Tuesday, January 9, 2024
The recent Georgian calendar New Year’s Day holidays marked a remarkable surge in arrivals and departures throughout the world. This is time for Chinese Lunar New Year, Chinese travel industry sees a major boom in domestic and international travel and tourism industry. This from China, signaling a return to pre-COVID-19 levels. The international tourists flocked to witness China’s dynamic economic landscape, while Chinese tourists celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year abroad, highlighting China’s deeper global connections.
When is Chinese Lunar New Year in 2024?
The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chunjie, varies each year as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2024, the Chinese Lunar New Year falls on February 10th, marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. The festival is a significant traditional holiday in China and is celebrated with various cultural customs, holidaying, family gatherings, feasts, and festive decorations. The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar, which considers both the phases of the moon and the solar year.
Boom in cross-border travel during Chinese Lunar New Year
During the holidays, the total number of trips in and out of China reached 5.179 million, a 4.7-fold increase compared to the previous year. This resurgence reflects China’s steadfast commitment to global engagement, defying negative narratives about its economic performance.
Easy visa policies and flight recovery as travel rush began
The surge in cross-border travel is attributed to China’s optimized visa policies and the recovery of international flights. The new visa-free policy for visitors from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, implemented on December 1, 2023, saw a 28.5% increase in inbound trips from these countries in December.
Global competitiveness and tourism alliances with China boost tourism
China’s global competitiveness is further underscored by reciprocal measures from other countries. Thailand and China announced a visa exemption policy starting in March, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. Similarly, China and Singapore introduced a 30-day visa-free policy, enhancing tourism collaboration.
Positive experiences and changing perceptions
International visitors, such as Gui Caldas from Brazil and Sabrina Chan from Malaysia, shared positive experiences during their trips to China. Caldas praised China’s advanced technology and friendly people, while Chan expressed joy at the visa-free policy and witnessed significant changes in the country.
2024 optimistic for China travel
Industry experts anticipate a robust recovery in China’s inbound and outbound tourism market throughout 2024. The total number of trips is predicted to surpass 264 million, with international tourism revenue exceeding $107 billion.
Early booking trends for 2024
The upcoming winter vacation and Spring Festival holidays already show a surge in outbound travel bookings. Tuniu Travel reports increased booking volumes for Spring Festival group tours, with 34% dedicated to outbound travel. Popular destinations include Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Russia, New Zealand, UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nordic countries.
Rapid recovery of international flights from China
The rapid recovery of international flights plays a pivotal role in boosting outbound trips. By the end of 2023, China’s international scheduled passenger flights reached 62.8% of the pre-pandemic level. Chinese airlines operated 73.5% of pre-pandemic flights, surpassing overseas carriers.
Global destinations and new flight routes from China
Scheduled international passenger flights now cover 67 countries and regions, with 25 countries, including the UK, exceeding pre-pandemic flight volumes. Six new countries, including Kuwait, Serbia, Tanzania, Luxembourg, Papua New Guinea, and Nigeria, now have services from China.
Positive signs for 2024: A vibrant and prosperous year ahead
The bustling tourism market and increased people-to-people exchanges serve as positive indicators for a prosperous 2024. Despite Western media’s attempts to downplay China’s economic performance, the vibrant New Year’s Day holiday atmosphere contradicts such narratives. China’s commitment to global openness, evidenced by thriving tourism, refutes the notion of a country in decline.
China’s New Year travel surge not only reflects a recovery from the pandemic but also underscores the nation’s deepening global connections and commitment to international collaboration in the coming year.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
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