Chinese tourists are gearing up for the upcoming May Golden Week holiday, with travel bookings soaring both domestically and internationally. According to data from Alibaba Group’s travel platform Fliggy and navigation app Amap, outbound travel bookings have doubled year-on-year, with popular destinations like Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Australia seeing a surge in interest.
Domestic travel within China is also on the rise, with bookings for tours doubling compared to the same period in 2019. Popular destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Wuhan are expected to see a record number of visitors during the holiday period.
One of the key factors driving the increase in travel is the affordability of international air tickets, which have dropped by 19% year-on-year. This has made overseas travel more accessible to Chinese travelers, with a wider range of destinations to choose from.
Additionally, Chinese tourists are increasingly opting for tailor-made travel experiences, with a growing preference for solo or small group trips to explore destinations at their own pace. Group bookings have declined compared to last year, while independent travel continues to rise, accounting for 39.4% of the outbound travel market.
As Chinese tourists prepare to embark on their holiday adventures, platforms like Fliggy and Amap are providing high-tech travel planning tools to help them navigate crowded tourist spots and avoid traffic jams. With the May Golden Week just around the corner, Chinese travelers are set to explore and relax with friends and family, creating lasting memories during this festive holiday period.