SINGAPORE, 3 February 2026: As Lunar New Year 2026 approaches, travel bookings are accelerating across Trip.com Group’s platforms, according to its latest data.
Trip.com Group reports bookings have climbed by double digits compared with the Lunar New Year period last year, as travellers lean into longer holidays and more ambitious festive travel.
The latest data on searches and booking trends also show that long-haul travel, packaged routes, and premium options are redefining this year’s Lunar New Year journeys as extended public holidays across Asia-Pacific markets are reshaping Lunar New Year travel behaviour, enabling longer stays and more layered itineraries.
In China, one of the largest source markets for travellers, the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday spans nine days and can extend to 15 days if employees take five days of annual leave. In Vietnam, combining public holidays with weekends allows travellers up to nine days off. Similar dynamics are seen in South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, where taking two to three days of leave can extend breaks to nine days.
Premium travel gains ground
Trip.com Group data show that cross-border bookings with stays of seven nights or more have risen nearly 40% year over year. Long-haul bookings have surged by over 50% during the same period. Together, these trends indicate that travellers are taking longer trips and venturing further afield during the festive period.
Europe and Oceania are emerging as top long-haul picks for Asian travellers seeking to escape during the Lunar New Year. Norway records the fastest growth among Singaporean travellers, with bookings soaring more than 200% year-on-year, driven by experiences such as the Northern Lights, fjords, and scenic rail routes.
The Maldives, Turkey, Spain, and Mongolia are also seeing rapid growth across markets. Australia attracts the most travellers from China, with year-on-year growth over 100%, and popular sights include the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and the Outback’s landscapes. New Zealand is also seeing strong global interest, with year-on-year growth of nearly 50%.
Long-haul travel
Longer holidays are also boosting interest in package tour products. Among Trip.com’s package tour options, popular ones include an eight-day Turkey journey covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, and Ephesus. In the United States, a five-day Los Angeles–Las Vegas–Grand Canyon tour illustrates the appeal of mult
As travel patterns evolve across destinations, preferences for comfort and quality are shifting. Besides travelling longer, people are also travelling better — more are favouring premium travel options.
First-class flight bookings have risen 83% year-on-year, while business-class travel has risen 38%. This trend is further reflected in the accommodation sector, where demand for five-star hotels has increased by 59%.
In Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, five-star hotels account for more than half of all stays booked. Including four-star hotels, upper-tier properties represent around three-quarters of accommodation booked across these Southeast Asian markets.
Asia’s urban hubs anchor regional travel
During Lunar New Year, East Asia and Southeast Asia accounted for the largest share of bookings. In terms of year-on-year growth, Vietnam, South Korea, and Indonesia rank among the fastest-growing markets.
Several major Asian cities are standing out for robust booking growth. Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali have each recorded year-on-year booking growth exceeding 70%. In Seoul, winter attractions and shopping districts such as Myeongdong and Dongdaemun are key draws. Cultural landmarks, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, and popular day trips to Nami Island further enhance the city’s appeal.
Ho Chi Minh City is gaining traction, renowned for the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. Bali’s tropical atmosphere is a magnet for Lunar New Year travel, attracting travellers seeking beach escapes, wellness experiences, and resort‑style stays.
Kuala Lumpur has recorded double-digit booking growth, fueled by Lunar New Year events across Chinatown and major malls, as well as visits to Batu Caves. Meanwhile, Singapore packaged tours on Trip.com perform strongly, driven by family-oriented attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay.
Inbound travel to China is on a steady rise
China remains a top destination for Lunar New Year travellers. In addition to strong travel demand from Asian markets, China is also seeing robust growth from European and Oceania markets. In particular, bookings from the UK and New Zealand have each increased by more than 150% year on year.
Major gateway cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, account for the largest share of inbound visitors. To ease travel during the festive period, starting on 10 February, Trip.com will introduce an “Explore Beijing” Starter Pack at Beijing Daxing International Airport for three months. This provides arriving international passengers with a complimentary pre-loaded public transport card, along with flight and attraction vouchers.
Notably, Xiamen and Shenzhen saw strong inbound growth, with bookings up 60% and 90%. In Shenzhen, Trip.com has also introduced “Shenzhen Express” — a complimentary half-day city tour for international transit passengers — offering visitors a smooth and immersive experience during short layovers. Trip.com’s package tours to destinations such as Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and the Sanxingdui Museum are also drawing inbound travellers.
Overall, Lunar New Year 2026 travel is marked by longer trips, premium choices, and growing interest in multi-city and packaged itineraries across Asia and beyond.
(Source: Trip.com Group)
