Tourism has become an important consumption necessity in China as 98% respondents in a Ctrip survey expressed their intentions to travel in 2017.
More than half plan to spend over 10% of their annual income on traveling in 2017; more than 70% have travel budget of over 10,000 yuan according to the Ctrip report. Travel frequency in the 1-3 times sees the highest proportion of respondents, up to 72%, followed by plans to travel 4-6 times, accounting for 19%. About 10% will travel at least 7 times in 2017.
Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hainan are the top domestic tourism destinations while Japan, Thailand, and the U.S. are the most preferred overseas destinations. And, over 60% prefer overseas tours.
Tourism becoming a top choice for entertainment and leisure in China
With the increasing wealth and more good exposure to different lifestyle experiences, Chinese consumers have a higher pursuit of the quality of life. Over 80% respondents said traveling is the primary means of consumption and leisure.
10.8% travel during Chinese New Year and National Day holidays, each of which has 7 days. But, more and more people use annual leave (52.7%) and weekends (19%) to travel.
Higher budget for travel
73% of respondents said that this year’s travel budget will be more than 10,000 yuan per capita; 32% have an average budget of between 20,000 and 50,000 yuan. 10% of the respondents plan to spend more than 50,000 yuan on travel.
57% travelers plan to spend over 10% of their annual income on tourism; 19% will even spend up to 20% of their annual income for traveling.
Security and environment are the top concerns
31% of travelers surveyed are most concerned about safety factors, accounting for the highest, including whether the destination has recently occurred natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or the security aspects of uncertainty.
25% of travelers are most concerned about the destinations’ environment, pollution, haze, etc. which will make consumers less inclined to visit. And, 15% of the tourists are most concerned about the friendliness towards Chinese travelers at the destination. In addition, the convenience of flights and visas also affects the preferences of tourists.
Relaxation and relationship becoming top travel motivations
The Ctrip survey shows that exploring natural scenery and cultural style (43.2%), relaxation (34.2%), and enhancing the relationship with family and friends (16.4%) are the top 3 reasons Chinese consumers travel in 2017. In addition, medical and educational tours as well as avoiding the haze have become traveling motives.
Choosing to travel with partners has the highest proportion (30.6%), followed by traveling with children (25.3%) and friends (19.2%). 18.3% plan to travel with parents. Honeymoon, parent-child tours, and parents tours have the highest popularity based on the booking data in 2017 according to Ctrip.
Chinese are more experienced travelers
Free & easy tours (self-guided tours) are becoming a better way to travel as more and more Chinese consumers are getting experienced in planning their tours. 58.6% would like to travel by free and easy tours.
Group tours remain an important way of travel, which is chosen by about one-third of travelers. Half of outbound tourists travel by groups. About 10% are interested trying customized tours.