Core Insights - The domestic travel volume during the 8-day holiday reached a record high of 2.432 billion trips, with an average of 300 million people traveling daily, indicating a strong recovery in the tourism sector [1][2][18] - Young people aged 20 to 30 are the main driving force behind this travel surge, accounting for over 50% of flight and train ticket bookings [2][5][20] - There is a noticeable shift in travel preferences, with younger travelers seeking deeper experiences rather than superficial sightseeing, leading to increased interest in both domestic and international destinations [9][20] Domestic Travel Trends - Domestic travel saw a total of 888 million trips, an increase of 123 million compared to last year, with one-third of travelers specifically traveling for tourism [2][5] - Popular domestic destinations include Xinjiang, Tibet, and Gansu, with flight volumes to these regions increasing by 17.7% and 9.1% year-on-year, respectively [5][9] - The overall tourism order volume for Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang has increased by over 30% [5] International Travel Trends - International travel is also on the rise, with Southeast Asia and East Asia being the primary regions of interest, accounting for over 70% of international flights [5][7] - Japan, South Korea, and Thailand are the top destinations, with hotel bookings in lesser-known Japanese cities like Kobe and Fukuoka increasing by over 200% [5][7] - Emerging destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and New Zealand are gaining popularity, with travel orders to Iceland doubling year-on-year [7][9] Changing Travel Mindset - The travel mindset among young people has evolved, with a preference for comfort and immersive experiences rather than quick visits [9][20] - There is a trend towards longer vacations, with some travelers extending their holidays to 12 days by taking additional leave [9][20] - The demand for hotel stays of two days or more has increased by over 52%, indicating a shift towards "staycations" and relaxation [11] Selection Criteria for Destinations - Young travelers are becoming more selective about their travel destinations, focusing on quality experiences rather than just popular tourist spots [13][20] - There is a growing trend of avoiding overcrowded attractions in favor of unique experiences, as seen in the preference for less commercialized locations [14][16] - Travelers are willing to pay more for quality experiences, as evidenced by the willingness to spend on clean and well-maintained facilities [16][20] Industry Implications - The surge in travel during the holiday period highlights the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences in the tourism industry [18][20] - Companies in the travel and tourism sector need to enhance their product offerings and services to meet the evolving demands of travelers [20]