Reunions can wait as many travel abroad
Source: Xinhua |
February 8, 2013, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
LIU Jing has decided not to go home to see his family for the Spring Festival this year. Instead, she will celebrate the new year in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, thousands of kilometers away from her hometown.
"I spend the Spring Festival overseas to seek inner peace," said 24-year-old Liu who has just resigned from her job. "I will have a New Year's eve dinner with other backpackers and send my greetings home via the Internet."
Liu is just one of the many Chinese people who have chosen to travel abroad during the traditional period for family reunions.
Taking a holiday abroad instead is being attributed to rising incomes, more flexible visa policies and a strong Chinese currency.
"The consumption value of Chinese people has been gradually transforming from survival to comfort and leisure," said Li Xinjian, director of the China Tourism Economics Center.
Zhu Lianli, manager of a China Youth Travel Service branch, said there had been a 30 percent increase in bookings for overseas travel during this Spring Festival compared to 2011, with Thailand being the most popular destination.
Statistics from the China Tourism Academy show that about 82 million citizens went on outbound tours in 2012, up 16.7 percent year on year, taking a total of US$98 billion to their destinations.
Kevin Watkins, who has been visiting China to promote tourism in New Zealand since 2004, said the growing wealth in a larger section of the population gave Chinese people the means and ability to satisfy their travel desires.
"Overseas travel requires time. New Year usually allows a seven-day holiday and this creates an opportunity for busy Chinese people," Watkins said.
"I know families love to be together at this time, but I am sure as family incomes increase and disposable income increases, families and individuals will look more and more to enjoy a new experience overseas," he said.
"I spend the Spring Festival overseas to seek inner peace," said 24-year-old Liu who has just resigned from her job. "I will have a New Year's eve dinner with other backpackers and send my greetings home via the Internet."
Liu is just one of the many Chinese people who have chosen to travel abroad during the traditional period for family reunions.
Taking a holiday abroad instead is being attributed to rising incomes, more flexible visa policies and a strong Chinese currency.
"The consumption value of Chinese people has been gradually transforming from survival to comfort and leisure," said Li Xinjian, director of the China Tourism Economics Center.
Zhu Lianli, manager of a China Youth Travel Service branch, said there had been a 30 percent increase in bookings for overseas travel during this Spring Festival compared to 2011, with Thailand being the most popular destination.
Statistics from the China Tourism Academy show that about 82 million citizens went on outbound tours in 2012, up 16.7 percent year on year, taking a total of US$98 billion to their destinations.
Kevin Watkins, who has been visiting China to promote tourism in New Zealand since 2004, said the growing wealth in a larger section of the population gave Chinese people the means and ability to satisfy their travel desires.
"Overseas travel requires time. New Year usually allows a seven-day holiday and this creates an opportunity for busy Chinese people," Watkins said.
"I know families love to be together at this time, but I am sure as family incomes increase and disposable income increases, families and individuals will look more and more to enjoy a new experience overseas," he said.
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