According to the latest results of theÊLong-Haul Travel Sentiment Survey and IndexÊChinese willingness to travel overseas remains positive in the first months of 2018. Nearly 3 in 5 (58%) Chinese respondents plan to travel internationally between January-April 2018Êsuggesting that demand from this market is likely to sustain in the near future.
EuropeÊremains theÊnumberÊoneÊdestination for ChineseÊplanningÊtoÊtravelÊlong-haul
93% of Chinese respondents who intend to visit overseas destinations in the first four months of 2018 are likely to choose a European destination. The strong interest for travel toÊEuropeÊreflects the increasing affluence of Chinese citizens, improved air connectivity, competitive airfares, and the opening of many new visa application centres acrossÊChina. Additionally, public-private initiatives aimed at strengthening the presence of European tourism inÊChinaÊe.g.Ê2018 EU-China Tourism YearÊandÊPartnerships in European TourismÊare expected to support the surge in Chinese travel flows toÊEuropeÊfor the foreseeable future.
Chinese travellers keen on exploringÊmultipleÊdestinations inÊoneÊsingleÊtrip
The majority (67%) of Chinese respondents expect their next holiday toÊEuropeÊto last approximately one week and consist of visits to multiple European countries. Besides the most popular destinations, such asÊFrance,ÊGermanyÊandÊItaly; other destinations likeÊthe NetherlandsÊand theÊCzech RepublicÊare gaining popularity among Chinese. In line with the global travel trends, 60% of Chinese respondents expressed interest in heading into the great outdoors for more nature-related experiences. Simultaneously,ÊEurope’sÊculture, history and famous landmarks continue to attract many visitors and make a big mark on Chinese travel inÊEurope.
The Long-Haul Travel Sentiment Survey and Index is an initiative of theÊEuropean Travel Commission, theÊEuropean Tourism AssociationÊ(ETOA) andÊEurail GroupÊaimed at monitoring travel sentiment in some of the most important outbound travel markets forÊEuropeÊ-ÊBrazil,ÊChina,ÊJapan,ÊRussiaÊand the US.
