During the National Day holiday, tourism has become an extremely important part of people's lives, and has become a life experience that the public pursues and yearns for. Nationwide, the number of trips exceeded 100 million, and the consumption amount hit a new high, are you among them? Behind this, it is not only the rise of consumption data, but also people's desire and persistent pursuit of a better life, reflecting their deep yearning in their hearts. So, what is the situation of China's tourism market during this long holiday? Let's find out.
A strong recovery in the travel market
The National Day holiday is an annual major festival for Chinese. At this time, people's enthusiasm for travel is unprecedentedly high. In 2024, the first large-scale National Day holiday after the impact of the epidemic, the number of trips will reach 765 million, and the total tourism expenditure will reach 700.817 billion yuan. This is an encouraging figure, with a 10.2% increase in the number of trips and a 7.9% year-on-year increase in tourism spending compared to 2019. This phenomenon not only shows people's ardent desire for travel, but also highlights the recovery of the economy and the vitality of society.
These statistics are by no means just cold economic indicators, but also a tangible reflection of everyone's longing for life, and contain deep expectations for a better future. Whether it's a family gathering, a friend outing, or traveling alone, everyone is finding joy and releasing stress in different ways. Against this backdrop, the volume of traffic is too much for almost any tourist destination to bear, but at the same time, we also need to ask: what are the challenges and opportunities behind this prosperity?
The pomp and circumstance of a popular city
When it comes to popular cities, Chengdu, Chongqing and Beijing are undoubtedly the "stars" of this National Day holiday. According to relevant data, all three cities received more than 20 million tourists, leaving the rest of the cities far behind, and their advantages are quite significant. Hangzhou and Changsha followed closely behind, also performing well. This phenomenon is not accidental, but is the result of the efforts of major cities in terms of infrastructure, tourism services and cultural activities.
In particular, Chengdu, with its unique food and leisurely lifestyle, has attracted many tourists one after another, and has become a tourist attraction that people yearn for. Many people choose to enjoy hot pot, make tea, and experience slow life here. With its unique charm as a mountain city and a variety of night activities, Chongqing has successfully won the favor of many young people and turned into a desirable resort. As for Beijing, as a famous historical and cultural city, its important tourism resources still attract countless tourists.
The new normal for road trips
With the diversification of travel methods, self-driving travel has become the new normal during the National Day holiday. Over the years, many people have been accustomed to traveling in groups, but more and more people are choosing to travel independently and realize the fun of self-driving. This year's traffic statistics show that the two cities of Guangzhou-Foshan have the largest traffic flows, while the traffic between Beijing and Langfang in Hebei Province has reached its peak. The Yangtze River Delta and Chengdu-Chongqing regions have also become popular routes for self-driving tours.
However, while road trips provide more freedom for tourists, traffic congestion and environmental pollution are also becoming increasingly problematic. On the one hand, this contradiction reflects people's pursuit of personalized tourism, and on the other hand, it also brings great challenges to urban management. How to balance the travel needs of residents and the convenience of tourists has become a difficult problem to be solved.
The rise of Internet celebrity cities
During this National Day holiday, some previously unknown cities have quietly risen to become high-profile Internet celebrity tourist destinations. For example, the number of bookings from visitors to Datong increased sharply year-on-year, reaching 230%. At the same time, Harbin also saw a significant increase in order volume, reaching 112%. This growth shows that more and more people are looking for different travel experiences, and it is also having a certain impact on traditional popular cities.
It is worth noting that the popularity of "Black Myth: Wukong" has attracted audiences to Shanxi and the surrounding areas. This is not only a transmission of local culture, but also a test of the carrying capacity of infrastructure. On the one hand, the rise of Internet celebrity cities has promoted the development of the local economy; On the other hand, we have to pay attention to whether these places are ready to receive a large number of tourists.
A new trend in outbound travel
The domestic tourism market is extremely hot, and in stark contrast, outbound tourism is also showing a new trend. Azerbaijan became a popular destination for this holiday, with a 16-fold increase in bookings. This change reflects the reality that the domestic travel market is gradually saturated, and also points to the demand of tourists seeking a richer travel experience.
During the National Day holiday, people not only want to absorb the scenery in their homeland, but also hope to broaden their horizons and experience the blending of different cultures through cross-border travel. This trend is likely to continue in the future, and the travel market needs to adjust accordingly.
Outlook for the future of the tourism market
Looking ahead, the travel market will face both volatility and recovery. With the change of consumer demand, how to achieve sustainable development while maintaining profitability will be an urgent problem for the industry. Against the backdrop of global climate change and rapid urbanization, the tourism industry must realize that its development cannot come at the expense of the environment.
In 2024, the market may continue to recover, but if we are to achieve long-term development, we must think carefully. How to meet the needs of tourists at the same time, protect the ecological environment, improve the quality of service, this is a problem that every tourism practitioner should consider.
The perspective of the average tourist
The National Day holiday is a time of relaxation, but also a time to face pressure and congestion. Despite the boom in travel, there are still many inconveniences and troubles. Can the congested traffic and the bustling crowds really allow us to enjoy the relaxation we deserve?
Behind the bustle, many tourists are beginning to reflect on the true meaning of tourism. Perhaps, tourism is no longer a simple "check-in" and consumption, but should return more to oneself and find inner peace and satisfaction. A personalized approach to tourism brings a deeper experience, and for many people, slowing down and enjoying the scenery along the way is the most valuable.
All in all, the tourism market during the National Day holiday is a stage full of opportunities, and various data and trends show people's yearning for a better life. Behind the celebration, we should also be sensitive and seriously appreciate the challenges and reflections hidden in each trip. Only in this way can we truly realize the value of tourism and give more meaning to our lives.