Global travel wholesaler DidaTravel has revealed substantial growth in booking demand for Thailand and Malaysia, fuelled by a surge from the Chinese source market.
In the first half of 2024, hotel bookings from Chinese travellers visiting Thailand rose by an impressive 340% compared to the same period the previous year. Likewise, hotel bookings from Chinese source market travellers visiting Malaysia surged by 780% during the first six months 2024.
These numbers underscore the rising interest and confidence among Chinese travellers in these Southeast Asian destinations.
In Thailand, Chinese visitors are showing a strong preference for popular destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Karon, Patong, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Samui, Bang Phli, and Hat Yai.
In Malaysia, the most sought-after destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Johor Bahru, Semporna, Langkawi, Malacca, Petaling Jaya, Sepang, and Ipoh.
In response to this significant demand, DidaTravel hosted a series of B2B business matchmaking and networking events in Beijing on September 3 and Shanghai on September 5.
These events brought together major Chinese travel agencies experiencing outbound travel demand with hotel representatives from Thailand and Malaysia.
The goal was to strengthen DidaTravel’s role as a bridge between Chinese travel agencies and Southeast Asian hotel partners, actively addressing the rapid growth of China’s outbound travel market and further enhancing the influence of international hotel brands in the Chinese source market.
Snow Xiao, senior director – hotel direct contracting, global of DidaTravel, said: “The surge in bookings to Thailand and Malaysia highlights the growing enthusiasm of Chinese source market travellers in these destinations.
“We are dedicated to equipping our partners with the resources they need to harness this demand. Our events in Beijing and Shanghai reflected our commitment to fostering strong, lasting relationships between travel agencies and hoteliers.
“By enabling direct communication and collaboration, we aim to help our partners deliver exceptional, customised experiences that meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers.”
