In what is being hailed as a positive sign for the travel industry, Chinese Airlines have seen a surge in holiday bookings for the upcoming May 1st Labor Day holiday.
Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Chinese citizens are willing to travel again, with domestic tourism becoming an increasingly popular option. In what will be the first holiday since the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, travel demand is booming as citizens of the Asian country prepare for May 1st.
According to recent data from Chinese online booking agency Ctrip.com, bookings for flights within China have reached 2019 levels, resulting in a travel surge in the Asian country. International bookings have also increased by more than 12 times compared to last year, while group tour is on the rise, too, with a 137% increase since April.
Fang Zeqian, an analyst from Ctrip Research Institute, says,
“Since the Spring Festival holiday, the first half of the year has only had one day off during the Tomb Sweeping Day in addition to the five-day May 1st holiday. If three days off are taken on May 4th, 5th, and 6th, it can be combined into a nine-day-long holiday. The travel demand accumulated since February is expected to be released during the May 1st holiday. Domestic major tourist cities and holiday tourism destinations will benefit from it. International travel is also expected to have a small peak during the May 1st holiday.”
The May 1st holiday is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in China, with many people taking the opportunity to go on vacation or visit family and friends. Last year, however, the holiday was largely cancelled due to the pandemic, with travel restrictions and quarantine requirements making it difficult for people to travel. The holiday, which begins on the 29th of April, is less than half a month away.
Good News for Chinese Airlines
The surge in demand for holiday travel is a welcome development for the Chinese airline industry, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. However, with the rollout of vaccines and the easing of restrictions, there is hope that the industry will begin to recover. The surge in demand for holiday travel in China is a positive sign that people are starting to feel more confident about travelling again.
Of course, there are still challenges to overcome. The pandemic is far from over, and there are concerns about the emergence of new variants of the virus. China has also been hit by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, prompting some local governments to impose new travel restrictions.
Despite these challenges, however, the surge in demand for holiday travel is a welcome development for the Chinese airline industry. It suggests that people are starting to feel more comfortable with the idea of travelling again and that the industry may be able to start rebuilding in the months and years ahead.
Bottom Line
The surge in holiday bookings for Chinese airlines is a positive development for the travel industry. While there are still challenges to overcome, the fact that people are starting to feel more confident about travelling again is a sign that the industry may be recovering. As we navigate the pandemic, it is important to remember that travel can still be an enjoyable and enriching experience and that the world is waiting to be explored.
How are you celebrating Labor Day this May 1st? What do you think of the surge in travel in China during this time? Please leave a comment below.
