+93% International Trips in China
China is experiencing a significant surge in both domestic and international travel this summer. Recent figures from TravelSky, reported by Yicai, show a 23% increase in domestic flight bookings and a remarkable 93% rise in international travel compared to last year.
During the peak travel period from July 1 to August 31, 2024, domestic flight bookings have climbed to over 18 million, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. International flight figures are also impressive, with nearly 145,000 scheduled departures and bookings nearing 7 million, up 93% year-on-year.
In response to this booming demand, airlines like Air China are expanding their operations. This includes launching new routes such as Beijing to Dhaka and Chengdu to Milan, as well as increasing flights on 13 existing routes including Beijing to Copenhagen and Chengdu to Singapore. These expansions are part of Air China’s strategy to restore its international network to more than 90% of its pre-pandemic capacity, covering 114 routes across 43 countries and regions.
Asia continues to be the preferred destination for Chinese travelers venturing abroad. Cities like Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Phuket, and Macau top the list, with London being the notable non-Asian exception. This trend highlights a preference for closer destinations, with Japan particularly benefiting from a weaker Yen and welcoming over 3 million visitors for the third consecutive month, including a 305% surge in mainland Chinese tourists in May alone compared to 2023.
The allure of Thailand for Chinese travelers has been further enhanced by a recent visa-free agreement, simplifying travel between the two nations. According to Trip.com, nearly 2.5 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in the first four months of this year, making them the largest group of visitors to the country.
The spending patterns of China’s affluent tourists also reveal interesting trends. A recent Visa survey shows that Chinese mainland tourists rank third globally in travel spending in South Korea, primarily focusing on retail outlets, department stores, and clothing, in contrast to American tourists who spend more on dining. Additionally, health, wellness, and medical tourism in destinations like Thailand and South Korea are gaining popularity, reflecting a growing interest in holistic experiences that benefit both mind and body.
I understand, many will go to Olimpic games. But in Iceland I didn´t recognized increasing travellers from China. Or maybe they are preparing something bigger for 2025.