Longer Journeys and Premium Options Rise Across Asia

Trip.com Group’s latest data shows that Lunar New Year 2026 travel is characterized by longer trips, increased long-haul journeys, and a significant rise in demand for premium travel options, with notable growth in both outbound and inbound travel across Asia and beyond.

Trip.com Group reports a substantial increase in travel bookings for the 2026 Lunar New Year compared to the previous year. The data indicates that travelers are opting for extended holidays, with cross-border stays of seven nights or more up nearly 40% and long-haul bookings rising by over 50%. This shift is attributed to longer public holidays in various Asia-Pacific countries, allowing for more comprehensive travel plans.

Longer Holidays and Changing Travel Patterns

Extended public holidays in countries such as China, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines are enabling travelers to plan longer vacations. For example, China’s 2026 Lunar New Year holiday spans nine days and can be extended to more than 15 days with additional leave. Similar opportunities exist in other countries, leading to increased demand for longer trips and more complex itineraries.

Trip.com Group’s data highlights a 40% year-on-year increase in cross-border bookings for stays of a week or longer. Long-haul travel, particularly to destinations in Europe and Oceania, is also on the rise. Norway has seen a 200% increase in bookings from Singapore, while Australia and New Zealand are experiencing significant growth from Chinese travelers. Other destinations such as the Maldives, Turkey, Spain, and Mongolia are also attracting more visitors from Asia.

Growth in Package Tours and Multi-City Itineraries

The trend toward longer holidays is boosting interest in package tours and multi-city itineraries. Popular packages include an eight-day tour of Turkey, a five-day Los Angeles–Las Vegas–Grand Canyon trip in the United States, and a five-day Osaka–Kyoto itinerary in Japan. These options reflect travelers’ interest in visiting more destinations and engaging in more experiences during their extended breaks.

Premium Travel Preferences Increase

There is a marked shift toward premium travel options, with first-class flight bookings up 83% and business-class bookings up 38% year-on-year. Demand for five-star hotels has increased by 59%. In markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, five-star hotels account for around half or more of all bookings, and upper-tier properties (including four-star hotels) make up about three-quarters of accommodations booked.

Regional Highlights: Asia’s Urban Hubs and Inbound Travel to China

East Asia and Southeast Asia remain the largest sources of bookings during the Lunar New Year period. Vietnam, South Korea, and Indonesia are among the fastest-growing outbound markets. Major cities such as Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali have each recorded booking growth exceeding 70%. Attractions in these cities, including cultural sites and shopping districts, are key draws for travelers.

China continues to be a significant destination for both regional and long-haul travelers. Bookings from the United Kingdom and New Zealand to China have increased by more than 150%. Major gateway cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou receive the largest share of inbound visitors. Trip.com is also introducing initiatives such as the “Explore Beijing” Starter Pack and the “Shenzhen Express” half-day city tour to support international visitors.