Chinese Travel to Middle East Surges to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Outbound tourism from China to the Middle East has seen a remarkable resurgence, reaching pre-pandemic figures during the Chinese New Year, as indicated by ForwardKeys data. This upswing signals a robust recovery for the travel sector, with Cairo, Egypt, witnessing a 7% increase in Chinese visitors compared to 2019. The trend is expected to continue, with travel to Africa and the Middle East projected to hit 95% of pre-Covid levels by the end of March.

The easing of tourist visa requirements by Egypt for Chinese travelers and the initiation of a direct flight route between Shanghai and Cairo by China Eastern Airlines have significantly contributed to this growth. Moreover, the Chinese online travel platform Qunar has observed a spike in search volumes for Middle Eastern destinations, including Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt, since December.

The Bigger Picture

Before the pandemic hit, China was at the forefront of global outbound tourism, with its tourists accounting for 20% of total international tourism spending. Although the overall international travel from China in the first quarter of 2024 is expected to reach only 69% of the 2019 figures, there is an optimistic outlook for the travel industry's recovery. This optimism is bolstered by an increase in seat capacity from China and favorable visa policies, alongside a shift in Chinese household spending towards cultural and leisure activities.

Visa-Free Travel Boosting Recovery

Emerging visa-free destinations like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have become increasingly popular among Chinese tourists, contributing significantly to the recovery of the long-haul market. Destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City have seen visitor numbers surpass 2019 figures, thanks to relaxed visa policies and entry requirements.

Looking Forward

While travel to some regions, like the Americas, remains below pre-pandemic levels, there is a growing interest in destinations offering unique experiences, such as Northern Europe's Northern Lights expeditions. Safety concerns and visa procedures continue to influence Chinese international travel trends, with long-haul destinations like Sydney, London, and Melbourne showing resilience.

The rebound of Chinese travel to the Middle East and other parts of the world reflects the dynamic recovery of the global tourism industry, demonstrating the enduring appeal of cultural and leisure travel post-pandemic.