This year’s Lunar New Year (LNY) celebrations are poised to significantly impact global travel trends, as the year of the Snake brings with it the themes of wisdom, transformation, and intuition. As the travel industry rebounds and more people venture abroad, travel trends show distinct shifts, particularly in extended stays, interest in less-visited destinations, and a strong preference for both premium and value-oriented travel experiences. The global reach of the LNY travel season highlights evolving preferences among travelers, setting the stage for the next wave of post-pandemic tourism.

Cross-Border Travel and Extended Stays

Data from 2025 reveals an impressive growth in cross-border travel, as travelers have increasingly combined public holidays with annual leave to extend their vacations. This is particularly notable in the Chinese mainland, where for the first time, New Year’s Eve is officially recognized as a holiday, enabling travelers to enjoy an extended 11-day break with only two days off. Similarly, other Asian nations like Korea and Singapore are also seeing increases in extended holiday travel, with Korea achieving a nine-day break by taking just one day off and Singaporeans enjoying a five-day holiday with a single day off.

In total, Asia-Pacific travelers are likely to stay up to 10% longer during the LNY period. Popular destinations include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Chinese mainland, all of which are seeing a resurgence in international visitors, as travelers seek to spend more time experiencing these festive destinations.

Long-Haul and Unconventional Destinations

A growing trend has emerged where travelers from Asia-Pacific countries are opting for longer and more unconventional destinations, signaling an appetite for global exploration. Travelers from Malaysia and South Korea, for instance, have shown marked interest in medium and long-haul flights, with a significant uptick in international travel to distant locales.

New and lesser-known destinations such as Giza in Egypt, San Luis Obispo in the United States, and Charenton-le-Pont in France are capturing the imaginations of travelers looking for something off the beaten path. This trend is also evident in Asia, where travelers are venturing beyond the well-known cities to places like Funabashi, Ibaraki, and Okinawa in Japan, and Seremban in Malaysia.

For those on shorter national holidays, short-haul flights within the region remain popular, with Malaysia and Thailand seeing strong growth in bookings for nearby destinations.

Family Travel Takes Priority

Family travel is playing a central role in this year’s LNY, with many families choosing to spend quality time together on cruises or at family-oriented attractions. Cruises, in particular, have surged in popularity, especially among travelers from China and Singapore. Family-friendly rooms have seen a fourfold increase in demand, with top ports of call including Shanghai, Singapore, and Dubai. Fukuoka, Jeju, and Phuket are among the most sought-after destinations for cruise travelers, reflecting the growing demand for family-oriented experiences on the high seas.

Moreover, bookings for child tickets at theme parks and attractions have seen a 42% increase, with families flocking to popular parks like Universal Studios Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland. These family destinations, along with aquariums and museums, are proving to be key draws for travelers seeking memorable experiences.

Millennials, in particular, are looking for Instagram-worthy moments, heading to iconic attractions like Mount Fuji and Shibuya Sky. Meanwhile, older generations are gravitating toward luxury experiences, with interest growing in destinations such as the Studio City Macau casino resort and Niseko’s ski resorts.

Premium Travel and Value for Money

The ongoing trend of mixing premium travel with value-driven experiences has gained momentum in 2025. A rise in demand for 5-star and 4-star hotels, particularly from travelers in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, reflects an eagerness to invest in more luxurious accommodations. This is complemented by a notable increase in the bookings for alternative forms of accommodation, such as traditional Japanese Ryokans, guesthouses, and homestays in Japan, with a marked preference from travelers from China, Thailand, and South Korea.

In parallel, there has been a significant uptick in business and first-class flights, with Singaporeans leading the charge, showing a 400% increase in first-class bookings. South Korean and Chinese mainland travelers have also shown robust growth in premium air travel, signaling a strong desire to indulge in high-end travel experiences during the festive period.

Growth in Inbound Travel to the Chinese Mainland

The Chinese mainland has seen a remarkable surge in inbound tourism, with bookings increasing by over 200% year-over-year, driven by travelers from countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, and the UK. The increasing popularity of major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, alongside lesser-known cities like Harbin, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, has fueled this growth.

China’s traveler-friendly visa policies, including visa-free access for citizens of over 30 countries, have played a crucial role in attracting international tourists. The expansion of China’s visa-free transit policy, which now allows stays of up to 10 days, has further supported the increase in tourism. As a result, travelers are taking advantage of new opportunities to explore China.

Additionally, new initiatives like the ‘Beijing Express’ layover tour, offering free half-day cultural tours to international travelers transiting through Beijing, have contributed to the growing interest in the Chinese mainland. This initiative, alongside the soaring demand for cultural tours, underlines the importance of providing enriching travel experiences to meet the expectations of international visitors.

Global Impact and Future Prospects

The 2025 Lunar New Year travel trends suggest that travelers worldwide are seeking longer stays, more diverse destinations, and memorable experiences. These shifts are reshaping the global travel industry, pushing destinations to offer more than just traditional attractions and encouraging the growth of less-visited cities. As the year progresses, the travel industry will likely continue to evolve, catering to the increasing demand for both luxury and budget-friendly experiences that prioritize authenticity and meaningful connections.

The post How Are Lunar New Year Travel Trends in Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, and Beijing Reshaping Global Tourism with Extended Stays, Surging Demand, and Luxury Escapes? appeared first on Travel And Tour World.