Beijing, China. More Chinese tourists are expected to travel overseas during next week’s extra-long Lunar New Year break, with destinations including Russia, Australia, Thailand and South Korea, travel agencies said, while Japan has become less popular.
Extended holiday and travel rush outlook
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, runs for nine days this year from February 15, one day longer than usual, to mark the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.
China expects a record 9.5 billion passenger trips during the accompanying 40-day travel rush, up from 9.02 billion last year, as officials hope the longer event will encourage more domestic and overseas travel.
Top outbound destinations and domestic travel trends
“Thailand has returned to being the top outbound destination thanks to its weather, when most parts of China remain cold,” said Zhou Weihong of Shanghai-based Spring Tour, the travel unit of budget carrier Spring Airlines 601021.SS.
Zhou, a deputy general manager at Spring Tour, said domestic leisure demand is split between warm and snowy destinations, with trips to the tropical island of Hainan and northeastern Changbai Mountain popular.
Bookings to Russia on Spring Tour’s platform have more than doubled from last year, and trips to northern Europe have also more than doubled.
Consumer sentiment and spending priorities
Millions traditionally head home for family reunions during the holiday, boosting spending in shops, cinemas and restaurants as families nationwide and overseas celebrate together.
Against an uncertain economic outlook, some travelers appear to be seeking a break from concerns tied to a prolonged property downturn that has eroded household wealth and uneven post-pandemic growth that has fuelled job insecurity.
Studies show Chinese consumers are prioritising spending on experiences, with consultants McKinsey saying in an August market update, “Consumers appear to have quietly moved on … highlighting deeper shifts in how China consumes.”
Which destination are you considering for travel during the Lunar New Year break?
