Travel in China

Travel continues to develop rapidly

Rising disposable incomes, improved transport infrastructure and the spread of internet technology led to the rapid development of the travel industry in China in 2018. Whilst inbound and outbound tourism experienced steady growth, domestic tourism also posted a robust volume sales increase, which reflected the increased desire to travel amongst Chinese residents and the positive outcome of the integrated tourism policy encouraged by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in China.

Travel intermediaries focus on seamless booking

Online booking is expected to penetrate the market further, as people are used to communicating online. To make booking more efficient, travel intermediaries are aiming to provide seamless online and offline experiences for customers.

Further consolidation in online travel agencies

For online travel agencies, the competitive landscape has become more consolidated, as Tongcheng Network Technology and eLong announced a merger to form a new entity, Tongcheng elong Network Technology, by the end of 2017. Ctrip and Tencent are the major shareholders in the new company, and it is well-positioned to be a leading OTA, supported by the core strengths of the two parties.

Innovation flourishes in lodging, offering unique experiences to clients

Lodging providers implemented innovations to differentiate from other brands and to bring unique cultural experiences to their clients. In 2017, Marriott collaborated with Alibaba Group to open its Future Hotel 2.

Ongoing growth for travel in China over the forecast period

Domestic travel is expected to reach new heights due to the increased willingness to travel amongst Chinese residents. The development of the rail network and the expansion of low-cost carriers in second- and third-tier cities will shorten the time spent on travel transportation and drive tourism in surrounding areas.

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