China witnesses a surge in New Year travel with 5.179 million processed by border inspection agencies, representing a 4.7-fold increase compared to 2023. The National Immigration Administration reports 2.51 million inbound and 2.669 million outbound travelers, marking a return to 2019 travel volumes. Domestic tourism flourishes with 135 million domestic tourists during the 3-day holidays, a 155.3% YoY increase. Online travel platforms report strong demand, with Harbin, Hong Kong, and Macao emerging as popular destinations. Medium and long-haul trip bookings double compared to 2023, setting a positive tone for 2024.
Key Points:
- National Immigration Administration statistics reveal a significant increase in New Year travel, processing 5.179 million individuals, averaging 1.726 million per day, marking a 4.7-fold rise compared to 2023.
- The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reports 135 million domestic tourists during the 3-day New Year holidays, marking a 155.3% YoY increase and a 9.4% growth compared to 2019.
- Harbin, Hong Kong, and Macao stand out among domestic and outbound tourist destinations during the New Year holidays.
- Online travel platforms experience record-high booking orders, especially for winter-themed tours like ice and snow tours, hot spring tours, and winter escape tours.
- Compared to 2023, travel distances increase, with medium and long-haul trips seeing over double the bookings. Mafengwo reports a 178% increase in popularity for trips lasting five to eight days.
- Outbound travel orders from the Chinese mainland during the New Year holidays nearly quadruple compared to the previous year. Macao records 28.23 million inbound tourists in 2023, reaching 70% of 2019 levels.
- Major cruise lines restarting routes contribute to a 63% increase in the popularity of international cruises during the 2024 New Year holidays.
- Top domestic destinations for customized travelers include Harbin, Sanya, Beijing, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna. Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bali emerge as preferred choices for outbound travel.