Skift Take
2024 may be the first “back to normal" year for China's outbound travel since the pandemic, and Chinese tourists are leaning towards destinations with simpler visa processes.
Chinese outbound tourism is steadily rebounding from the effects of the pandemic, with projections indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025.
Research conducted by Dragon Trail International suggests that China's outbound tourism is expected to reach approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year.
According to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, there were 3.6 million outbound trips taken during the Chinese new year period, which is just 57% of 2019’s 6.3 million trips.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as a key destination for Chinese travelers, alongside traditionally popular outbound markets like Thailand and Malaysia, according to data from online travel agencies Ctrip, Tongcheng, Tuniu, Mafengwo, and Zuzuche.
“The UAE's visa-free policy for Chinese vis