The summer season for outbound tourism in China is heating up, with a noticeable trend of increasing popularity for "Asian travel."

Information disclosed by Qunar, a leading online travel platform in China, on the 28th indicates that as the summer travel season approaches, there is a strong demand for outbound tourism among Chinese citizens, which is expected to return to levels seen in 2019. Geographically, there is a noticeable trend of increasing interest in "Asian travel."

As of now, domestic flight and hotel prices in China have decreased compared to the same period last year, with the average payment price for air tickets dropping by 6% and the average nightly rate for mid-range hotels dropping by 8%. The booking cycle for travelers has become shorter, especially for medium and short-distance trips within the 5-hour high-speed train circle, with the booking period for air tickets shortened to less than a week in advance. Cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Kunming have become popular destinations for spontaneous travel, where even with a one-week advance booking, the prices for air tickets and hotels remain relatively affordable.

The summer vacation will also be the peak season for outbound tourism throughout the year. Analysis by the Qunar Big Data Research Institute shows that this summer's outbound tourism is characterized by an increase in volume and a decrease in price. Up to now, the volume of international air tickets issued on the Qunar platform during the summer has increased by 1.5 times year-on-year. The demand for outbound tourism during the summer vacation is very strong and is expected to basically return to the level of 2019.

It is worth noting that as several popular tourist destinations in Asia open to China with visa-free policies, the impact of these policies on the destinations is significant. Qunar data shows that among the top ten destinations for international air tickets during the summer, nine cities are located in Asia, indicating a clear trend of "Asian travel" warming up. Some visa-free countries are extremely popular, such as Malaysia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, where the tourism market is expected to be even hotter than the summer of 2019.

The big data from Qunar also shows that, as of now, the average payment price for international air tickets during the summer has decreased by 22% compared to the same period last year, and the average nightly price for international hotels has decreased by 24%. From a comprehensive cost perspective, the cost of traveling to some Southeast Asian countries is even lower than that of some domestic destinations.

The Qunar Big Data Research Institute analysis indicates that compared to last year, there has been a significant increase in the capacity of international routes this summer, and the supply chain of international hotels has basically returned to the level of 2019. As a result, both international air ticket prices and hotel prices have significantly decreased year-on-year.

The resurgence of outbound tourism in China is a testament to the country's economic recovery and the growing confidence of its citizens in international travel. The trend towards Asian travel is not only a reflection of geographical proximity but also an indication of the cultural and economic ties that bind the region. The visa-free policies have further facilitated this trend by reducing barriers and encouraging more spontaneous and flexible travel plans.

Moreover, the decrease in international air ticket and hotel prices presents an opportunity for travelers to explore new destinations without breaking the bank. This affordability is likely to attract a broader demographic of travelers, including families and budget-conscious individuals who may have been hesitant to travel internationally in the past.

The data from Qunar also highlights the importance of technology in shaping travel trends. Online platforms like Qunar provide users with the tools to easily compare prices, book flights and accommodations, and access up-to-date information on travel destinations. This convenience has undoubtedly contributed to the surge in outbound tourism, as it allows travelers to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

In conclusion, the summer of 2024 is shaping up to be a vibrant period for outbound tourism in China, with a strong preference for Asian destinations and a trend towards more affordable travel options. The combination of economic recovery, visa-free policies, and technological advancements in the travel industry is creating a perfect storm for a busy and bustling summer travel season.