Singapore, Jan 20: As the Lunar New Year approaches, families and friends around the world are embracing the spirit of exploration and connection. This year, symbolized by the Snake, signifies wisdom and transformation, reflecting a shift in travel preferences as revealed by Trip.com Group's latest trends.
Extended Stays Fuel Cross-Border Travel
Recent data indicates a notable increase in cross-border travel, with many travellers opting for longer stays during this festive season. In the Chinese mainland, New Year's Eve has been designated as a public holiday in 2025, allowing for an extended holiday period. Travellers can enjoy an eleven-day holiday with just two days off work. Meanwhile, South Korean travellers can enjoy a nine-day break with one day off and Singaporeans can create a five-day holiday with a single day off. As a result, Asia-Pacific travellers are expected to stay up to 10% longer this Lunar New Year.
Popular destinations for LNY celebrations include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and various regions within the Chinese mainland.
Interest Grows for Lesser-known Destinations
This year has seen an uptick in interest for medium and long-haul flights outside the Asia-Pacific region. Markets like Malaysia and South Korea are leading this trend, with significant growth in travel to unconventional destinations. Travellers are showing enthusiasm for unique experiences in places such as Giza, Egypt; San Luis Obispo, USA; and Charenton-le-Pont, France. Additionally, lesser-known cities within Asia, including Funabashi and Okinawa in Japan and Seremban in Malaysia, are capturing the attention of adventurous travellers.
Short-haul flights remain popular among those with shorter national holidays, with Malaysia and Thailand showing strong booking volume growth.
Family Travel Takes Centre Stage
Family gatherings are at the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations, and many families are choosing to travel together this year. Cruises have surged in popularity among Chinese mainland and Singaporean travellers, with bookings showing triple-digit growth compared to last year. Family-friendly cruise options have increased by 400%, with popular ports including Shanghai, Singapore, and Dubai, while destinations like Fukuoka, Jeju, and Phuket attract families seeking memorable holiday experiences.
Attractions that cater to families have also seen a rise in demand, with child ticket bookings up by 42%. Popular family-oriented attractions such as Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland are witnessing an increase in visitor numbers.
Premium Travel vs. Value for Money
This festive season has highlighted a blend of premium and budget-conscious travel choices. Bookings for four- and five-star hotels have surged, particularly among Malaysian travellers who lead this trend with nearly a triple-digit increase. Similarly, alternative accommodations like traditional Japanese Ryokans and homestays are gaining traction among travellers from the Chinese mainland, Thailand, and South Korea.
Average travel budgets have also seen double-digit growth as travellers prioritize meaningful experiences during this season. Business class and first-class flight bookings are trending upward, especially among Singaporean travellers who have experienced a staggering 400% growth compared to last year.
Surge in Inbound Travel to China
The Chinese mainland is experiencing a remarkable increase in inbound travel bookings, with over 200% growth year-on-year. Travellers from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, and the UK are leading this trend. Major cities like Shanghai and Beijing continue to attract visitors, alongside lesser-known cities such as Harbin and Chengdu.
China's traveler-friendly visa policies are further bolstering this growth. Over 30 countries can now enjoy visa-free travel to the mainland, resulting in a 62% increase in bookings from countries recently included in this policy.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, travel trends reflect a desire for extended stays and unique experiences. With a focus on family gatherings and a mix of luxury and budget travel options, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for holidaymakers worldwide.
