During China’s 2024 Spring Festival holiday, a new travel trend emerged: “Home First, Travel Next.” Balancing cherished family reunions with exciting travel adventures, individuals are redefining how they celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The Spring Festival, which ran from February 10 to 17, saw a significant surge in both domestic and international travel. According to data from travel platform Ctrip.com, travel bookings on the first day of the holiday more than doubled compared to the previous year and remarkably surpassed 2019 figures. Ticket bookings skyrocketed over threefold, and domestic airport transfers grew by 75 percent.
Between the second and fourth day of the holiday, flight bookings increased by 60 percent compared to last year, peaking on the second day, as reported by travel booking platform Qunar. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen emerged as top destinations for domestic travelers.
Cross-border travel also hit record highs in 2024. Chinese travelers favored destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, largely due to new visa-free agreements. This ease of travel encouraged many to explore neighboring countries during the holiday season.
Conversely, China witnessed a notable uptick in tourists from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, and Singapore, who can now enter the country without a visa. Visitor numbers on the first day of the Spring Festival were up by 90 percent compared to 2019, signaling a robust recovery and growing interest in cultural exchanges.
The “Home First, Travel Next” approach reflects a shift in how people are balancing tradition with modern lifestyles. By spending the initial days of the festival with family and then embarking on travel adventures, individuals are embracing both the warmth of home and the excitement of exploration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
