As the Lunar New Year approaches in 2025, an increasing number of Chinese travelers are opting to celebrate this festive season overseas, with the Macau SAR still one of the top choices, Trip.com indicated to Macau News Agency.
At the same time, China is experiencing a revival in inbound tourism, with foreign visitors drawn to its vibrant celebrations.
In 2025, the Chinese Lunar New Year begins on January 29 and lasts until the Lantern Festival on Wednesday, February 12.
According to data provided by Trip.com, both outbound and inbound travel bookings have doubled compared to last year, highlighting a significant shift in travel patterns.
“Top destinations for Chinese travelers heading abroad include Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Macau, Vietnam, Australia, and the United States”, the travel group noted.
Macau welcomed 34.9 million visitors in 2024, marking a 23.6 per cent surge compared to the previous year, according to data from the Public Security Police Force (PSP).
The figure represents a recovery to 88.6 per cent of the pre-Covid levels witnessed in 2019.
The influx of over 24.48 million mainland Chinese tourists in 2024 reflected a 28.6 per cent year-on-year increase, nearing 87.7 per cent of pre-pandemic figures.
Short-haul locations like Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries have particularly strong sales, while European destinations have seen remarkable growth as well.
Booking increases for the continent have reached 108 per cent for Iceland, 74 per cent for Spain, 56% for the UK, 50 per cent for Italy, and 49 per cent for France.
Citizens of 38 European countries can stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days, with the country having opened up its doors to several countries last year.
The expansion of visa-free policies in 2024 has played a pivotal role in boosting inbound tourism to China during this Lunar New Year.
Trip.com data reveals a staggering 203 per cent increase in inbound travel orders year-on-year, with visitors primarily hailing from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Vietnam.
Major cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Harbin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Zhuhai, Chongqing, and Hangzhou have become popular destinations for international tourists.
The newly implemented visa-free policy for South Korean travelers has significantly impacted tourism, attracting large numbers of visitors to places like Harbin, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
Social media has become a vibrant platform for young travelers to share their experiences, with photos and travel vlogs showcasing iconic sites such as the Bund, adorable pandas, and stunning ice sculptures gaining popularity.
Korean inbound travel bookings during the Lunar New Year period, for example, have surged by an impressive 452 per cent compared to last year, reflecting the enthusiasm for international travel during this festive season.
Founded in 1999 Trip.com Group Limited is a multinational travel agency holding company headquartered in Shanghai. It currently operates under a portfolio of brands inside and outside the mainland, including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com and Skyscanner.
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