China Marketing AI, by China Trading Desk, has released its updated China Outbound Travel Market Outlook 2026, raising its high-case in-destination traveller spend estimate to US$295.9 billion after incorporating Q1 actuals.

Thousands of domestic train services added on last day of ‘golden week’ to meet record demand, and high energy costs affect consumer spending

China’s outbound recovery is no longer the story. The bigger question for 2026 is where Chinese travellers will spend, and how much of that wallet travel retail can realistically capture.

Canada has permitted an ‘incremental increase’ in flights to China, but airlines may be reluctant to add services amid the wars in Ukraine and Iran

Chinese outbound travel does not need another sentimental headline. Labour Day 2026 will produce the optics the industry likes: fuller flights, busier terminals, louder signs of movement and the familiar reassurance of a market back in motion. China’s National Immigration Administration says the country handled approximately 45.8 million outbound trips by mainland residents, up 14.2% Year-on-Year.

Domestic flight bookings up about 8 per cent and domestic package-tour reservations up about 10 per cent, survey finds

Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative behind stronger economic ties and passenger traffic growth between the two regions, say industry experts

China Trading Desk has launched China Marketing AI, a new platform designed to help travel retail brands understand and capture Chinese traveller demand before departure.

China Trading Desk has launched a new platform, China Marketing AI, aimed at helping travel retail and duty-free brands better understand how Chinese traveler demand is formed across domestic digital platforms before departure.