Tuesday, January 9, 2024
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The recent Georgian New Year’s Day holiday showed a notable spike in arrivals and departures around the world. During the Chinese New Year, the Chinese travel industry is experiencing a huge boom in both domestic and international travel and tourism. This comes from China, indicating a return to pre-COVID-19 levels. Overseas tourists flocked to witness China’s dynamic economic situation, and Chinese tourists celebrated the Lunar New Year abroad, highlighting China’s deeper global connections.
When is Chinese New Year in 2024?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Spring Festival, is different every year because it follows the lunar calendar. Lunar New Year in 2024 will be on his February 10thth, heralding the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. This festival is an important traditional holiday in China and is celebrated with various cultural customs, holidays, family gatherings, feasts, and festive decorations. The date of Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar, which takes into account both the phases of the moon and the solar year.
Cross-border travel booms during Chinese New Year
The total number of travelers entering and leaving China during the holidays reached 5,179,000, an increase of 4.7 times from the previous year. This resurgence ignores negative perceptions about China’s economic performance and reflects China’s determined commitment to global engagement.
Relaxation of visa policies and recovery of flights when the travel rush begins
The surge in cross-border travel can be attributed to China’s optimized visa policy and the recovery of international flights. The new visa-free policy for travelers from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, which came into effect on December 1, 2023, led to a 28.5% increase in inbound travel from these countries in December.
International competitiveness and tourism partnership with China boost tourism
China’s international competitiveness is further emphasized by reciprocal measures from other countries. Thailand and China announced a visa-free policy starting in March, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations. Similarly, China and Singapore have also introduced a 30-day visa-free policy and strengthened tourism cooperation.
Positive experiences and changes in perception
International visitors such as Gui Caldas from Brazil and Sabrina Chan from Malaysia shared their positive experiences while traveling to China. Mr Caldas praised China’s advanced technology and friendly people, while Mr Chan expressed his delight at the visa-free policy and said he had witnessed great changes in the country.
China travel in 2024 is optimistic
Industry experts expect a strong recovery in China’s inbound and outbound tourism market throughout 2024. The total number of trips is expected to exceed 264 million, and international tourism receipts are expected to exceed $107 billion.
Early booking trends in 2024
Bookings for overseas travel are already rapidly increasing for the upcoming winter and Chinese New Year holidays. Tuniu Travel reports that the number of group tour bookings for Chinese New Year increased, with 34% going to overseas travel. Popular destinations include Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Russia, New Zealand, UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Nordic countries.
Rapid recovery in international flights from China
The rapid recovery of international flights will play a vital role in promoting outbound travel. By the end of 2023, China’s international scheduled passenger flight operations will reach 62.8% of pre-pandemic levels. Chinese airlines operated 73.5% of pre-pandemic flights, outpacing foreign airlines.
World destinations and new flight routes from China
Scheduled international passenger flights now cover 67 countries and territories, with 25 countries including the UK exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Six new countries have access to services from China, including Kuwait, Serbia, Tanzania, Luxembourg, Papua New Guinea and Nigeria.
Bright signs for 2024: a vibrant and prosperous year ahead
A vibrant tourism market and increased people-to-people exchanges are positive indicators for prosperity in 2024. Despite efforts by Western media to downplay China’s economic performance, the vibrant Lunar New Year holiday atmosphere contradicts such narratives. China’s commitment to international opening up, evidenced by its thriving tourism industry, refutes the notion of a country in decline.
China’s New Year travel surge not only reflects its recovery from the pandemic, but also highlights China’s commitment to deepening global connectivity and international cooperation in the coming year.
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