During China's National Day Holiday, "Flag-Waving Group Tours" Have Disappeared

Increase in Small-Scale Individual Travel Over Large Group Tours Due to COVID-19 Infection Concerns
Clear Untact Trends Such as Online Reservations, Car Rentals, Nearby Travel, and Small Group Trips

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The unique Chinese 'group tour culture' has disappeared due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on the 6th that the contactless (untact) phenomenon among Chinese people was clearly evident during the National Day holiday period (October 1?8). It stated that a contactless tourism culture has taken root in China due to fears of COVID-19 infection.

This National Day holiday was the first long holiday since inter-provincial group travel resumed in July and the first long holiday after the declaration of victory in the COVID-19 battle.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Xinhua News Agency explained that during the first long holiday period after the COVID-19 pandemic, there were different patterns from the existing Chinese tourism culture, such as online reservations, increased demand for rental cars, short-distance travel, and small group travel with acquaintances.

The most noticeable phenomenon is the increase in rental car usage.

A rental car industry official said, "During this year's National Day holiday period, rental car usage increased by 150% compared to the same period last year, and more than 50% of customers used rental cars for the first time," adding, "Rental car travel has become a new culture after COVID-19."

This is explained by the avoidance of transportation means where one can mix with others, such as tourist buses, due to concerns about COVID-19 infection.

Xinhua News Agency also reported that small-scale individual group travel is a new trend.

Chinese visitors to the Forbidden City in Beijing during the National Day holiday

More Chinese people have formed small teams with trusted family members, relatives, and acquaintances to enjoy separate travel by small buses. This indicates a change in the existing unique Chinese tourism culture of following guides holding flags on large buses.

Also, short-distance travel was a characteristic observed during this year’s holiday period, according to Xinhua News Agency. Consequently, the travel period has shortened to 3?5 days.

The number of young people enjoying holidays in urban or nearby resort-style hotels has also increased. Xinhua News Agency reported that due to COVID-19, 'Hokangseu (hotel + vacation)' has become a new tourism culture. It explained that young generations are seeking places that are expensive but not crowded to reduce infection risk.

As Chinese authorities have limited the number of visitors to major popular tourist sites due to COVID-19, online advance reservations have also greatly increased.

China's largest travel site, Xiecheng (携程, Ctrip), said, "As of the 4th, online reservations for China's scenic spots have increased by 100% compared to last year," adding, "A culture of making advance reservations for accommodation, flights, and attraction tickets through travel sites or individual sites has taken root."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.