As millions of Chinese travelers prepare for the Golden Week holiday in October, Trip.com Group’s latest data highlights a significant shift in travel preferences. Chinese tourists are increasingly venturing beyond major capitals, opting for lesser-known destinations.
According to the report, the top outbound destinations for Chinese travelers in the Asia-Pacific region include Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. Notably, long-haul travel to Europe has surged by nearly 30%, with many travelers opting for multi-destination trips that exceed the global average length of stay.
Hotel bookings are peaking as the holiday approaches, with October 1st marking the start of the festivities. Travelers are enjoying an average stay of over seven days, capitalizing on a 10-day break by taking just two days off work. Year-on-year growth in total bookings for hotel stays is evident, while average air ticket prices for key outbound destinations, including Japan, Malaysia, and the USA, have seen a significant decline.
There is also a marked increase in demand for long-haul travel, with Australia, the United States, New Zealand, the UK, France, and Spain emerging as popular choices. Long-haul flights have surpassed pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019, with European destinations witnessing longer stays of 10 to 14 days. Over 30% of travelers to Europe are now choosing multi-destination itineraries, reflecting a trend towards maximizing travel experiences.
Chinese travelers are planning their trips more proactively, submitting visa applications an average of 68 days prior to the holiday—29 days earlier than the previous year. The most sought-after destinations for National Day visa applications include Japan, South Korea, Australia, and several European countries.
This data from Trip.com Group underscores the evolving landscape of travel preferences among Chinese tourists, emphasizing a growing interest in diverse and less traditional destinations.
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