The holiday season this year saw notable shifts and trends in international travel, as families sought meaningful experiences away from traditional holiday stress. Destinations like Sri Lanka and Malacca became popular among travelers, reflecting how families are redefining their holiday rituals through immersive cultural experiences.
According to reports from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the region experienced a remarkable surge, logging nearly 1 million arrivals just days before Christmas 2023. This number was about 300,000 more than the previous year. Interestingly, half of these arrivals were Hong Kong residents returning home, utilizing the six land checkpoints connected with Shenzhen for their commute. Specifically, around 489,000 of the total arrivals were locals, indicating a significant increase from just 37 percent the year before.
While Hong Kong's numbers were soaring, other parts of the world welcomed travelers with open arms. For example, Melissa Petro, seeking to escape the typical holiday hustle and bustle, opted for a month-long trip to Unawatuna, Sri Lanka. "We wanted to celebrate the win and spend meaningful time with my family before having to focus on writing," said Petro, who had just sold a book proposal before the trip.
The Petro family decided to rent an Airbnb, choosing not to burden themselves with the conventional holiday stress of shopping or decorating. The month-long stay cost them about $1,650, which was surprisingly less than some hotel costs. The property featured traditional Sri Lankan architecture, surrounded by lush gardens, and came equipped with a private butler who enhanced their leisurely experience.
Petro noted the cultural richness of her surroundings, recounting how she and her family swam, built sandcastles, and enjoyed authentic seafood dishes directly from local resorts. "We swam in the ocean, made sandcastles, and ate authentic seafood curries poolside at various local resorts," she shared. With temperatures ranging from 75 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, there was no hint of winter or snow—only sunny weather, leading to no disappointment for holiday traditions traditionally filled with icy conditions.
This trend of escaping the seasonal norm also resonates with the broader movement seen particularly among Chinese tourists, who are gravitating toward destinations enriched with culture. Thanks to initiatives like the China-Malaysia visa-free policy, more tourists are exploring Malacca—home to significant historical ties with maritime explorer Zheng He and the vibrant Baba-Nyonya culture. Reports highlight how this newfound accessibility has enriched the tourism experience.
Interestingly, fewer mainland Chinese tourists were recorded at Hong Kong arrivals. The numbers dipped from 240,000 to 233,000 this holiday season, indicating shifting preferences or travel limitations. This could be reflective of broader travel trends influenced by changing geopolitical contexts, domestic policies, and family preferences post-pandemic.
Engagement around various holiday activities was not limited to the influx of travelers. Crowds grew around popular Instagram-ready Christmas hotspots, with social media capturing the festive spirit even as police enforced special traffic measures around busy areas like Lan Kwai Fong. This phenomenon encapsulated the overall social experience of the holidays, maintained under the joyful spirit of the season.
The trend of redefining holiday travel experiences away from standard expectations was prominent among families like the Petro family, who filled their trip with joy and exploration rather than consumerism. Petro explains the importance of spending quality time together. "There was no hope for snow — and no disappointment when it doesn't happen," she reflected, emphasizing how the experience overall was freeing and fulfilling, allowing them to enjoy the moment without the traditional pressure of holiday preparations.
While many families face dilemmas about how best to spend their holidays, the shift toward meaningful experiences, exploration, and cultural engagement could very well redefine what holidays look like going forward. Traditional worries over gift-giving or tree decorations seem less important when juxtaposed with unforgettable family adventures, whether it’s lounging on Sri Lankan beaches or discovering the historical corridors of Malacca.
