As the Chinese New Year (CNY) or Spring Festival holidays approach, a notable revival in the tourism sector is expected, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels. Enhanced by China’s comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries, including popular destinations like Thailand, Singapore, and the Maldives, industry experts foresee a surge in outbound tourism, reaching a five-year high.
The anticipated tourism rebound is not only set to invigorate economic recovery but is also poised to instill confidence among the public. With a solid economic foundation, streamlined visa processes, and a large population, China is favorably positioned for the long-term development of outbound tourism.
During this year’s Spring Festival holidays, international ports are projected to witness a substantial influx of inbound and outbound travelers. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) forecasts a daily average of 1.8 million passenger clearances at international points of entry, a significant increase compared to the previous year and on par with the 2019 Spring Festival levels.
Major international airports are anticipated to experience peak passenger flows from February 8 to 11 and February 16 to 17. Simultaneously, land ports to Hong Kong and Macao are expected to see peak passenger volumes from February 11 to 15, with the Shenzhen Luohu customs facility, bordering Hong Kong, estimating daily passenger numbers reaching 198,000.
The recent mutual visa exemption agreements between China and Singapore, along with Singapore and Thailand, further contribute to the positive outlook for outbound travel during the Spring Festival. These agreements are viewed as valuable gestures for travelers during the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Yang Jinsong, Director of the Institute of International Tourism Development and Associate Researcher at the China Tourism Academy (CTA), highlighted the unique circumstances of this year’s travel, emphasizing the extended holiday period and increased certainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CTA’s report indicates a positive shift in China’s outbound tourism market since the beginning of 2023, transitioning from a challenging period to a phase of recovery. With China’s tourism dynamics gaining strength and residents showing a heightened inclination for international travel, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to experience a significant acceleration in international tourism recovery.
According to Ctrip, a major travel booking platform, Southeast Asian countries, Japan, and South Korea are among the preferred short and medium-distance outbound routes during the Spring Festival. Thailand, Japan, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and other destinations are expected to be particularly popular.
Inbound tourism measures have also seen positive adjustments, with China implementing measures to facilitate the process for foreign nationals, including visa application relaxation and simplification. While inbound tourism has seen a notable increase, full recovery is expected to take time due to the lingering impacts of the pandemic on the global tourism supply chain. Experts emphasize ongoing efforts to enhance the convenience of inbound tourism, covering areas such as visas, payments, transportation, and tourism services.