4.4 Million Outbound Trips from China During the Holiday, Thailand the Biggest Beneficiary

China's National Immigration Administration recorded 4.4 million outbound trips from the mainland during the "Golden Week" holiday, a 9.3% year-on-year increase, according to a report by China Daily.

Thailand benefited the most from the 13-day holiday, recording 133,946 Chinese arrivals between September 27 and October 3, a week-on-week increase of 41.98%. These figures indicate a shift in Chinese demand toward specific Asian destinations.

In contrast, Japan fell off the list of top destinations for Chinese tourists, in a shift reflecting an adjustment in traveler preferences within the world's largest outbound travel market.

This development is of concern to airlines, hotels, and tourist destinations in Asia and the Middle East, as the number of outbound Chinese travelers determines the level of demand for flights and accommodation. Operators are watching for any change in preferred destinations to direct their flights and marketing campaigns.

What do these terms mean?

**Golden Week:** A long official holiday in China coinciding with National Day, witnessing the peak of domestic and outbound travel every year.

**National Immigration Administration:** The Chinese body responsible for tracking traveler movements through border crossings and regulating entry and exit.

**Year-on-Year:** A method of comparing a figure with an equivalent period from the previous year rather than the period immediately preceding it, to avoid the effect of seasonality.

**Top Destination:** The country or city that ranks highest in traveler preferences from a specific market.