Core Insights - Datong has gained attention not for its cultural attractions but for its remarkably low-priced international flights, attracting a significant number of young travelers [1][2] Group 1: Flight Pricing and Routes - Datong Yungang International Airport has opened four international direct flight routes, including to Seoul, Ulaanbaatar, Bangkok, and Moscow, with competitive pricing compared to major cities [2][3] - For instance, a round-trip flight from Datong to Bangkok costs around 600 to 700 yuan, significantly lower than the 2300 to 2400 yuan from Beijing [2][3] - The low pricing phenomenon is attributed to government support and subsidies for airlines, which help reduce operational costs and enhance competitiveness [3] Group 2: Operational Mechanisms - A unique operational model exists where most seats on flights are pre-booked by travel agencies for group tours, leading to leftover seats being sold at discounted rates when group demand is low [3] - The airport's marketing team confirmed that low-priced tickets are a result of negotiations with airlines and travel agencies to maximize seat occupancy [3][4] Group 3: Market Trends and Visitor Demographics - The average seat occupancy rate for international routes from Datong has reached nearly 90%, with some flights achieving full capacity [4] - The influx of international tourists due to relaxed visa policies has created a reciprocal effect, where airlines offer discounted return flights to balance costs, further benefiting outbound travel from Datong [5][6] - Young travelers, particularly university students, are highly price-sensitive and are increasingly choosing Datong for outbound travel due to the attractive pricing [6][7] Group 4: Future Prospects - The ongoing recovery of the inbound tourism market is expected to enhance Datong's international flight offerings and maintain the price advantage [7] - The combination of low-cost flights and supportive policies presents new growth opportunities for Datong's tourism sector, potentially serving as a model for other cities [7]