Chinese tourists are once again flocking overseas in near pre-pandemic numbers during the extended May Labor Day holiday, signaling a strong rebound in the travel industry. As per data from ForwardKeys, outbound trips between April 27 to May 5, encompassing the five-day break, are only 7% below 2019 levels. This surge in bookings has surpassed initial expectations based on ticket sales in early April, with last-minute travelers contributing to the acceleration.
The travel insights company reported that domestic ticketing within China has already exceeded 2019 levels by 4% for the same period. This resurgence in both domestic and international travel signals a return to normalcy in the world’s largest travel market. The increase in bookings and travel activity underscores the pent-up demand for leisure and tourism activities among Chinese consumers, who are eager to explore new destinations and create memorable experiences once again. With domestic and international travel bouncing back, the tourism industry is poised for a strong recovery.