The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 hits tourism industry hard. Even big players like Ctrip and Bookings are under great pressure to survive, let alone those travel startups.
The outbreak of Covid-19 has greatly changed Chinese travellers’ mentality. After the pandemic, some factors will affect how Chinese travellers choose their holiday destination in a more significant way. Those used to be popular might be less attractive.
There are nearly 300 million children under age 14 in China, making this country one of the biggest potential source markets for family travel. Though due to Covid-19 impact, Chinese consumers cannot travel overseas yet, the statistics and insights from Chinese OTAs still could shed some valuable lights for overseas destinations and industry stakeholders.
Short video enjoys significant growth in China since 2018, and gradually becomes a popular tool for tourism marketing. Many tourism boards, OTAs, tour operators, hotels and airlines started their marketing activities on various short video APPs and social media platforms. The marketing videos they launched are very short and strong, some even not more than 1 minute.
Short distance outdoor and social activities have surged in popularity during the Labor Day Holiday, when Chinese citizens can travel locally or within provinces. Whether it's a hiking or RV trip, people go out to satisfy their desire for travel. At the same time, picnic became trendy and is greatly popularized on social media.
The Covide-19 pandemic put the world temporarily ‘on pause’. But at the same time, it also greatly changed people’s behaviors in obtaining information, shopping and many other aspects.
As the situation of COVID-19 epidemic is becoming stable in China, various industries have gradually begun to take measures to cover the losses and stimulate consumption. So as the tourism industry.
As the epidemic has gradually alleviated in China, local OTAs have now passed the "epidemic fastigium" and the recovery momentum is relatively strong. While looking at the international market, the situation of OTAs at other markets seems to be more crucial at the moment.
The sector needs to be taken more seriously during periods of growth and prosperity, not just in times of difficulty.
