The upcoming Chinese New Year is set to ignite one of the most significant travel surges as domestic and inbound tourism soar to impressive heights, according to data from Ctrip, China's leading travel service platform. The company has revealed staggering increases in travel orders, flight bookings, and hotel reservations as more travelers prepare to celebrate the holiday season.<\/p>
Statistics show the travel orders during the New Year's holiday have increased by threefold compared to the previous year, promising to make this festive season the busiest since the pandemic. The average price of domestic flight tickets also reflects this rising demand, landing around 820 yuan, marking an 8% rise over last year. Interestingly, inbound ticket prices for international routes are averaging 2010 yuan—up 13% from last year's numbers.<\/p>
On the ground, cities across the country are gearing up for the influx of visitors, with key destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou recording substantial increases. Notably, cross-province travel has surged, making up nearly 60% of New Year's travel, up 34% year on year. This growth is translating to more group tours, which saw a significant 46% increase compared to the previous year.<\/p>
The data points to increased confidence among travelers as the Chinese economy continues to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zhao Jun, from the Civil Aviation Administration, has stated, "By the end of this year, the number of transit passengers is expected to exceed 70 million," underscoring the extent to which the travel industry is reviving. The momentum isn’t limited to domestic travel; nearly 95 million people are expected to travel overseas during the upcoming holiday season, marking growth of 52% year-on-year, illustrating the demand for international travel spurred by newly rolled out visa-free policies.<\/p>
This demand is compelling many market players, large and small, to ramp up operations and service offerings. Hotel chains and tourist attractions are now creating unique experiences to capture visitors' attention. For example, Jinjing Hotel, which has recently seen increased foot traffic, launched promotional campaigns targeting inbound tourists from countries enjoying visa-free entry, aligning its services with the enhanced travel regulations allowable as of November 2024.<\/p>
Driven by government initiatives promoting easier travel, tourism platforms like Ctrip are effectively cashing in, with stock prices witnessing significant increases throughout the past year. Data presented at the recent Ctrip Global Partner Summit showed incoming booking volumes ballooning nearly 200% compared to 2019 levels, reflecting the growing appetite for Chinese tourism resources from international travelers. Interestingly, 25% of these visitors are returning tourists who showcase China's magnetic appeal to foreign travelers.
It's not just about individual journeys, as the pandemic-induced travel limitations have triggered creative collaborations across the hospitality and tourism sectors. Ctrip's revenue expectations have exceeded projections, with analysts predicting profits of up to 612.74 billion yuan for 2025, representing over 15% growth year-on-year. The anticipated engagement from visitors has stimulated local economies significantly, creating job growth alongside increased consumer spending.
For the 2025 Spring Festival, forecasts suggest record numbers are likely to surpass even the heightened levels anticipated for the New Year celebrations. Ctrip has predicted travel searches will outstrip 2019 figures by 26% during the busy vacation periods, anticipating high levels of engagement from travelers eager to explore the resplendence of China’s winter experiences, including winter sports at destinations like Harbin, Zhangjiakou, and Jilin.
Travel agencies are not only focusing on enhancing standard packages but also on developing new schemes around winter activities to leverage the surge. For example, plans for specialized tours showcasing the cultural festivities along with the snowy landscapes are expected to draw significant attention. The growth of local tourism infrastructure is expected to solidify the economic impact significantly.
With the expansive rollout of these new visa policies, international tourists can now access various destinations with relative ease, providing accessible options to explore vast cultural offerings across China. This has resulted not only in increased tourism but has also positioned China favorably against other competitors seeking to attract global travelers once again.
Looking forward, analysts believe this momentum will only build over time, as the convergence of more favorable conditions reveals the dynamic nature of China's tourism market. Subject to resilience against unforeseen disruptions, the industry appears poised to shatter previous records, relentless reminders of the human longing to connect with cultures and histories through travel.
With the Chinese New Year around the corner, travel agencies, local governments, and tourism platforms are all anticipating significant momentum. The collective frenzy surrounding travel will no doubt translate to economic prosperity as the world emerges more connected, entering a new era of travel.