Thursday, April 18, 2024
The upcoming May Day holiday is anticipated to herald a substantial surge in tourism activities across China, signaling robust economic benefits as early bookings have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels. This surge is not only a positive sign for the travel sector but also a pivotal moment for China’s overall economic strategy to invigorate consumption.
Officials and analysts have indicated that places like Hong Kong and Southeast Asia are poised to be the primary beneficiaries of this resurgence. According to data released by travel platforms and tourism analysts, there has been a significant uptick in activity, with domestic airfare bookings for the holiday increasing by 21 percent over last year, marking a 41 percent rise compared to 2019. Furthermore, hotel bookings in smaller county-level cities on platforms such as Ctrip have seen a 68 percent year-on-year increase, with ticket purchases for scenic areas experiencing a more than 150 percent surge.
The visa fee charges for outbound trips have also surpassed those in the same period in 2019, suggesting a robust return of international travel interests. Ctrip, in a recent statement, expressed optimism about the continued growth in tourism during the May Day period, highlighting the sustained enthusiasm from last year.
Hong Kong has been identified as a top choice for mainland outbound travelers due to its multiple points of entry and perceived security. Despite the rise of alternative attractions like the Shanghai Disney Resort and the growth of online shopping, Hong Kong’s appeal remains strong, attributed to its diverse culinary and cultural offerings.
The reliance on tourism as a primary driver of rapid economic growth contrasts sharply with other sectors such as retail, which are recovering more slowly. Last year’s domestic travel figures reached 81.4 percent of the 2019 total, with spending at about 74 percent.
As preparations continue, Fosun Tourism Group reported at the China International Consumer Products Expo that the industry had rebounded to pre-pandemic levels with a surge in bookings for the May Day holiday. Beijing has also implemented measures to enhance its appeal to international tourists, including visa exemptions and the expansion of payment options to accommodate international credit cards.
Overall, the revitalization of the tourism sector is expected to significantly contribute to China’s economic recovery post-pandemic, with ongoing efforts to enhance both inbound and outbound travel.
Tags: china, economic recovery, hong kong, may day, southeast asia, Tourism, Travel
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
