A “striking” majority of Chinese travellers are booking trips within a month of departure – often even later – reflecting fears of sudden changes in immigration rules that could derail earlier reservations, an industry organisation said.
In a survey of 1,500 people by China Trading Desk, 73 per cent said they arrange their itineraries relatively late despite the likelihood of higher prices, according to founder and CEO Subramania Bhatt, with some plans only taking shape one week or less ahead of time.
“They need to mind travel rule changes,” he said.
The last-minute timing reflects sustained skittishness about shifts in immigration rules outside mainland China since the pandemic, Bhatt said, with the percentage of late bookers up from the 65 per cent reported in early 2023.
Trip planning times averaged 10 to 12 weeks before Covid-19 hit, Bhatt said. The pandemic and unpredictable geopolitical changes have sparked numerous alterations to visa rules, with some making travel easier and some complicating matters.
