Chongqing - As summer vacation commences in July, the question of where to spend the holidays with children is a hot topic of discussion.
On July 4, renowned domestic online travel service platforms such as Tongcheng Trip and Ctrip released their summer vacation travel reports. These reports suggest an earlier and more populated summer travel peak than in 2019.
Camping is a popular choice for many people in the summer. (Photo/Yue Xingchen)
According to Ctrip, bookings for Chongqing have doubled in comparison to 2019. Meanwhile, the 2023 Summer Vacation Travel Outlook Report by Tongcheng Travel identifies Chongqing and Chengdu as top tourist destinations.
Summer vacation travel peak advances by one week
"Last Sunday, my daughter set off for Sanya with her grandparents. It's delightful to relish the beaches and sea breeze during the summer vacation," shared Mrs. Liu from Shapingba District, Chongqing. To ensure her fifth-grade daughter could travel right after her final exam, Mrs. Liu booked the flight tickets in advance.
Mr. Li from Yubei District, Chongqing, mentioned, "My son has been longing to visit Hong Kong University." As a result, he organized an educational travel program to Hong Kong for his son.
The 2023 Summer Vacation Travel Outlook Report by Tongcheng Travel reveals a resurgence in this summer vacation's peak travel season. The report notes a substantial increase in student travelers and families with children compared to the previous year, with student travelers expected to make up over 30% of the total.
The peak travel periods are predicted to occur around July 2 (when primary and secondary schools break for summer), late July to mid-August, and around September 3 (the week before school starts across various regions). There has also been an early surge in departures for this summer vacation, about a week ahead of previous years.
Chengdu and Chongqing are popular destinations
Chongqing has emerged as a favorite destination for tourists traveling with children. Both Tongcheng Travel and Ctrip have recognized Chongqing and Chengdu as sought-after tourist spots.
According to data from Ctrip, the volume of orders for Chongqing had increased significantly, up by 109% by June 29. The top ten tourist destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Urumqi, Chongqing, Qingdao, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. Moreover, Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Urumqi, and Sanya rank among the top ten destinations preferred for family travel.
Ctrip anticipates that the Country Football League in Guizhou will positively impact summer vacation travel. The company has introduced several products themed around the Country Football League, among which a package tour program named 'Rongjiang River Plus Dali Dong Village' has gained substantial popularity.
Educational and country tours remain popular
During this summer vacation, both educational and country tours garner consumers' favor.
A Ctrip representative overseeing the educational tours divulged that last month saw an uptick in the number of orders for such tour programs compared to the same period last year. This was especially noticeable before children's final exams. Most in demand were educational tour programs that focused on history and culture, outdoor nature experiences, and science and technology. Tour packages that offered one-day visits to specific scenic areas or museums, and extensive 5-to-9-day itineraries encompassing multiple destinations, also sold well.
"Consumers appreciate programs that cater to both the needs of parents and children," the representative explained. "For instance, while children are engaged in enlightening presentations or games, parents can relish their afternoon tea and take photographs. It ensures a pleasant time for all."
Country tours are enjoying immense popularity, particularly among the younger generations. Ctrip reported a significant 170% increase in hotel bookings for countryside tours. Over half of these consumers belong to Generation Z. Notably, tourists from urban centers such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou, are increasingly attracted to the rural locales. They relish opportunities to partake in farm work and experience the artistry of intangible cultural heritages."
(Yang Yuanchun, as an intern, also contributed to this report)