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China’s strained economy is causing Lunar New Year travel trends to shift. With many people opting for cheaper domestic trips or nearby Asian destinations, the eight-day holiday sees around 2.2 million to 2.6 million travelers globally—higher than last year but still below the peak of nearly 6.3 million during the pandemic.
Chinese tourists are choosing closer countries like Japan and South Korea due to weaker currencies, while Southeast Asia remains a top destination with visa-free entry and affordable prices. More expensive long-haul trips aren’t as popular this year.
Chen Xing, a finance worker, used to fly to Europe for skiing but now opts for Osaka under budget constraints. She’s downsizing her expenses entirely, emphasizing personal comfort over luxury during tough times.
Online travel platforms like Fliggy show favoritism towards nearby Asian destinations within four-hour flights. Travelers are also booking trips closer to home due to last-minute deals and budget cuts across the board.
China’s passenger numbers for the extended travel period remain steady but below pre-pandemic levels, with airfares and hotel prices dropping significantly compared to previous years. The market is still recovering, though growth remains modest compared to the initial post-pandemic surge.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2946650/chinese-tourists-avoid-far-flung-trips-over-lunar-holiday