With the May Day holiday approaching, "reverse tourism" is particularly popular this year, and the trend has completely changed!
The first reversal is that previously it was Chinese people who were keen on outbound travel, but this year it has become countless foreigners coming to China for tourism. Data from travel platforms shows that May Day inbound tour orders have grown by 173%. It's undeniable that with China's rapid development in recent years, especially our digital economy, which is non-existent abroad, has attracted many foreigners to come and take a look. Additionally, the 240-hour visa-free policy has provided just such an opportunity.
The second reversal is that previously everyone was keen on big city tourist spots, but now small city tours are becoming popular. The "2025 National Small City Travel Trend Insight Report for May Day" mentions that many small cities like Xuchang, Lianyungang, Shannan, and Baise have become popular. This is not only because of their beautiful scenery and fewer crowds, but also due to their affordability. During the May Day period, more than 50% of hotels in these small cities cost less than 200 yuan, which fits well with everyone's demand for "value-for-money" consumption.
The third reversal is that besides these long-distance trips, suburban tours are also a highlight this year. Many netizens said they don't plan to go far during May Day. They are tired from work as it is, so they just go hiking or camping nearby. Spend two or three days playing around, and then spend two or three days resting at home. This way, they can relax and still have enough rest time.
For example, a set of data recently released by the domestic platform VIP.com can also show the popularity of outdoor tours during May Day. By April 23rd, sales of outdoor fitness clothing on the platform had increased by 51% compared to the previous week. For instance, sales of sun protection clothing on VIP.com have seen a double-digit growth year-over-year in provinces such as Hunan, Zhejiang, and Hubei.
These changes are actually related to each of us. If the change in inbound and outbound tourism reflects the growing confidence of Chinese people, then traveling to small cities and suburban tours demonstrate that people are becoming more practical. Instead of overcrowding at网红spots, people are paying more attention to the cost-effectiveness of their travels and seeking authenticity and inner peace rather than just炫耀photos on social media.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830557589878855/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author.