The latest trend data from Travelport highlights the resurgence of outbound travel from mainland China.
Demand has continued to rise leading up to Chinese Labor Day.
This is traditionally one of the most popular times to travel.
Prior to the pandemic approximately 150 million Chinese tourists traveled internationally in 2019, spending $277 billion on global tourism.
In the first quarter of 2023 outbound bookings from mainland China increased by 331% compared to last year.
However, mainland China is still only at 21% of its 2019 outbound booking levels, Travelport says.
However, a recent McKinsey survey finds pent-up demand for outbound travel from mainland China is massive.
About 40% are prioritizing international destinations for their next trip.
According to Travelport data, the top booked destinations from mainland China include Hong Kong and Macau, Thailand and the US.
Travelport says Chinese travelers are now taking shorter trips based on booking data.
Overall, 71% of travelers are stating relatively close to home within the Asia Pacific region.
Travel for the May Day holidays is at a three-year high, up 470% from a year ago.
