Chinese Tourism Surges During Lunar New Year, Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels

Visa-free access and lifted restrictions fuel travel boom, with significant spending increases in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Chinese tourists significantly increased their travel to Southeast Asia and other regions during the Lunar New Year, surpassing pre-Covid-19 levels.
Visa-free access and lifted Covid-19 restrictions in China contributed to the surge in overseas travel.
Spending in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia on Alipay rose by 7.5% from 2019 levels, indicating a robust revival in travel.
The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, also saw a significant increase in Chinese tourists.
Despite a sluggish mainland economy, Chinese tourists are willing to spend on travel-related experiences.