Despite the sharp rise in global fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict, Chinese travel demand for the May Day holiday remained strong, although the trend has clearly shifted.
Tourists wearing Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) at a tourist spot in China. Photo: Jeffry Surianto/Pexels .
The Chinese tourism market is rapidly heating up during the International Labor Day holiday (May 1-5) as flight and hotel bookings on major online platforms have entered their peak period.
Data from various platforms shows that domestic travel demand continues to rise, amid the May Day holiday coinciding with the spring break for students in some localities, extending the holiday period and stimulating demand for experiential travel, Global Times noted.
According to SCMP , a survey by China Trading Desk showed that domestic flight bookings increased by about 8% year-on-year, while domestic package tour bookings rose by about 10% ahead of the holiday, even as fuel prices surged due to the Middle East conflict.
Rural destinations and second-tier cities within the country are popular, along with "short" trips to familiar spots in East Asia.
" Economic factors are currently the biggest influence on Chinese travel demand. Travelers are still willing to travel, but are more selective and value-conscious rather than booking services randomly," said Subramania Bhatt, CEO of China Trading Desk.
Data from China's Immigration Bureau recorded 163 million entries and exits in the first quarter, a 15.3% increase year-on-year. This trend is expected to continue during the holiday season, with both domestic and international travel. However, travel agencies have reported numerous flight cancellations to destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
Tourists enjoy the warm, sunny weather in the courtyard of a cafe in Beijing's Old Quarter, China. Photo: Reuters.
The 8% increase in domestic flight bookings was considered "modest". Meanwhile, the most significant growth before the holiday came from short domestic road trips, especially self-drive tourism.
Data from China Travel Desk shows that bookings for self-drive tours increased by more than 50% year-on-year. Domestic hotel bookings increased by more than 10%, while rural tourism increased by approximately 40%.
Zhongxin Tourism, a travel company, reported a 53% increase in tour bookings compared to the previous year, while its product range expanded by 150%. The company expects to serve more than 20,000 customers during the holiday period.
According to the Fliggy platform, demand for immersive travel experiences in China has surged, with searches for activities such as mountain climbing, fruit picking, and trekking increasing by 130% year-on-year.
A report by travel company Dragon Trail International indicates that the majority of trips during the May Day holiday will be "regional." Popular destinations include Hong Kong (China), Macau (China), South Korea, and Thailand.
More than half of Chinese tourists plan to increase spending on activities and experiences, while 49% expect to spend more on food. However, the report also shows a cooling trend in travel intentions to most regions of the world this year.
Tourists walk in front of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China. Photo: Reuters.