The year 2025 marks a significant shift in China’s travel industry, with extended public holidays fueling record levels of travel activity. Shanghai’s Exit-Entry Administration Bureau showcased this shift by extending service hours on New Year’s Eve, remaining open until 8 PM—three hours later than usual—to accommodate the surge in passport and travel document applications. This proactive measure aligns with rising demand for travel during both New Year’s Day and the upcoming Spring Festival holidays.
Extended Public Holidays Fuel Travel Aspirations
The Chinese government’s decision to extend the Spring Festival holiday from three to four days, adding the Lunar New Year’s Eve, has been met with enthusiasm. Coupled with the increase of the May Day holiday from one to two days, this change raises the total number of public holidays to 13 days in 2025. The extended holidays create two uninterrupted vacation periods: the Spring Festival, spanning from January 28 to February 4, and the May Day holiday from May 1 to May 5.
These longer breaks provide citizens with greater flexibility for travel, spurring both domestic and international tourism. “This policy adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the travel sector and boosting overall consumption,” stated Wang Yalei, an analyst at online travel giant Ctrip. The company anticipates record-breaking levels of travel activity during these extended holidays.
Travel Data Reflects Surging Demand
Historical trends and recent booking data highlight the industry’s robust growth. During the seven-day National Day holiday in 2024, Chinese travelers undertook 765 million trips, generating over 700 billion yuan (US$97.38 billion) in tourism spending. The upcoming Spring Festival holiday is poised to surpass these figures.
As of December 24, 2024, Umetrip, an official real-time flight information platform, reported over 2.44 million domestic flight tickets booked for the Spring Festival holiday. Meanwhile, international bookings surpassed 1.12 million, marking a 37% year-on-year increase.
Online travel platforms like Qunar revealed even more promising statistics: international flight and hotel bookings for the Spring Festival holiday have more than doubled compared to the previous year. Destinations like Budapest, Hanoi, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Siem Reap have experienced booking surges exceeding 200%.
Outbound Tourism Trends
Outbound tourism has seen a dramatic rise in interest. Beijing-based travel agency Utour reported that its high-demand packages for South America and Antarctica sold out immediately upon release. Similarly, Shanghai’s Spring Tour noted that outbound bookings for the Spring Festival have nearly doubled year-on-year.
Popular international destinations reflect a blend of short- and long-haul travel preferences. Short-haul hotspots such as Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam remain top choices, while long-haul destinations like South America and Europe are gaining traction among affluent travelers seeking unique experiences.
Domestic Tourism’s Growing Appeal
China’s domestic tourism market is also thriving. Winter destinations like Jilin Province in the northeast and Hainan Island in the south have rolled out initiatives, including consumption vouchers, to attract visitors. These strategies aim to enhance the travel experience while boosting local economies during the Spring Festival.
Domestic travel’s popularity is further fueled by strong infrastructure and a wealth of attractions. High-speed rail and convenient air travel networks make it easier than ever for citizens to explore iconic landmarks, cultural sites, and natural wonders within the country.
New Year’s Day Travel Insights
Though New Year’s Day 2025 falls on a Wednesday, many citizens extended their holiday by taking leave on Thursday and Friday, creating a five-day break ideal for short trips. Data from Fliggy, Alibaba’s online travel platform, highlighted a 30% year-on-year increase in bookings for high-end hotels during the New Year period. Additionally, international travel surged, with destinations in East and Southeast Asia topping the list.
Economic Implications for the Travel Industry
The revitalized travel sector is expected to contribute significantly to China’s economic recovery. Fu Yifu, a research fellow with the Star Atlas Institute of Finance, emphasized that robust consumption during the New Year period lays a solid foundation for sustained growth throughout 2025.
Innovations in Travel Services
To accommodate rising demand, travel agencies and platforms are enhancing their offerings. Flexible booking options, tailored itineraries, and premium services cater to diverse traveler preferences. Technology plays a pivotal role, with platforms like Umetrip and Fliggy leveraging data analytics to provide real-time updates and personalized recommendations.
Sustainability and the Future of Travel
Amid the travel boom, the industry is also addressing sustainability challenges. Eco-friendly travel packages, reduced carbon footprint initiatives, and community-based tourism projects are gaining prominence. These efforts aim to balance growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.
Looking Ahead
As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, China’s travel industry is poised for a record-breaking season. Extended holidays, increased consumer confidence, and innovative travel solutions create an ideal environment for growth. Whether exploring domestic landscapes or embarking on international adventures, Chinese travelers are set to make 2025 a landmark year for tourism.
The post How New Year Holiday Travel in China is Driving a Tourism Boom? appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
