Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Core Insights - Lunar New Year 2026 travel is experiencing significant growth, with bookings on Trip.com Group's platforms increasing by double digits compared to the previous year [1] Travel Trends - Long-haul travel, packaged routes, and premium choices are redefining this year's Lunar New Year journeys [2] - Extended public holidays across Asia-Pacific are enabling longer stays and more complex itineraries [3][4] - Cross-border bookings with stays of seven nights or more have risen nearly 40% year-on-year, while long-haul bookings have surged by over 50% [5] Popular Destinations - Europe and Oceania are emerging as top long-haul destinations for Asian travelers, with Norway seeing over 200% growth in bookings from Singapore [6] - Australia has recorded over 100% increase in travelers from China, with New Zealand also experiencing close to 50% growth [6] Package Tours and Itineraries - Interest in package tours is rising, with popular options including an eight-day Turkey journey and a five-day Los Angeles–Las Vegas–Grand Canyon tour [7] - Multi-city travel is becoming increasingly appealing, as seen in itineraries featuring Osaka and Kyoto in Japan [7] Premium Travel Preferences - There is a notable shift towards premium travel, with first-class flight bookings rising 83% year-on-year and business-class travel increasing by 38% [8] - Demand for five-star hotels has climbed 59%, with upper-tier properties representing around three-quarters of accommodation booked in Southeast Asia [9] Regional Travel Dynamics - East Asia and Southeast Asia dominate overall bookings during the Lunar New Year, with Vietnam, South Korea, and Indonesia showing some of the fastest growth [10][11] - Major cities like Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali have recorded over 70% year-on-year booking growth [11][12] Inbound Travel to China - China remains a top destination for Lunar New Year travelers, with significant growth in bookings from the UK and New Zealand, each increasing by more than 150% year-on-year [14] - Major gateway cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou account for the largest share of inbound visitors, with initiatives like the "Explore Beijing" Starter Pack enhancing the travel experience [15][16] Overall Summary - Lunar New Year 2026 travel is characterized by longer trips, premium choices, and a growing interest in multi-city and packaged itineraries across Asia and beyond, indicating that travelers are willing to invest more in their festive journeys [17]