained popularity of destinations like Turkey and the growing interest in Southeast Asia. Even seasonal factors such as monsoons in Asia do not significantly deter demand, as long as the destination offers a warmer alternative to Russia’s climate. Short Planning Cycles, Longer Stays One of the most notable behavioural shifts is the shortening of the booking window. According to Yandex Ads data, Russian travellers typically make final travel decisions within 27–28 days of departure. However, once booked, trips tend to be longer—especially to Asia—averaging around two weeks or more. Most travellers take one to two major trips annually, making each journey a high-value decision. This combination of short planning cycles and longer stays creates both urgency and opportunity for travel marketers. Rise of Independent Travel and AI Influence Rossi highlighted a clear transition toward independent travel. While package tours remain relevant—particularly for families during peak seasons—there is a growing confidence among travellers to plan trips independently, including booking flights, hotels, and experiences. AI is playing a significant role in this shift. Within the Yandex ecosystem, users increasingly rely on AI tools to build itineraries, compare options, and optimise travel decisions. This evolution underscores the importance of digital visibility, real-time content, and seamless booking experiences. Content, Reviews and Social Proof Matter Despite shorter booking windows, Russian travellers engage deeply with content before making decisions. Rossi stressed the importance of reviews, social media recommendations, and travel content such as blogs, videos, and even films in shaping destination appeal. Social proof—particularly feedback from fellow Russian-speaking travellers—holds significant weight. Platforms like Telegram and localised content channels are becoming increasingly influential, especially for audiences outside Russia. Q1 2026 Trends: Asia on the Rise Yandex Ads search data for Q1 2026 reveals a clear shift in travel interest. While Turkey remains a strong performer, demand for Middle Eastern destinations has declined, with notable growth in Asia—particularly Vietnam, China and Thailand. Flight search data further supports this trend, indicating increased independent travel and alternative accommodation preferences. Meanwhile, international hotel chains continue to perform strongly, reflecting brand trust among Russian travellers. Geopolitics vs Travel Intent: A Resilient Market Interestingly, Rossi pointed out that geopolitical developments have limited long-term impact on travel intent. While short-term disruptions may occur, Russian travellers remain highly adaptable. As soon as routes reopen and bookings become available, demand quickly rebounds. This resilience suggests that destinations and travel businesses should focus less on external uncertainties and more on readiness—ensuring visibility, accessibility, and competitive offerings when demand returns. What This Means for Travel Businesses The insights presented highlight several actionable strategies for the industry. Asia is poised to benefit from shifting demand, particularly in the short term, as travellers look for accessible and appealing alternatives. Marketing efforts should prioritise young families from major urban centres while also tapping into emerging secondary markets. Speed is critical. Given the short decision-making window, campaigns must be agile, targeted, and timely. Leveraging AI-driven tools, personalised advertising, and strong content strategies will be essential to capture attention and convert interest into bookings. A Market Defined by Opportunity Rossi concluded by reinforcing that the Russian and CIS outbound segment remains a high-potential market for 2026. With strong travel intent, increasing digital sophistication, and a growing preference for Asia, the opportunity for destinations and hospitality players is both immediate and significant. For those willing to adapt quickly and engage effectively, this market offers not just recovery—but growth!

Traveloka reveals booking surge on double-digit dates

Representative Image Traveloka's recent data analysis across five Southeast Asian markets highlights a significant trend: travellers are increasingly booking trips on double-digit dates, such as 11/11 and 12/12, even when no promotional sales are running. From March to December 2025, the platform observed a 20% rise in traffic and a 25% increase in transactions on these dates compared to others. This phenomenon, rooted in the popularity of China's Singles Day, has led Traveloka to adapt its marketing strategy. The company plans to introduce more frequent, smaller sales on these dates in 2026. Alex Jung, Head of Marketing at Traveloka, stated, “Our users have shown that they want to plan their journeys around these numerically-significant days and we want to show up when they do.” The data also reveals that during the early months of 2026, East Asia remains a top destination for Southeast Asian travellers, with significant interest in Japan, Taiwan, and Mainland China. Singapore's travel demand expanded to include South Korea, the US, Australia, and the UK during March's 33 sale. Looking ahead, Traveloka's 55 EPIC Sale, running from 4 to 8 May 2026, is set to offer discounts of up to 80% on flights, accommodations, and attractions. This sale is a direct response to the observed booking behaviours, aiming to maximise value for consumers This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Labour Day travel surge sees Singapore and China bookings rise

Representative Image International travel is experiencing a significant boost this Labour Day holiday, with outbound flight bookings from Singapore and China rising by 15% year-on-year, according to data from Trip.com Group. The extended five-day holiday in China, from 1 to 5 May, has encouraged more Chinese travellers to explore international destinations, often visiting multiple cities in one trip. For Chinese travellers, popular destinations include Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore, alongside island favourites like Phuket and Bali. Domestically, Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu remain top choices. "This Labour Day holiday marks a significant surge in outbound travel from both Singapore and China," said Edmund Ong, Senior Regional Director at Trip.com. He noted the appeal of short- and mid-haul Asian getaways during this period. Singaporeans are also taking advantage of their three-day break, with a 15% increase in outbound flight bookings. Destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Seoul remain popular, whilst cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Sydney, and Tokyo have seen over 30% growth in bookings. The data indicates a growing interest in both familiar and new destinations. Accommodation preferences show a strong inclination towards hotels, with nearly 90% of Singaporean travellers and 80% of Chinese travellers opting for hotel stays. This trend highlights a preference for comfort and established hospitality services. China continues to be the leading source of inbound tourists to Singapore during the Labour Day holiday, followed by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This influx underscores the enduring appeal of Singapore as a travel destination This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Ascott invests in AI to transform travel booking

The Ascott Limited, a wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment, has announced a significant investment in AI-ready infrastructure to lead in agentic commerce. Collaborating with Accenture, Amadeus, and EHL Hospitality Business School, Ascott aims to revolutionise how travellers plan and book their stays through intelligent agents. Ascott's strategic partnerships focus on three key areas: technology, distribution, and talent development. Accenture will enhance Ascott’s chatbot, Cubby, transforming it into a personal travel agent capable of planning itineraries and completing bookings. Amadeus will implement its Central Reservations System, allowing Ascott to offer detailed property attributes to guests and AI agents. EHL will develop training programmes to equip Ascott's workforce with the necessary skills to maintain brand standards and service philosophy. Kevin Goh, CEO of Ascott, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Distribution shifts, labour pressures, and rising guest expectations are reshaping hospitality. AI can power our operations, but only our people can exercise the judgement that turns a stay into a memory.” The move is part of Ascott’s broader strategy to enhance AI capabilities across marketing, revenue management, and sales. Since launching Cubby in 2023, the digital concierge has handled over 900,000 guest enquiries, improving booking outcomes. Ascott's investment in AI aims to deliver stronger booking values, greater efficiency, and improved AI visibility, positioning the company at the forefront of the evolving travel landscape This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

UAE tourism stabilises as travellers swap long-term plans for flexible bookings

Wide angle photo of Museum of the future on Sheikh Zayed Road with Dubai Skyline at Sunrise time After a volatile opening to 2026, signs are emerging that travel to the UAE is moving into a stabilisation phase, supported by recovering demand, renewed aviation confidence and the destination’s structural resilience. While the rebound remains uneven across segments, April has seen the narrative shift from disruption response toward calibrated recovery — a notable turning point for one of the region’s most important tourism markets. A key indicator has been the return of demand. According to an April market update, travel demand to the UAE has rebounded to 30–50 percent of pre-disruption levels, with enquiries and bookings showing steady week-on-week improvement. What makes this recovery notable is not only the volume returning, but the way travellers are returning — with shorter booking windows, flexible fare preferences and a stronger preference for destinations perceived as stable and well managed. “What we are seeing is not a decline in interest, but a shift in behaviour,” said Imtiaz Hussain Nasir, CEO of UAEVisaTravel.com. “Travellers are still choosing the UAE, but they are planning differently—placing greater emphasis on flexibility and faster decision-making.” This evolution in behaviour is playing to the UAE’s strengths. Unlike destinations dependent on long-haul advance planning, the UAE’s aviation connectivity, stopover appeal and dynamic packaging ecosystem allow it to capture spontaneous and flexible demand faster than many competitors. Flexible Demand Is Shaping the Recovery Rather than a conventional rebound led by long-lead leisure bookings, the recovery is being fuelled by travellers adapting to uncertainty through agility. Flexible products, quick-turn bookings and shorter trip planning cycles are increasingly defining demand. That matters because it suggests confidence has not disappeared — it has simply changed form. For travel suppliers, this has prompted a recalibration rather than a retreat. Airlines, hotels and intermediaries are aligning products around flexibility rather than discount-led recovery alone, helping sustain demand without eroding long-term value. This more adaptive demand pattern may not be a temporary reaction but part of a broader shift in travel behaviour — one that may ultimately favour agile hub destinations such as the UAE. Connectivity Is Rebuilding Confidence Air access, often the clearest signal of destination recovery, is also reinforcing stabilisation. Regional aviation has gradually regained momentum, with UAE carriers playing a central role in restoring confidence. As one of the world’s largest global transit hubs, the UAE’s recovery is closely linked to how quickly connectivity normalises — and recent indicators suggest that process is well underway. This matters beyond seat capacity. Restored schedules signal reliability to consumers, tour operators and corporate buyers alike. That confidence is further supported by continued investment in tourism infrastructure. Even amid regional uncertainty, Dubai is projected to add 9,300 new hotel rooms by 2028, underlining long-term investor confidence in sustained visitor growth. Expansion during uncertainty is often a stronger indicator of confidence than short-term performance metrics. Hospitality Fundamentals Remain Strong Another reason stabilisation appears credible is that the UAE entered this period from a position of strength. Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, a record that provided strong momentum entering 2026. Hotel performance has remained among the strongest globally, while diversified demand across leisure, premium and MICE segments has helped cushion volatility. This foundation matters because markets with strong baseline demand tend to stabilise faster than those recovering from structural weakness. Rather than rebuilding from collapse, the UAE tourism sector is recalibrating from disruption. It explains why many recovery signals are emerging in operational patterns — enquiries, booking conversion, route normalisation and investment confidence — even before all traditional performance indicators fully recover. Resilience Is Also Structural Beyond near-term recovery metrics, the UAE continues benefiting from advantages that make stabilisation more sustainable. Its diversified source markets reduce overdependence on any one geography. Its positioning as both destination and transit hub broadens demand channels. Its integrated tourism model — combining aviation, hospitality, events and retail — creates recovery spillovers many destinations lack. Those fundamentals are reasserting themselves. Industry leaders were already focusing less on crisis management and more on how to strengthen the next growth cycle, reflecting a shift from defence to recovery planning. From Recovery to Recalibration What may be unfolding is less a return to old travel patterns and more the emergence of a new demand model. Late booking behaviour, flexibility-led travel and resilience-driven destination choices may become features of the next phase of travel, rather than temporary responses to uncertainty. Recovery remains uneven across some long-haul and group segments. Pricing may take longer than volumes to fully normalise. Some caution remains in traveller sentiment. The central question earlier this year was whether regional disruption would materially derail UAE tourism momentum. By April, the question has shifted toward how quickly recovery accelerates. Because stabilisation does not necessarily mean a dramatic rebound. It means the return of predictability, confidence and demand consistency. Travel to the UAE is not fully back to pre-disruption normality, but the evidence suggests it is stabilising — and doing so through the very factors that have long underpinned its tourism strength: connectivity, adaptability and trust.

Propellic: Middle East conflict disrupts global travel bookings

Propellic, a leading travel marketing agency, has unveiled a report highlighting a significant disruption in global travel bookings due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The report, based on 30 days of data from over 60 travel brands and 27 destinations, reveals a surge in travel searches but a stark decline in booking conversions. The conflict has led to what Propellic describes as a "frozen pipeline," where increased interest in travel is not translating into actual bookings. This trend is evident across conflict-adjacent regions, with Jordan experiencing a 153% increase in sessions but a 25.81% drop in conversion rates. Similarly, the UAE saw a staggering 12,766% rise in sessions, yet its click-through rate fell by 22.6%. The report also identifies a "Mediterranean Sentiment Spillover," affecting countries like Greece and Spain, which are not directly involved in the conflict. Greece recorded a 3,225% increase in sessions year-over-year, whilst conversion rates plummeted by 35.14%. Spain faced a similar pattern, with a 2,221% rise in sessions but a 47.74% drop in conversions. John Matson, Propellic's Chief Revenue Officer, noted, "Travellers are willing to travel and are actively researching these destinations. They haven’t lost interest. They’ve lost confidence." The report introduces the Certainty Gap Index™ (CGI™), a metric quantifying the gap between traveller interest and booking confidence. Propellic's findings suggest that travel brands should focus on reassurance rather than promotion to navigate this challenging period. The full report is available for free download on Propellic's website This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

‘Select your exact room’: Tech founder explains the shift in hotel booking

Hotels shift booking models to exact-room sales Fermín Carmona Fernández, Co-Founder & CEO, Hotelverse Rafael Bover, Co-Founder & COO / Executive Chairman, Hotelverse Europe’s hotel sector is shifting towards exact-room booking as inbound travel rises 6%, forcing operators to address revenue leakage caused by outdated sales models, according to Fermín Carmona Fernández and Rafael Bover, CEO and COO of Hotelverse. The shift targets a longstanding flaw in hotel distribution. Traditional systems rely on “generic room categories, photos, and descriptions,” which Bover said often result in a mismatch where “the actual room could be completely different.” This disconnect between what guests expect and what they receive is driving dissatisfaction and limiting pricing power. Fernández said the issue stems from a lack of control at the point of booking, noting that customers “didn't have the capability to personalise their stay.” In response, hotels are beginning to sell rooms as individual products, allowing guests to choose based on location, layout, and view. New booking platforms are enabling this change by mapping real inventory visually. Guests can “navigate the hotel in a 3D experience,” seeing where rooms sit in relation to amenities such as pools or beachfront areas. This gives buyers clearer information before purchase and reduces post-booking complaints. The change is also affecting how customers make decisions. Bover said the process is shifting “from abstract to emotional and confident,” as guests move from guessing to selecting. This has direct commercial impact, with “guests… willing to pay more for what they truly value,” supporting higher room-level pricing and improved conversion. For operators, the model allows more precise revenue management. Instead of pricing broad categories, hotels can differentiate units based on attributes such as floor level, proximity to facilities, or view quality. This creates new upsell opportunities and better matches supply with demand. However, adoption is uneven. Integrating room-level inventory systems with legacy booking engines requires investment, and smaller operators may struggle to implement the technology at scale. Artificial intelligence is expected to accelerate uptake. Fernández said “AI is going to transform the way customers book,” with agent-driven and voice-based systems likely to match guest preferences with specific rooms in real time. This could reduce booking friction and automate upselling. Bover added that room categories may disappear altogether as customers expect the same control seen in airline seat selection. As competition tightens, hotels that adopt room-level selling are likely to capture higher-value bookings, whilst those that rely on traditional models risk weaker pricing and lower conversion rates.

Spain and Japan see luxury booking surge as affluent travellers avoid Middle East conflict

Luxury travel, a woman looking at view on Santorini island in Greece The Iran war that erupted in February 2026 has begun reshaping global travel flows just as the summer booking season approaches. While geopolitical tensions have disrupted aviation routes and reduced travel sentiment across parts of the Middle East, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) remain among the most resilient segments of the travel economy. Rather than cancelling trips altogether, affluent travellers are redirecting their plans toward destinations that offer stability, privacy and highly curated experiences. For the travel trade—from luxury tour operators to destination marketing organisations and premium hospitality groups—the shift represents a redistribution of luxury demand rather than a slowdown. Early signals from airline bookings, hospitality performance and luxury retail activity indicate that several regions including Mediterranean Europe, Asia, Oceania and select Middle Eastern markets are emerging as key beneficiaries of this redirected demand. Mediterranean Europe Sees Immediate Uptick Southern Europe has quickly emerged as one of the most immediate beneficiaries of changing travel patterns following the conflict. Travel data indicates that destinations such as Spain and Portugal are witnessing a noticeable increase in summer bookings as travellers avoid destinations closer to geopolitical tensions. According to the report, Spain has recorded a 32 percent year-on-year increase in flight bookings, while hotel searches have risen by around 28 percent. Portugal has also seen strong demand with flight bookings increasing by approximately 21 percent and hotel searches rising by 16 percent. Source: Airlines have begun adjusting seat capacity to capture the redirected demand from key markets across Europe and Asia. For luxury travel planners, the Mediterranean continues to provide a combination of established luxury infrastructure, cultural experiences and perceived political stability. Destinations across Spain, Italy, southern France and Portugal are seeing growing interest in private villas, boutique heritage hotels and luxury yacht itineraries—experiences that align closely with the expectations of affluent travellers. Asia Reclaims Its Position in Long-Haul Luxury Travel Asia is also emerging as an attractive option for high-net-worth travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences and relative geopolitical distance from the conflict zone. Several Asian destinations have strengthened their positioning in luxury hospitality and experiential tourism over the past decade, making them appealing alternatives for affluent travellers. Japan, for example, continues to attract strong interest for its combination of cultural heritage, culinary tourism and high-end hospitality. Similarly, Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are benefiting from renewed interest in nature-led luxury travel, private island resorts and wellness retreats. Luxury tour operators report growing demand for curated itineraries that combine cultural immersion with privacy, including private temple visits, culinary journeys and bespoke wellness programmes. Asia’s ability to offer deeply experiential travel—combined with competitive luxury pricing compared to Europe—has made the region particularly attractive for affluent travellers from Asia-Pacific and Europe. Oceania Gains Appeal for Ultra-Exclusive Experiences Further afield, Oceania is increasingly attracting affluent travellers seeking remote and exclusive experiences. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, are being positioned as premium long-haul destinations that offer both safety and distinctive landscapes. For high-net-worth travellers, the appeal of Oceania lies in its ability to deliver unique experiences such as luxury lodge stays, private island retreats and curated nature-based journeys. From wine tourism in Australia’s premium regions to helicopter-accessible lodges in New Zealand, the region offers experiential luxury that aligns with the evolving preferences of affluent travellers. The region’s reputation for safety and its focus on sustainable tourism are also contributing to its appeal during a period of geopolitical uncertainty. Dawn at the infinity pool of the 5-star Le Cham resort in Tu Le commune, Van Chan district, Yen Bai province, Vietnam Middle East Tourism Adjusts but Remains Resilient While the conflict has disrupted parts of the Middle East travel ecosystem, the region continues to play an important role in global luxury tourism. Major Gulf cities remain key aviation hubs linking Europe, Asia and Africa, although travel flows have been temporarily affected by geopolitical developments. Luxury retail companies have already reported weaker airport shopping and tourist spending across parts of the Middle East as flight disruptions and geopolitical concerns affect visitor numbers. Luxury brands have also acknowledged that regional tensions are influencing tourism-driven sales. Hermes noted that geopolitical developments in the Middle East have begun affecting spending patterns linked to international travellers passing through regional retail hubs. Despite the short-term disruption, analysts point out that the Middle East accounts for roughly five to ten percent of global luxury consumption. Several Gulf destinations continue to attract luxury travellers through mega tourism projects, luxury resorts and large-scale hospitality developments. The region’s long-term tourism growth trajectory is therefore expected to remain intact once geopolitical tensions ease. Experience-Driven Travel Continues to Shape Demand Beyond geography, the Iran war is reinforcing a broader behavioural shift among affluent travellers. Increasingly, HNIs are prioritising personalised travel experiences over traditional luxury consumption. Concierge-led travel planning, bespoke itineraries and exclusive-use hospitality products are gaining traction as wealthy travellers seek greater privacy and flexibility. Market forecasts indicate that luxury travel concierge services are expected to grow strongly as affluent travellers rely more heavily on specialised advisors to design curated journeys. This shift toward experiential luxury is translating into growing demand for private villas, expedition travel, cultural immersion programmes and nature-focused journeys. For the travel trade, the evolving travel landscape underscores the importance of agility. Travel advisors and tour operators are increasingly redesigning itineraries to avoid areas affected by geopolitical tensions while still delivering high-value experiences for affluent clients. Luxury hotels and destination marketers are also repositioning their offerings around authenticity, privacy and experiential travel. The emphasis is shifting from traditional luxury consumption toward curated experiences that allow travellers to engage more deeply with destinations. As the summer season approaches, the global luxury travel market is entering a period of rapid realignment. The Iran war has disrupted traditional travel corridors across parts of the Middle East, but it has not diminished the appetite for premium travel. Instead, affluent travellers are redirecting their journeys toward destinations that offer safety, exclusivity and meaningful experiences. For the global travel trade, the ability to anticipate and respond to these evolving travel patterns will determine which destinations capture the next wave of luxury tourism demand.

Virgin Atlantic offers bonus Tier Points for holiday bookings

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has announced a limited-time promotion offering 300 bonus Tier Points to members who spend £4,000 or more on Virgin Atlantic Holidays bookings. This promotion, available from 7 to 20 April 2026, aims to fast-track leisure travellers to Silver status, enhancing their travel experience with additional benefits. The offer is the most generous Tier Point promotion ever by Flying Club, allowing the lead booker to achieve Silver Status when combined with the club's existing benefit of double Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic flights booked with a holiday of three nights or more. Liz Mathews, Vice President of Virgin Atlantic Holidays, stated, “This offer makes that next getaway even more rewarding, as travellers can level up their status in a single holiday, unlocking a whole host of Flying Club benefits from day one.” The promotion is valid for bookings that include a Virgin Atlantic operated flight and meet specific criteria, such as a minimum of three nights for accommodation, car hire, or cruise elements. The initiative is part of Flying Club's strategy to reward loyalty and enhance the customer experience, following the introduction of the High Five reward scheme. This promotion not only provides an incentive for members to book their next holiday but also strengthens Virgin Atlantic's commitment to rewarding its customers. With the added benefits of Silver status, members can enjoy perks like Premium Check In and priority boarding, making their travel more enjoyable and seamless This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Fliggy reports surge in Qingming travel bookings

Representative Image: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden in Kaifeng city, China, famous, travel, landmark Fliggy, the online travel platform under Alibaba Group, has released its 2026 Qingming Festival Holiday Travel Wrap-Up, showcasing significant growth in both domestic and international travel. The surge is attributed to increased demand for parent-child tourism and a shift towards high-quality, experience-led trips. Domestic travel saw a notable increase, with hotel bookings rising approximately 40% year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by post-85 and post-90 parents prioritising quality experiences, which in turn boosted average spending per transaction. Additionally, members of Alibaba's 88VIP loyalty programme contributed to an 80% year-on-year increase in hotel room night bookings. Popular domestic destinations included major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou. However, lesser-known locations like Nujiang and Zhaosu also experienced over 100% growth in bookings, highlighting a growing interest in natural and cultural sites. On the international front, bookings for overseas leisure activities rose nearly 40% year-on-year. Short-haul destinations like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Thailand were favoured for their convenience and diverse offerings. Meanwhile, long-haul destinations such as Tanzania and Argentina saw multiple-fold increases in bookings, driven by a desire for exploratory travel. Fliggy's data underscores a shift in travel preferences, with families and experience-seekers leading the charge. As travel trends evolve, the platform continues to cater to the diverse needs of its users This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

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