As the 2013 Spring Festival approaches, many families have already started preparing for their holiday trips. This winter, the coldest in 28 years, has made warm weather the most important factor for travelers when choosing destinations. As a result, warm overseas routes such as Phuket in Thailand and Taiwan (China) have become market hotspots, highly sought after by tourists.
Trends
In-depth experiences replace "whirlwind tours"
According to interviews with multiple travel agencies, this year travelers are placing more emphasis on comfort. Whirlwind sightseeing tours are gradually losing favor, replaced by in-depth experience-based and flexible itinerary options. Travel is shifting from price-focused to value-driven, with consumption becoming more rational—routes that offer better quality, service, and enriching experiences are increasingly popular.
For example, Henan Lushida International Travel Agency’s “Northeast ℃ Sensory Tourism – Snowy Splendor in Harbin” focuses not on rushed sightseeing but on sensory experiences. At a local folklore village, travelers complete “21 Must-Do Things in the Northeast”: sleeping on a kang bed, having a snowball fight, making a snow sculpture, crafting an ice sculpture, learning to sing a segment of Errenzhuan (a traditional Chinese performance), eating a serving of Sha Zhi Cai (pork slaughter dish), riding a dog sled, taking a horse-drawn sleigh, going ice fishing on a lake, playing ice hoop, riding an ice cart...
Trends
High-speed rail becomes a market highlight
With the opening of the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed rail and increased flight routes for the Spring Festival, traveling to Taiwan by high-speed rail and chartered flights to Phuket have become standout offerings for travelers in our province during the holiday season.
A manager from China Comfort Travel Agency, known as the “Taiwan travel expert,” explained: “The new way to experience Taiwan during the 2013 Year of the Snake Spring Festival: travel to Taiwan by high-speed rail and get a free trip to Hong Kong for a deeper exploration of Taiwan.” While it’s still a Taiwan tour, the experience is completely different. Travelers can take a high-speed rail from Zhengzhou to Shenzhen in just 7 hours, enjoying the thrill of land travel—fast, comfortable, and with great scenery outside the window. Then fly from Hong Kong to Taiwan. With the high-speed rail + flight combo, you get a dual experience at a price that’s even 500 yuan lower than conventional Taiwan tours.
Rejecting the whirlwind approach, the market-exclusive in-depth itinerary includes all classic attractions: Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Kenting, Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and the Shilin Official Residence, plus new additions like the Teresa Teng Museum and Kaohsiung Qijin Peninsula. The package also includes a free visit to Hong Kong Ocean Park and a city tour of Hong Kong. A special New Year’s Eve dinner is arranged so travelers can fully enjoy the charm of Taiwanese cuisine.
Market
The coldest winter in 28 years
Sunny destinations are booming
The “coldest winter in 28 years” has made many locals yearn for warm sunshine and beaches. Island getaways such as the Maldives, Phuket, and Bali have become the top choices for travelers in our city.
From February 6 to 16, a chartered flight from Zhengzhou to Phuket, jointly launched by China Comfort Travel Agency, CITIC, and other outbound travel agencies, has been highly popular. The product is designed with a focus on quality and traveler experience, covering classic attractions across Phuket.
Attractions include PP Island National Park, tours around Big and Small PP Islands, Lovers’ Beach, Mediterranean-style snorkeling, Ko Racha Yai (Emperor Island), top-tier ladyboy cabaret shows, Thai massage, Coral Island (Ha Ha Island), the Phi Phi Islands’ diving spots, and Fairy Cape—nothing is missed. Travelers can also ride intelligent elephants trekking through the jungle, immersing themselves in nature’s wonders, watch adorable elephants perform while sampling authentic Thai cuisine, and enjoy traditional Thai massage and international ladyboy shows. The package comes with attentive tour guide service and transparent pricing. Since its launch, the product has seen overwhelming sign-ups and is hailed as the warmest place and the happiest journey.