The second day of China’s National Day holiday witnessed a remarkable surge in cross-regional travel, reaching over 280 million trips. This marks a 4.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a significant 15 percent rise from 2019, according to the Ministry of Transport on Thursday.
Starting on October 1, the week-long National Day holiday sees millions of Chinese people taking a break to travel and indulge in leisure activities. On Tuesday, Chinese passengers made a record-breaking 21.45 million railway trips, as reported by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) on Wednesday. This unprecedented number signifies the highest daily railway passenger trips ever recorded.
The transport sector anticipates handling a daily average of 277 million passenger trips during the holiday period, reflecting a 19.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019, the Ministry of Transport revealed. This surge not only underscores the robust revival of domestic travel but also fuels market vitality across the nation.
Macao SAR Welcomes Record Number of Visitors
Data from the Macao Government Tourism Office indicates that 166,100 visitors entered China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on October 2. This figure surpasses the previous single-day record of 162,100 set on October 5, 2019, marking the highest number of daily visitors recorded during the National Day holiday since official statistics began.
To bolster consumption during the festive period, the Macao SAR, in collaboration with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, launched a large-scale shopping event beginning September 30. Over 22,000 businesses from various sectors are participating, with the business community optimistic that the event, amplified by the holiday atmosphere, will drive business growth and yield positive results.
The Macao SAR also organized a series of events on Tuesday to celebrate National Day, including a flag-raising ceremony, the opening of the fourth sea-crossing bridge, and a spectacular fireworks show.
Enhancing Consumer Confidence in Macao
The Macao Consumer Council has been distributing guides at major border checkpoints, offering travelers information about the quality of “certified shops” and avenues for consumer protection in Macao. According to the council, this initiative aims to provide visitors with valuable resources when shopping in the region.
Many travelers have found the guide comprehensive and practical, providing helpful insights. The council noted that by proactively introducing the “certified shops” initiative, visitors can become more familiar with Macao’s consumer market, thereby boosting their confidence in making purchases.
A Boost to the Economy and Market Vitality
The significant increase in travel and consumer activities during the National Day holiday not only reflects the eagerness of people to explore and enjoy leisure time but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth. The surge in passenger trips and record-breaking visitor numbers are invigorating markets and supporting businesses across various sectors.
Reference(s):
National Day holiday day 2: China's travel surge fuels market vitality
cgtn.com
