Global hotel demand spikes as Chinese travellers return for Golden Week

Travel trends revealed for Golden Week, which took place from October 1 to October 7: A peak travel period in China

AccomNews Friday, October 25, 2024

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The resurgence of Chinese outbound travel has brought a significant surge in global hotel bookings during the 2024 Golden Week holiday. According to recent data from DidaTravel, a leading B2B accommodation wholesaler in China.

The holiday season saw a dramatic increase in hotel bookings across various regions compared to the previous year. Hotel reservations surged by 190 percent in the Americas, 78 percent in Europe, 77 percent in the Asia-Pacific, and 106 percent in the Middle East.

The Golden Week, which took place from October 1 to October 7, is a peak travel period in China when many citizens take advantage of a seven-day break.

As outbound travel recovers at a rapid pace, DidaTravel’s booking data reveals broader trends in the Chinese travel industry, with hotel stays for international travellers averaging two nights – a duration consistent with pre-pandemic habits. Average Daily Rates (ADR) increased slightly in the Middle East, while other regions saw marginally lower rates compared to last year.

Japan tops the list of popular destinations

Japan emerged as the most popular international destination for Chinese travellers during Golden Week, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia. Among the top 20 destinations were other favourites such as Singapore, the United States, Italy, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom, illustrating the wide range of interests from natural landscapes to cultural experiences.

Leading international cities booked by Chinese tourists included Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, Osaka, and Kuala Lumpur, while domestic hotspots remained Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Macau. These destinations offer a variety of attractions, from scenic views and historic sites to world-class events and exceptional shopping.

Industry implications and the role of DidaTravel

DidaTravel President Stone Fan highlighted the significance of these trends, noting, “The evolving preferences of Chinese travellers signal a new era for the global travel industry. At DidaTravel, we not only prepared for the resurgence of outbound tourism but are also helping to shape it. By leveraging our insights and technology, our commitment remains steadfast in redefining how the world connects with Chinese travellers, creating seamless, enriching journeys that reflect their growing desire for exploration and discovery.

Factors fueling the recovery

Several factors contribute to the strong rebound in outbound travel among Chinese tourists:

1.Pent-up demand for international travel
After years of restricted travel, many Chinese tourists are eager to explore overseas destinations again, driving substantial growth in hotel bookings worldwide.

2. Competitive pricing and variety
With DidaTravel offering over 75,000 direct hotel contracts and a portfolio of 1.5 million accommodation options, travellers have access to a wide range of competitively priced stays in more than 200 countries and regions.

3. Attractions in key destinations
Popular locations, including Tokyo, Bangkok, and Paris, provide diverse experiences that cater to various preferences, from luxury shopping and gourmet dining to vibrant cultural festivals and natural beauty.

Shaping the future of global tourism

As Chinese travellers continue to make their presence felt worldwide, the tourism industry is poised for significant transformation. Companies like DidaTravel play a pivotal role in not only meeting the current surge in demand but also influencing future travel patterns through data-driven insights and tech-driven distribution solutions.

More information on the latest trends and data from Golden Week 2024, HERE

Data in this story is based on DidaTravel’s accommodation booking records for the 2024 Chinese Golden Week holiday, a period marked by high travel activity in China.