As the post-Chinese New Year (CNY) travel season progresses, there are some trends that are being observed. With significant price drops after the holiday season, outbound travel has continued to thrive. In fact, the Chinese “cultural tourism” trend is also expanding into outbound trips to places such as the Gulf Countries. Foreign destinations attract Chinese visitors with social media photo opportunities, just like the “check-in” spots in China. From a forlorn swing in the arctics to “virtual check-in” spots in the Museum of the Future Dubai, higher-end outbound travel is growing despite the “rational consumption” trend in travel.
Last year, Saudi Arabia signed an Approved Destination Status arrangement with China for easier access to the country for Chinese visitors. Indeed, Saudi Arabia aims to attract 5 million tourists from China by 2030, making the country the third-largest source for international arrivals 5 years from now. The effort will also be assisted with direct flights from Air China, China Eastern and China Southern airlines, alongside existing Saudia flights.
Speaking of flights, neighbouring UAE announced on 3 March that there will be direct Emirates flights between Dubai and Shenzhen in Guangdong, Southern China from 1 July, with the first premium economy cabin available in China for the first time. In other news, Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart won Trip.com’s Chinese-Friendly Hotel of the Year last year.
Chinese travellers search for unique experiences and more accessibility, such as visa waivers or easier visa application, as well as simple digital payments. The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been working to boost tourism together and are considering a unified Gulf tourist visa scheme. For Chinese visitors, travel to Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia might become more attractive this year.
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