This fall, a notable trend has emerged among middle-aged and elderly Chinese travelers, who are increasingly opting for off-peak travel days instead of holiday periods. This strategic choice not only allows them to secure more affordable travel options but also helps them avoid crowded destinations, according to industry analysts.
Throughout the first nine months of the year, the enthusiasm for travel among older individuals remained robust. Bookings from travelers aged 50 and above surged by 26% compared to the previous year, while those aged between 61 and 65 experienced an impressive 58% increase—outpacing other age demographics.
Wang Xinxin, director of elderly travel at Trip.com, noted, “Elderly travelers typically prefer flying and staying at luxury hotels. This demographic, characterized by affluence and leisure time, has become increasingly prominent in the travel market.” She added that these travelers tend to shy away from popular, crowded tourist spots, favoring natural landscapes and culturally rich experiences.
With their wealth of life experiences, older travelers have developed a refined taste for quality travel. Their frequency of trips and expenditure often surpasses the average traveler.
In contrast, younger travelers are also adapting their holiday travel patterns, opting for off-peak experiences to enjoy more economical and comfortable trips. After the Golden Week holiday, the average prices for flights, accommodations, group tours, and customized travel options have decreased by over 30%, making off-peak travel more appealing.
This rising interest in off-peak travel is anticipated to drive changes in the tourism market, prompting airlines and hotels to rethink their pricing and marketing strategies. Such trends are expected to broaden the scope of the tourism sector, as noted by Trip.com.
As the year draws to a close, many young professionals are seizing the opportunity to utilize their remaining annual leave for travel. According to Tuniu Corp, another online travel agency, travelers aged 31 to 40 represent more than 30% of those seeking off-peak experiences.
Qi Chunguang, vice president of Tuniu, stated, “For those with ample time, now is an ideal period for off-peak travel. This demographic tends to favor domestic long-haul journeys and longer itineraries for outbound trips.”
The picturesque autumn scenery has further enhanced interest in off-peak travel. Domestic attractions like Huangshan Mountain in Anhui, Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou, and Wuyuan in Jiangxi have seen increased tourist activity thanks to their vibrant fall colors, according to Tuniu.
Popular international destinations for off-peak travelers include Japan, the Maldives, Thailand, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Ireland.
The landscape of outbound tourism is also evolving. With several countries now offering visa-free entry for Chinese travelers, combined with lower airfare and accommodation costs, residents from smaller cities are increasingly traveling abroad, particularly to Southeast Asian destinations, according to Qunar, a Beijing-based travel agency.
Cai Muzi, a researcher at Qunar, explained, “Travelers from first-tier cities are venturing further abroad and spending more, although the rate of increase in their travel orders is modest. They remain a key source of tourists for long-haul destinations like Europe and the United States.”
Related Topics:
Where is the Austin Neighborhood in Chicago
