Tongcheng-eLong: China travel demand recovering
Online travel firm Tongcheng-eLong says travel demand across China continues to rebound.
According the company, total domestic hotel bookings increased by 40% in the last week of February, compared to the previous week, and is up 90% on booking volume a fortnight ago.
It said domestic flight bookings for travel starting in June surged by 250% over the previous week, which shows confidence in coronavirus containment efforts across the country.
Cities showing the biggest increase include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Beijing.
The overall hotel operating rate across the country is nearly 50% as of March 2, according to data from affiliate Beijing Zhuzher Information Technology.
Tongcheng-Elong forecasts travel by train and air will continue to grow in March and hotel operating rates will rise to about 90% outside China’s Hubei province.
Tongcheng-Elong launched a "Safe Stay" programme which it hopes will raise public confidence in leisure and business travel.
It showcases hotels that meet five major criteria, such as daily disinfection, employee health monitoring; a cancellation guarantee, special rates for extended stays, and limited contact services.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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