Skift Take

The post-pandemic Chinese traveler is a whole new ballgame, and travel companies need to understand that and step up their game.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Before the pandemic, Trip.com Group offered an "Around the World" package that was priced at a staggering $250,000. It was an instant sensation, and sold out in a mere 17 seconds.

Those days are gone. But there’s still plenty of growth to be had. You just need to understand the new Chinese traveler. 

“If there is one country in the world that has not taken revenge travel outbound, it is mainland China,” said Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice president of international markets at Trip.com Group.

Step one would be restoring outbound flights with total capacity still at 50% of 2019 levels. When that is resolved, Chai identified several other shifts travel companies need to be aware of.  

Longer Booking Windows

Booking windows have lengthened as consumers display increased confidence in planning ahead, Chai said to Skift.

The booking window for Hong Kong was typically 7 to 9 days in 2019-2022, but during this year’s Golden Week holiday, it was as long as 27 days, he said.