Harbin, the northeastern Chinese city known as the ‘ice city,’ has seen a significant increase in tourism during the May Day holiday, with a 35% rise in visitor numbers and a 71.7% jump in revenue compared to the previous year. The city welcomed over 6.2 million tourists, generating 7.3 billion yuan ($1.03 billion) in revenue.
Shanghai emerged as a top choice for inbound tourism during the recent May Day holiday. The “free half-day tour” initiative by Trip.com saw a remarkable 130 percent increase in bookings, aiming to enhance visitor experiences and showcase China positively. Popular inbound flight destinations included Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, highlighting their global appeal. The “Visit Shanghai” initiative, promoted in 14 languages, strategically showcased Shanghai’s urban tourism allure. The city hosted events like the 2024 Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour, Shanghai Auto Culture Festival, and Shanghai Coffee Week, attracting visitors globally. Shanghai’s cultural landscape was enriched with over 200 offline displays, 1,000 educational activities, and 10,000 public events. The city’s tourism authority reported a 3.77 percent increase in visitors, reflecting its growing popularity as a premier tourist destination.
China’s May Day holiday period, spanning from May 1st to 5th, is set to witness a historic surge in travel activity. This expectation stems from strong data points, such as sold-out ticket bookings, increased passenger trips, and a booming tourism industry. The holiday period is expected to reflect a significant upgrade and recovery of domestic consumption in China, with experts predicting a potential return to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. Railway and highway transportation services are preparing for a surge in passengers, with measures in place to ensure a safe and enhanced experience for travelers.
May 1st is commemorated as Maharashtra Day, celebrating the state’s establishment, while also recognized as Labour Day, honoring the contributions of workers. Banks, equity markets, schools, and offices will be closed in Maharashtra on this day. Other Indian states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, will also observe Labour Day with similar closures.
