spanish.china.org.cn
Lunar New Year Holiday Spurs Record Travel Bookings in China
The extended eight-day Lunar New Year holiday in China, from January 28 to February 4, 2025, is causing a massive surge in travel bookings, with domestic and international destinations seeing significant increases, driven by factors including price drops and relaxed visa policies.
- What is the impact of the extended Lunar New Year holiday on travel bookings in China?
- China's upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, lasting eight days (January 28 to February 4, 2025), is driving a surge in travel bookings. Qunar, an online travel agency, reported record flight bookings on December 3rd for pre-holiday travel; Tongcheng Travel anticipates a 10-18% increase in average domestic ticket prices between January 10-18, peaking January 23-27. Tuniu Corp data shows a 40% increase in group tour bookings and over 50% growth in flight and hotel reservations during the second week of December.
- What factors beyond the holiday length are contributing to the increase in travel bookings?
- The extended holiday is fueling a significant rise in both domestic and international travel. Popular domestic destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, and Sanya. The easing of visa restrictions, extending visa-free transit to 240 hours for eligible foreign travelers, is expected to boost inbound tourism, with Japan potentially becoming a leading international destination. Price drops of 10-40% on 80% of group tours, according to GZL International Travel Service, are further stimulating demand.", A3=
- What are the potential long-term implications of this travel surge for China's tourism industry and related sectors?
- The surge in travel bookings reflects a post-pandemic rebound in Chinese tourism, amplified by the longer holiday. This trend suggests a strong recovery in the travel sector, with implications for related industries like hospitality and transportation. The increased popularity of smaller group tours (700% increase compared to 2019) indicates a shift in travel preferences towards more personalized experiences. The rise of inbound tourism, driven by relaxed visa policies, signals the growing importance of China as a global travel destination.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the upcoming holiday travel as overwhelmingly positive, highlighting record bookings and the extended holiday period. The headline (if there was one, which is missing from the provided text) would likely reinforce this positive framing. The emphasis on rising prices is presented as a predictable consequence rather than a potential deterrent.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual, reporting statistics and trends. There's no overtly loaded language or emotional appeals. The tone is descriptive rather than opinionated.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the increase in travel bookings during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, but omits potential negative impacts such as overcrowding at popular destinations or strain on infrastructure. It also doesn't mention the economic impact of the increased travel or the perspectives of those who might choose not to travel due to cost or other reasons. The article's focus is almost exclusively positive.
Sustainable Development Goals
The increase in domestic tourism boosts local economies in various Chinese cities (Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Sanya, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Harbin, and Chongqing), contributing to sustainable urban development and potentially improving infrastructure and services in these areas. The growth in smaller group tours suggests a shift towards more sustainable and responsible travel practices, reducing the environmental impact of large group tours.