Visa waivers for over 70 countries and an increase in domestic travel may mean Chinese tourism overtakes the US in market size, analysts say An expansion of visa-free entry, the buildout of transportation networks and growing travel interest within China’s borders – including among budget-conscious citizens – are positioning the country to become the world’s top tourism market, analysts said.

Central government has added 5 days of public holidays this year, and local administrations are extending spring and autumn school breaks. Two cities in southeastern China’s Fujian province, Fuzhou and Xiamen, have decided to introduce three-day spring and autumn school holidays, with Xiamen’s spring break extending the Ching Ming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day.

For China’s outbound travel market, growth is coming from both the volume of passengers and stronger spend, says Subramania Bhatt, Founder & CEO of China Trading Desk (CTD).

China Marketing AI, by China Trading Desk, has released its updated China Outbound Travel Market Outlook 2026, raising its high-case in-destination traveller spend estimate to US$295.9 billion after incorporating Q1 actuals.

Thousands of domestic train services added on last day of ‘golden week’ to meet record demand, and high energy costs affect consumer spending

China’s outbound recovery is no longer the story. The bigger question for 2026 is where Chinese travellers will spend, and how much of that wallet travel retail can realistically capture.

Canada has permitted an ‘incremental increase’ in flights to China, but airlines may be reluctant to add services amid the wars in Ukraine and Iran

Chinese outbound travel does not need another sentimental headline. Labour Day 2026 will produce the optics the industry likes: fuller flights, busier terminals, louder signs of movement and the familiar reassurance of a market back in motion. China’s National Immigration Administration says the country handled approximately 45.8 million outbound trips by mainland residents, up 14.2% Year-on-Year.

Domestic flight bookings up about 8 per cent and domestic package-tour reservations up about 10 per cent, survey finds