The Chinese mainland witnessed a remarkable surge in domestic tourism during the recent May Day holiday, signaling a robust recovery in the travel sector. From May 1 to 5, approximately 295 million domestic tourist trips were made, marking a 7.6% increase year on year and a significant 28.2% rise compared to the same period in 2019, according to data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Domestic tourism revenue also saw substantial growth, with tourists spending a total of 166.89 billion yuan (roughly $23 billion). This represents a 12.7% increase year on year and a 13.5% uptick from 2019 figures, highlighting the vibrant revival of the tourism economy on the Chinese mainland.
Major cities reported record-breaking numbers, reflecting the nation’s eagerness to travel and explore.
Beijing Sets New Tourism Records
Beijing, the historical and cultural heart of the country, received about 16.97 million tourists during the five-day period. Tourism revenue in the capital soared to 19.62 billion yuan (around $2.7 billion), marking year-on-year increases of 9.4% and 10.2%, respectively. These figures not only surpassed last year’s statistics but also set new historical highs for the holiday period. Popular destinations included Beijing’s iconic historical sites, bustling business districts, and scenic parks.
Tianjin’s Tourism Boom
In North China’s Tianjin Municipality, the tourism boom was equally impressive. The city welcomed a total of 14 million tourists, a substantial 27.5% increase from the previous year. Tourism revenue reached 12.2 billion yuan (about $1.7 billion), showcasing Tianjin’s growing appeal as a travel destination.
Inbound and Outbound Tourism on the Rise
The holiday period also saw a rapid recovery in inbound and outbound tourism. The resumption of air routes, implementation of entry facilitation measures, and an increase in mutual visa exemption agreements contributed to this growth. Data revealed that the total number of inbound and outbound tourists during the May Day holiday reached 3.67 million, with inbound tourists accounting for over 48%.
The surge in tourism during the May Day holiday reflects the Chinese mainland’s successful efforts to revitalize the travel industry and indicates a positive trend for the continued recovery of the global tourism sector.
Reference(s):
China sees 295 million domestic tourist trips during May Day holiday
cgtn.com
