Travel agencies and experts say cross-border travel has become the main driver of the tourism market during the Chinese New Year of the Snake, thanks to the relaxation of visa-free policies.
This year, the total number of cross-border travel orders increased by 30% compared with last year, inbound air ticket orders increased by 180%, and inbound hotel bookings increased by more than 60%.
Data from Qunar.com also showed a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists, with the number of non-Chinese passport holders booking domestic flights during the Spring Festival increasing by 70%. Many foreigners are now exploring China’s second- and third-tier cities.
Between January 28 and February 4, Hainan Airlines carried more than 20,000 foreign passengers, further indicating a surge in international travel during this period.
While many foreigners travel to China, Chinese tourists have also shown a preference for overseas celebrations. Ctrip data shows that short-distance outbound travel orders to Japan have doubled compared with last year’s Spring Festival, while bookings for long-distance destinations such as the United States, Spain, Italy, and France have increased significantly, with increases of 53%, 82%, 56%, and 50% respectively.
