TRIP.COM(US:TCOM) Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2025-09-28 20:56Core Insights - The upcoming "super golden week" combining the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day is driving a significant increase in travel demand, with a notable rise in cross-province and outbound travel bookings [1][2][8] - Travelers are increasingly prioritizing emotional value, time efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in their travel decisions, shifting from mere sightseeing to immersive experiences [2][3][4] Travel Preferences Transformation - Cross-province travel orders have surged by 45% year-on-year, with a 58% increase in bookings for inter-provincial border cities [2] - Popular destinations include cities that offer a blend of cultural and natural experiences, such as Zhaotong and Hezhou, with order growth of 95% and 88% respectively [2] - Travelers are now more inclined to seek "pan-destination" recommendations, focusing on experiences rather than specific landmarks, with searches for keywords like "less crowded" and "affordable" doubling [2][3] Emotional Value and Experience - Emotional value is becoming a core factor in destination selection, with a 60% increase in searches for distant hotels on travel platforms [3] - There is a growing preference for complex travel products that combine scenery, culture, and experiences, such as temple retreats and local craft workshops [3] Cost-Effectiveness in Travel - The trend of flexible travel times and cost-effective destinations is evident, with some locations still offering lower prices compared to last year [4] - Over 30% of travelers are utilizing "3 days off for 12 days" strategies to extend their holidays, leading to significant savings on flights [4][5] Diverse Travel Patterns - The booking rhythm for the holiday has advanced by approximately 3.5 days compared to last year, with a notable increase in multi-destination travel [5] - There is a marked rise in car rentals, particularly for SUVs and family-friendly vehicles, reflecting a shift towards more personalized travel experiences [6] Outbound and Inbound Travel Growth - Both outbound and inbound travel markets are experiencing robust growth, with popular short-haul destinations like Japan and Thailand, as well as emerging long-haul destinations [7] - The introduction of visa-free policies for several countries has further stimulated outbound travel, with significant increases in hotel bookings for destinations like Egypt and Uzbekistan [7][8] - The inbound market is also thriving, with a 75% increase in bookings from Russian tourists following the mutual visa exemption policy [7][8]