China Travel Service Association: China Outbound Tourism Survey in Q4 2014

The China Association of Travel Services and IW United Travel Consultants released the "China Outbound Tourism Quarterly Report 2014Q4". Based on a sample survey of travel agencies across the country, the report analyzed and predicted the tourism market in the third and fourth quarters of 2014.

A survey of travel agencies across the country showed that most travel agencies expected the number of outbound tourists organized in the fourth quarter to continue to rise. Among them, 69% of the surveyed travel agencies believed that the number of outbound tourists in the fourth quarter would increase, but some travel agencies believed that the increase would not be too large, 17% of the surveyed travel agencies expected a decrease, and 14% of the travel agencies said that there would not be much change.

The "China Outbound Tourism Quarterly Report 2014Q4" shows that in the third quarter of 2014, the number of outbound tourists increased overall, up about 15% compared with the same period in 2013. Due to the arrival of the summer peak season, the convenience measures of visa policies of various countries and the increase in flight capacity, the Korean market, Japanese market, Oceania market and American market grew relatively significantly in the third quarter. However, due to the influence of the political situation, the Southeast Asian market had limited growth or even negative growth.

Regarding the outbound tourism market outlook for 2015, most travel agencies are optimistic about the market growth. A sample survey of travel agencies shows that they expect the outbound tourism market to continue to improve in 2015, with the Asian and European markets being particularly promising.

Regarding the Asian travel market, 80% of travel agencies expect that it will continue to grow in 2015, 10% expect that it will remain the same, and 10% believe that it will decline. Regarding island travel products, 82% of travel agencies expect that the number of tourists to island destinations will continue to grow in 2015.

In terms of the long-haul destination market, the European travel market is promising: 82% of travel agencies expect European travel to increase in 2015, but 5% expect it to decrease.

Regarding the American travel market, 50% of travel agencies expect growth in 2015, 40% expect no significant change, and 10% expect a decline. 55% of travel agencies expect the Oceania travel market to maintain growth in 2015, 43% believe there will be no significant change, and 3% believe there will be a decline. Regarding the African travel market, 49% of travel agencies believe there will be growth in 2015, 41% expect it to remain the same, and 10% believe it will decline.

With the implementation of the Tourism Law for one year and the diversification and personalization of tourists' travel needs, the tourism product structure is undergoing a significant change. The number of customized products for outbound travel is increasing, and the free travel market is developing rapidly, gradually expanding from short-distance surrounding destinations to medium and long-distance destinations.