UAE, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and More Emerge as Top Destinations for Chinese Travellers During May Day Holiday 2025: New Report
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As global tourism continues its recovery in 2025, Chinese travellers have led the way with a remarkable surge in international bookings during the May Day holiday. Popular destinations such as the UAE, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam have seen significant increases in Chinese visitors, reflecting growing demand for diverse international experiences. According to Dida’s latest report, these countries stand out as the top choices for outbound Chinese travellers, highlighting shifting preferences and the resilience of global tourism.
Dida, a leading tech-driven global travel distribution company, has revealed extraordinary hotel booking trends for the May Day holiday of 2025, spanning from May 1 to May 5. The data illustrates a substantial recovery in the global tourism sector, with Chinese travellers significantly increasing their international hotel bookings while simultaneously attracting a growing number of overseas visitors to China.
A Surge in International Travel: Chinese Bookings Skyrocket
According to Dida’s comprehensive data, international hotel bookings by Chinese travellers have surged by an astounding 103% year-on-year during this holiday period, compared to the May Day holiday of 2024. This remarkable increase reflects the rejuvenation of international tourism, as Chinese travellers return to exploring global destinations with confidence following the challenges posed by the pandemic.
This rapid growth in booking volume aligns with a broader trend of rising confidence among international tourists, particularly Chinese citizens, who are rediscovering the joy of travel. Dida’s figures clearly highlight that the travel industry is well on its way to full recovery, driven largely by the resurgence of Chinese outbound tourism.
Growth in Premium Stays and Short-Haul Travel Preferences
Along with the surge in international bookings, the average daily rate (ADR) for hotel bookings made by Chinese travellers has also shown a healthy increase of 5% year-on-year. This rise indicates that travellers are increasingly opting for premium accommodations, reflecting an upward shift in spending patterns and a strong desire for quality stays. While international tourism suffered a decline in previous years, these figures suggest that Chinese travellers are now prioritizing comfort and luxury when selecting their lodging options.
The average length of international hotel stays during the May Day holiday, however, has decreased slightly by 6.4%, down to an average of 2 days. This change is indicative of a shift in travel preferences, with Chinese travellers opting for shorter, more frequent trips to various international destinations. The trend aligns with a growing demand for quick getaways, reflecting a preference for short-haul travel over extended vacations.
Leading Booking Channels: Tailor-Made Tours, Retail, and Online Travel Agencies
In terms of booking channels, Dida’s data highlights the diverse ways in which international travellers are securing their accommodations. Tailor-made tour operators played a key role in driving bookings, contributing 43% of the total reservations during the May Day period. This suggests that custom, personalized travel experiences continue to be a dominant choice for Chinese travellers, with bespoke itineraries that cater to unique preferences and high-end expectations.
Retail travel agencies, responsible for 34% of the bookings, also demonstrated strong performance, while online travel agencies (OTAs) contributed 16% of the overall bookings. Other channels accounted for 7% of reservations, indicating that a variety of platforms are being used to secure travel arrangements, providing a multi-channel distribution network for international bookings.
Top Destinations for Chinese Travellers
The surge in Chinese outbound travel has significantly shaped global tourism trends, with popular destinations seeing remarkable spikes in bookings. According to Dida’s report, the top 10 most booked international destinations for Chinese travellers during the May Day holiday were:
- Japan
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Hong Kong SAR
- Singapore
- Italy
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- UAE
Japan and South Korea, long-standing favourites among Chinese tourists, continued to dominate the rankings, while Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore remained highly sought-after due to their proximity, cultural similarities, and thriving tourism infrastructure. Europe made its mark with Italy also ranking high on the list, highlighting Chinese travellers’ increasing interest in European destinations.
Notably, the UAE, which has emerged as a top destination for luxury travel, made its debut on the list, reflecting its growing appeal to Chinese tourists seeking a blend of modernity, luxury, and cultural heritage.
Dida’s Role in the Global Tourism Recovery
As a prominent player in the global travel distribution landscape, Dida’s tech-driven approach has enabled the company to play a crucial role in the recovery of international tourism. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Dida operates a high-value B2B distribution network that extends across the globe, with over 900 employees in 13 offices worldwide. This extensive network has allowed the company to build strong partnerships with travel agents, tour operators, and accommodation providers, ensuring seamless booking experiences for travellers.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights, Dida has been able to optimize its services and provide invaluable support to both travellers and partners, enabling them to respond quickly to shifting market demands. The company’s ability to track real-time trends, such as the preference for premium stays and the increase in short-haul trips, has been instrumental in helping travel professionals align their offerings with the evolving needs of Chinese travellers.
The Road Ahead: Continued Growth in Chinese Outbound Tourism
Looking ahead, Dida is optimistic about the sustained growth of outbound tourism from China, driven by the continued recovery of the global travel sector. With Chinese travellers increasingly seeking international experiences, the demand for personalized travel services and luxury accommodations is expected to continue growing, offering significant opportunities for both travel distributors and destination markets worldwide.
As the world embraces the post-pandemic era of travel, Dida is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in facilitating the continued rise of global tourism. With more and more Chinese travellers returning to the skies and the demand for premium, short-haul trips on the rise, the global tourism landscape is expected to evolve, shaped by the preferences and expectations of the world’s largest outbound tourism market.
Domestic travel within China has also increased by 33% year-on-year, while inbound tourism by international visitors has more than tripled, rising by 306% – fueled by the introduction of visa-friendly policies and China’s growing global appeal as a holiday destination.
Gareth Matthews, Chief Marketing Officer at Dida, commented:” In this new era of travel, Chinese travelers are exploring the globe with renewed passion, and the world is flocking to China in record numbers. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this travel revolution. Our strategically curated portfolio of hotel partnerships is the cornerstone of our ability to deliver exceptional value.”
In conclusion, Dida’s impressive figures for the May Day holiday of 2025 demonstrate not only the recovery of global tourism but also the growing importance of Chinese travellers in shaping the future of international travel. The company’s continued success in driving hotel bookings across a diverse range of destinations signals a new chapter for global tourism, one that is increasingly tech-driven, personalized, and focused on delivering exceptional experiences.
