Passengers return from Nanjing Railway Station in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, Oct 6, 2023.
Nurphoto | Getty Images
BEIJING — China’s big “Golden Week” holiday saw domestic tourism rebound to around pre-pandemic levels, while overseas travel had yet to fully recover, according to official figures.
Those numbers for the eight-day holiday that ended Friday also came in lower than the government had initially predicted.
Golden Week domestic tourism revenue was 753.43 billion yuan ($103.24 billion) — a 1.5% increase from that in 2019, according to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The number of domestic tourist trips rose by 4.1% from 2019 to 826 million during the latest eight-day holiday, the ministry said.
Both figures were lower than what Chinese state media had earlier cited the ministry as predicting: 896 million trips and 782.5 billion yuan in domestic tourism revenue.
However, the final tourism revenue figure still marked a rebound to 2019 levels for the first time since China ended its Covid-19 restrictions late last year, Morgan Stanley’s Chief China Economist Robin Xing and a team pointed out in a note Friday.
They added that on a per capita basis, spending returned to 98% of 2019 levels, much higher than the 85% figure seen during holidays earlier in the year.
“This is likely due to an extra-long Golden Week holiday (eight days vs. seven usually), which encouraged long-distance travel and thus boosted average spending,” the Morgan Stanley analysts said.
This year, the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and the Oct. 1 National Holiday were close enough that Beijing declared an eight-day holiday from Friday, Sept. 29 to Friday, Oct. 6, the official dates of this year’s Golden Week.
That meant the subsequent Saturday and Sunday were officially working days, but some businesses did not resume work until Monday.
In a country where businesses typically only provide a handful of paid vacation days, the week-plus break also meant more people chose to travel overseas.
The National Immigration Administration recorded about 11.8 million trips in and out of mainland China during the holiday, for a daily average of nearly 1.5 million trips — that’s 85.1% of 2019 levels.
That was also below earlier predictions, reported by state media, which forecast nearly 1.6 million trips across the border a day.
Chinese travel booking site Trip.com Group said outbound travel during the holiday surged by more than eight times versus a year ago, with people in their mid-20s to early 30s accounting for nearly 30% of such travelers.
Top destinations included Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea, Trip.com said. It noted that Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, the U.K. and France saw the fastest growth in tourist numbers versus China’s Labor Day holiday in May.
Trip.com did not provide comparisons to 2019. CEO Jane Sun previously told CNBC’s Eunice Yoon that long wait times for visa applications — such as two to six months to visit Europe — are keeping people in China from traveling internationally as much as they’d like to.
The uptick in Chinese tourism comes as the country’s rebound from the pandemic has slowed, dragged down in part by a property market slump.
“The National Day golden week tourism data, together with the still above-50 September services [purchasing managers indexes], suggest the services recovery has decelerated but continues,” Goldman Sachs analysts wrote in a note Sunday.
“We believe additional policy easing will be necessary for further recovery in consumption and services, especially given the continued property downturn and still-dampened confidence,” the report said.
The analysts maintained their China GDP forecast of 5.4% for the year.
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The Great Comeback: China’s Golden Week Travel Rebound
In a world that’s still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s recent Golden Week holiday brought some much-needed optimism. Domestic tourism in the Middle Kingdom surged, approaching pre-pandemic levels, while international travel is still on the road to recovery. Let’s dive into the numbers, the reasons behind this resurgence, and what it means for the global travel landscape.
Table of Contents
1. **Golden Week: A Rejuvenated Tourism Bonanza**
2. **Not Quite as Predicted: The Numbers Game**
3. **Rebounding Strong: Per Capita Spending**
4. **Extended Holidays: The Travel Catalyst**
5. **Overseas Adventures: A Mixed Bag**
6. **Preferred Getaways: Top Destinations**
7. **Visa Woes: A Hurdle to International Travel**
8. **Economic Insights: What the Numbers Tell Us**
9. **Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery**
10. **Conclusion: A Golden Week to Remember**
Golden Week: A Rejuvenated Tourism Bonanza
China’s annual Golden Week, which encompasses the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, is a time when millions of Chinese hit the road, creating a travel frenzy. This year was no different, with a twist. Instead of the usual seven days, it stretched to eight, enticing people to embark on longer journeys. The result? A tourism bonanza that almost felt like a return to the “good old days” before the pandemic struck.
Not Quite as Predicted: The Numbers Game
While optimism ran high, the actual figures didn’t quite match the initial predictions. Domestic tourism revenue reached 753.43 billion yuan, a respectable 1.5% increase from 2019. However, the number of domestic tourist trips came in at 826 million, up by 4.1% from 2019. These numbers were lower than what was initially forecasted, but still, they marked a significant milestone: a return to 2019 levels of tourism for the first time since the pandemic’s onset.
Rebounding Strong: Per Capita Spending
One intriguing aspect of this year’s Golden Week was the per capita spending. On average, each traveler spent 98% of what they did in 2019. This surge in spending can be attributed to the extended holiday period, which encouraged long-distance travel and, subsequently, boosted average expenses. It’s safe to say that people were eager to make the most of their extra day off.
Extended Holidays: The Travel Catalyst
Why did the Golden Week extend to eight days this year? Traditionally, it combines the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Holiday, and when they fall close together, Beijing declares an extended holiday. While it may have meant working on the subsequent Saturday and Sunday, it gave people an excellent opportunity to travel. In a country where paid vacation days are scarce, an extended break is a golden opportunity to explore.
Overseas Adventures: A Mixed Bag
While domestic tourism boomed, international travel told a different story. The National Immigration Administration recorded approximately 11.8 million trips in and out of mainland China during the holiday, accounting for 85.1% of 2019 levels. While this is a significant number, it still fell short of earlier predictions. Chinese travelers, especially those in their mid-20s to early 30s, were eager to explore the world, with destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea topping the list. However, visa application delays, particularly for European countries, dampened the enthusiasm for international travel.
Preferred Getaways: Top Destinations
For those who did venture abroad, top destinations included Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. Interestingly, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, the U.K., and France saw the most significant growth in tourist numbers compared to China’s Labor Day holiday in May. While we can’t compare these numbers directly to 2019, it’s evident that people’s travel preferences have evolved in response to the changing world.
Visa Woes: A Hurdle to International Travel
CEO Jane Sun of travel booking site Trip.com Group highlighted the long wait times for visa applications as a significant barrier to international travel. Some potential travelers face waiting periods of two to six months, making international trips less appealing. As the world grapples with new travel norms and regulations, these hurdles remain a challenge for those eager to explore beyond their borders.
Economic Insights: What the Numbers Tell Us
The surge in domestic tourism amid a slowing economic rebound is noteworthy. While China’s recovery from the pandemic has slowed, it’s still chugging along, albeit with some hiccups, such as a property market downturn. Goldman Sachs analysts believe that further policy easing will be necessary to boost consumption and services, especially given the ongoing property challenges.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery
As we reflect on China’s Golden Week travel data, it’s evident that people are eager to explore, both domestically and internationally. While challenges like visa delays persist, the desire to travel remains strong. As the world navigates the new normal, it’s essential to adapt to changing circumstances and seize opportunities for rejuvenation.
Conclusion: A Golden Week to Remember
China’s Golden Week holiday brought hope and excitement, with domestic tourism bouncing back and per capita spending surging. While overseas travel faced some setbacks, the desire to explore the world remains undiminished. As we move forward, it’s crucial to address challenges like visa delays and economic uncertainties. The future of travel is evolving, and it promises to be filled with exciting adventures for all.
FAQs
1. **What is China’s Golden Week holiday?**
China’s Golden Week is a national holiday that combines the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, resulting in an extended break for Chinese citizens.
2. **Why did Golden Week extend to eight days this year?**
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day fell close together, prompting Beijing to declare an extended eight-day holiday.
3. **Why did per capita spending increase during Golden Week?**
Per capita spending increased because the extended holiday encouraged long-distance travel, leading to higher average expenses.
4. **Why did international travel face challenges during Golden Week?**
International travel faced delays and challenges, primarily due to long wait times for visa applications, especially for European destinations.
5. **What does the surge in domestic tourism mean for China’s economy?**
The surge in domestic tourism indicates that China’s economy is still on the path to recovery, despite challenges like a property market downturn. Further policy easing may be necessary for sustained growth.
In conclusion, China’s Golden Week holiday showcased the resilience and enthusiasm of travelers, offering a glimpse of what the future of travel might look like in a post-pandemic world.
Certainly! Here’s the continuation of the article in English:
The Great Comeback: China’s Golden Week Travel Rebound
In a world that’s still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s recent Golden Week holiday brought some much-needed optimism. Domestic tourism in the Middle Kingdom surged, approaching pre-pandemic levels, while international travel is still on the road to recovery. Let’s dive into the numbers, the reasons behind this resurgence, and what it means for the global travel landscape.
Table of Contents
1. **Golden Week: A Rejuvenated Tourism Bonanza**
2. **Not Quite as Predicted: The Numbers Game**
3. **Rebounding Strong: Per Capita Spending**
4. **Extended Holidays: The Travel Catalyst**
5. **Overseas Adventures: A Mixed Bag**
6. **Preferred Getaways: Top Destinations**
7. **Visa Woes: A Hurdle to International Travel**
8. **Economic Insights: What the Numbers Tell Us**
9. **Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery**
10. **Conclusion: A Golden Week to Remember**
Golden Week: A Rejuvenated Tourism Bonanza
China’s annual Golden Week, which encompasses the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, is a time when millions of Chinese hit the road, creating a travel frenzy. This year was no different, with a twist. Instead of the usual seven days, it stretched to eight, enticing people to embark on longer journeys. The result? A tourism bonanza that almost felt like a return to the “good old days” before the pandemic struck.
Not Quite as Predicted: The Numbers Game
While optimism ran high, the actual figures didn’t quite match the initial predictions. Domestic tourism revenue reached 753.43 billion yuan, a respectable 1.5% increase from 2019. However, the number of domestic tourist trips came in at 826 million, up by 4.1% from 2019. These numbers were lower than what was initially forecasted, but still, they marked a significant milestone: a return to 2019 levels of tourism for the first time since the pandemic’s onset.
Rebounding Strong: Per Capita Spending
One intriguing aspect of this year’s Golden Week was the per capita spending. On average, each traveler spent 98% of what they did in 2019. This surge in spending can be attributed to the extended holiday period, which encouraged long-distance travel and, subsequently, boosted average expenses. It’s safe to say that people were eager to make the most of their extra day off.
Extended Holidays: The Travel Catalyst
Why did the Golden Week extend to eight days this year? Traditionally, it combines the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Holiday, and when they fall close together, Beijing declares an extended holiday. While it may have meant working on the subsequent Saturday and Sunday, it gave people an excellent opportunity to travel. In a country where paid vacation days are scarce, an extended break is a golden opportunity to explore.
Overseas Adventures: A Mixed Bag
While domestic tourism boomed, international travel told a different story. The National Immigration Administration recorded approximately 11.8 million trips in and out of mainland China during the holiday, accounting for 85.1% of 2019 levels. While this is a significant number, it still fell short of earlier predictions. Chinese travelers, especially those in their mid-20s to early 30s, were eager to explore the world, with destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea topping the list. However, visa application delays, particularly for European countries, dampened the enthusiasm for international travel.
Preferred Getaways: Top Destinations
For those who did venture abroad, top destinations included Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. Interestingly, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, the U.K., and France saw the most significant growth in tourist numbers compared to China’s Labor Day holiday in May. While we can’t compare these numbers directly to 2019, it’s evident that people’s travel preferences have evolved in response to the changing world.
Visa Woes: A Hurdle to International Travel
CEO Jane Sun of travel booking site Trip.com Group highlighted the long wait times for visa applications as a significant barrier to international travel. Some potential travelers face waiting periods of two to six months, making international trips less appealing. As the world grapples with new travel norms and regulations, these hurdles remain a challenge for those eager to explore beyond their borders.
Economic Insights: What the Numbers Tell Us
The surge in domestic tourism amid a slowing economic rebound is noteworthy. While China’s recovery from the pandemic has slowed, it’s still chugging along, albeit with some hiccups, such as a property market downturn. Goldman Sachs analysts believe that further policy easing will be necessary to boost consumption and services, especially given the ongoing property challenges.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery
As we reflect on China’s Golden Week travel data, it’s evident that people are eager to explore, both domestically and internationally. While challenges like visa delays persist, the desire to travel remains strong. As the world navigates the new normal, it’s essential to adapt to changing circumstances and seize opportunities for rejuvenation.
Conclusion: A Golden Week to Remember
China’s Golden Week holiday brought hope and excitement, with domestic tourism bouncing back and per capita spending surging. While overseas travel faced some setbacks, the desire to explore the world remains undiminished. As we move forward, it’s crucial to address challenges like visa delays and economic uncertainties. The future of travel is evolving, and it promises to be filled with exciting adventures for all.
FAQs
1. **What is China’s Golden Week holiday?**
China’s Golden Week is a national holiday that combines the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, resulting in an extended break for Chinese citizens.
2. **Why did Golden Week extend to eight days this year?**
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day fell close together, prompting Beijing to declare an extended eight-day holiday.
3. **Why did per capita spending increase during Golden Week?**
Per capita spending increased because the extended holiday encouraged long-distance travel, leading to higher average expenses.
4. **Why did international travel face challenges during Golden Week?**
International travel faced delays and challenges, primarily due to long wait times for visa applications, especially for European destinations.
5. **What does the surge in domestic tourism mean for China’s economy?**
The surge in domestic tourism indicates that China’s economy is still on the path to recovery, despite challenges like a property market downturn. Further policy easing may be necessary for sustained growth.
In conclusion, China’s Golden Week holiday showcased the resilience and enthusiasm of travelers, offering a glimpse of what the future of travel might look like in a post-pandemic world.
Certainly, here’s the continuation of the article in English:
Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery
As we reflect on China’s Golden Week travel data, it’s evident that people are eager to explore, both domestically and internationally. While challenges like visa delays persist, the desire to travel remains strong. As the world navigates the new normal, it’s essential to adapt to changing circumstances and seize opportunities for rejuvenation.
Conclusion: A Golden Week to Remember
China’s Golden Week holiday brought hope and excitement, with domestic tourism bouncing back and per capita spending surging. While overseas travel faced some setbacks, the desire to explore the world remains undiminished. As we move forward, it’s crucial to address challenges like visa delays and economic uncertainties. The future of travel is evolving, and it promises to be filled with exciting adventures for all.
FAQs
1. **What is China’s Golden Week holiday?**
China’s Golden Week is a national holiday that combines the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, resulting in an extended break for Chinese citizens.
2. **Why did Golden Week extend to eight days this year?**
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day fell close together, prompting Beijing to declare an extended eight-day holiday.
3. **Why did per capita spending increase during Golden Week?**
Per capita spending increased because the extended holiday encouraged long-distance travel, leading to higher average expenses.
4. **Why did international travel face challenges during Golden Week?**
International travel faced delays and challenges, primarily due to long wait times for visa applications, especially for European destinations.
5. **What does the surge in domestic tourism mean for China’s economy?**
The surge in domestic tourism indicates that China’s economy is still on the path to recovery, despite challenges like a property market downturn. Further policy easing may be necessary for sustained growth.
6. **What lessons can other countries learn from China’s Golden Week?**
Other countries can learn the importance of adapting to changing circumstances, providing extended holiday opportunities, and addressing challenges like visa delays to boost their own tourism industries.
7. **Are there any long-term effects expected from this Golden Week travel surge?**
The long-term effects could include increased domestic tourism, changing travel preferences, and a stronger focus on addressing travel-related challenges to sustain growth in the industry.
8. **How can travelers prepare for international trips amid visa delays?**
Travelers can plan well in advance, check visa application processing times, and consider alternative destinations with shorter visa processing periods to mitigate the effects of delays.
9. **What role will government policies play in supporting the travel industry’s recovery?**
Government policies will likely continue to play a significant role in supporting the travel industry’s recovery, including measures to streamline visa processes, stimulate tourism, and boost consumer confidence.
10. **What are the key takeaways from China’s Golden Week for the global travel industry?**
Key takeaways include the resilience of travelers, the importance of adaptability, and the potential for the travel industry to rebound with the right strategies and support.
In conclusion, China’s Golden Week holiday showcased the resilience and enthusiasm of travelers, offering a glimpse of what the future of travel might look like in a post-pandemic world. As we move forward, addressing challenges and seizing opportunities will be essential for a vibrant and sustainable travel industry.
