The large number of Chinese tourists during the National Day holiday has prompted many countries to launch a variety of special services to share China's "holiday bonuses". At the same time, Chinese citizens are increasingly diverse and more rational concerning their outbound travel.
Chinese outbound tourist trips grew in number and diversified in destinations during the past week-long National Day holiday, official data showed Friday.
Outbound travel gained steam with the number of DIY trips outnumbered that of the group travel.
Monitoring data from the academy showed that Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines are among the 10 most popular destinations for outbound travelers during the holiday from Oct. 1 to 8. Over 45 percent of the travelers chose Southeast Asian countries.
Among the 10 ASEAN members, nine offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies for Chinese tourists. More than 2,700 flights fly between China and ASEAN countries every week.
In the US, local restaurants are also customizing their menu for Chinese travelers.
Compared with previous years, the new-generation Chinese tourists of outbound tourism, instead of spending much time in shopping, they prefer activities such as self-driving, performance, special food and entertainment etc. This trend encourages more overseas merchants to improve the purchasing experience of Chinese tourists, such as placing more importance on Union Pay card service.
Besides, more merchants and tourism sectors have realized the significance of Union Pay card service in attracting Chinese tourists. The two largest European hotel groups have collectively accepted Union Pay, including 200 stores of Louvre and 110 of Accor; Greek merchants accept Union Pay Mobile Quick Pass, which supports micro payment without verifying password and signature, enabling Union Pay cardholders to pay with their mobile phones; DLVA in Provence endeavors to establish the "Union Pay Payment Demonstration Towns", in which Chinese tourists can use Union Pay cards conveniently.
