Tourists eager to spread their wings again

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects 5 million Chinese tourists to visit the country this year.

In Singapore, Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, general manager of the luxury resort hotel Sofitel Sentosa Resort & Spa, said it has created Lunar New Year deals aimed at Chinese visitors, including a hotpot buffet and romantic packages for couples.

Chinese travelers are urged to check the tourism policy at their destinations before setting out.

The United States, England and Japan are among countries enforcing new travel requirements for arrivals from China, including negative COVID-19 test results.

Industry players said that with the relaunch of outbound travel, Chinese tourists' preferences might change, with friendly entry policies at overseas destinations certain to influence their choices.

Tourism experts said despite the prospects for sound growth momentum, it will take time for China's outbound tourism market to achieve a full recovery.

Zhou Weihong, deputy general manager at Spring Tour, said small, customized and themed tours will become popular following the resumption of outbound tourism, with more attention being paid to safety.

Yang Yanfeng, director of the online tourism research center at the Tourism College of Beijing Union University, told China Tourism News, "Based on the external environment and concerns about the pandemic, Chinese tourists still need a period of adjustment.

"During this period, overseas destinations that have friendly and open entry policies for Chinese tourists are more likely to gain favor among these visitors."

Yang added that destinations in Southeast Asia will be the first to benefit from the return of Chinese tourists.

Feng, from Mafengwo, said prices for outbound flights and overseas hotels are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels as tourism recovers, but due to short-term constraints in the supply of facilities and labor, it will take time for these price declines to reach the public.

Guo Lechun, vice-president of the big data research institute at online travel service provider Qunar, said there will not be a significant rise in the number of international flights in the short term due to existing flight scheduling and approval plans.