The May Labor Day holiday has seen a surge in Chinese tourists traveling overseas in large numbers, signaling a positive recovery for the country’s travel industry. This increase in international travel is a promising indication of the pent-up demand for leisure trips among Chinese tourists. 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.
The resilience of Chinese travelers in resuming their leisure activities post-pandemic is a positive sign for the travel industry around the world. The surge in bookings for overseas trips has exceeded expectations, with a last-minute rush contributing to the increase in travelers. Additionally, domestic ticket sales have surpassed 2019 levels by 4% for the same period, showing a strong rebound in both international and domestic travel.
This growth in outbound travel is a positive sign for the global tourism market. As more travelers venture overseas and domestically, the tourism industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming months. 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.