The Chinese tourism industry is showing signs of recovery as large numbers of Chinese tourists are once again traveling overseas during the extended May Labor Day holiday. According to ForwardKeys, a travel forecasting company, outbound trips between April 27 to May 5 are only 7% below levels seen in 2019, before the pandemic hit. This increase in international travel is a positive sign for the global tourism market.
The surge in bookings for overseas trips has exceeded expectations, with a last-minute rush contributing to the increase in travelers. This growth in outbound travel is a promising indication of the pent-up demand for leisure trips among Chinese tourists. Additionally, domestic ticket sales have surpassed 2019 levels by 4% for the same period, showing a strong rebound in both international and domestic travel.
The resilience of Chinese travelers in resuming their leisure activities post-pandemic is a positive sign for the travel industry around the world. The increase in international and domestic travel during the May Labor Day holiday showcases the recovery of the travel market in China, which was once the world’s largest travel market. As more travelers venture overseas and domestically, the tourism industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming months.