2025.03.03
1. Mafengwo AI Agent Becomes the First Tourism Platform to Adopt DeepSeek Model
Source: Mafengwo
As DeepSeek’s cutting-edge technology rapidly expands across industries, Mafengwo announced the integration of its self-developed AI application with the DeepSeek large model. In the initial phase, the upgrade will prioritize the already launched provincial-level smart tourism ecosystem—"AI Travel Guizhou," "AI Travel Qianxinan," and "AI Travel Xijiang"—further enhancing the intelligence and quality of travel services in Guizhou Province.
2. Fosun Holiday to Delist, Plans to Spin Off Atlantis Hotel into Independent REIT
Source: finance.sina.com.cn
Fosun Tourism Group ("Fosun Holiday") announced on February 10 that it has applied for delisting from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) under Listing Rule 6.15. The delisting is set to take effect after 4:00 p.m. on March 19, 2025. According to reports, on December 9, 2024, the Fosun Holiday Board of Directors approved a share repurchase agreement under Article 86 of the Company Law and submitted the proposal to Scheme Shareholders. Under the plan, repurchased shares will be canceled, and Scheme Shareholders will receive cash compensation per share. Following this process, the company’s shares will be officially delisted from HKEX.
3. "Magic" Coming to Shanghai, "Mickey Mouse" Meets a Challenger?
Source: guancha.cn
On February 12, Jin Jiang International Holdings Co., Ltd. announced that it had signed a joint venture framework agreement with Warner Bros. to develop the Warner Bros Studio Tour Shanghai—"The Making of Harry Potter" ("Harry Potter Studio Tour (Shanghai)"). It will be located in Shanghai Jinjiang Action Park and is expected to open in 2027, marking the first Harry Potter Studio Tour in China. Currently, the joint venture agreement and project launch are pending regulatory approval.
4. Mafengwo Spring Festival Big Data: First "Intangible Cultural Heritage Chinese New Year" Fuels Cultural Tourism Boom, Local Traditions Take Center Stage
Source: TravelDaily
The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area has seen a surge in tourists drawn to its vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations. Traditional festivities, such as Foshan’s lion dance and Chaoshan’s Yingge dance, have gained popularity, particularly among young travelers. Meanwhile, the newly opened Qingyuan Chimelong Resort has become a top choice for family vacations, offering a unique African animal migration experience without the need for overseas travel. This has driven a 100% increase in its popularity. This year, the rising trend of ancient architecture tours has also propelled the Dazu Rock Carvings to the top of Chongqing’s must-visit list, surpassing well-known attractions like Hongyadong and Ciqikou. In the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, major events such as the Victoria Harbour fireworks show and Macau’s float parade have emerged as key highlights, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
5. Youths Embrace New Ways to Celebrate Chinese Spring Festival
Source: TravelDaily
According to data from Qunar, while the Spring Festival travel rush still sees billions of trips, the extended holiday has brought greater flexibility in travel dates, destinations, and vacation styles. As more post-2000s individuals enter the workforce and gain independence in travel planning, they are reshaping Spring Festival tourism trends. Rather than rushing home during peak travel periods, many are opting for off-peak reunions that are more affordable and relaxing. Instead of staying home or attending obligatory social gatherings, they seek unique and memorable experiences by booking stays in smaller towns and favoring destinations with a strong festive atmosphere over crowded cities and long lines at major attractions. Some are embracing adventure by traveling to the Arctic to witness the aurora, while an increasing number of international youth are heading to China to experience its rich culture and scenic landscapes.
6. Airfares, Hotel Prices, and Tourist Traffic Plummet, Off-Peak Travel Is the New Trend
Source: People’s Daily
According to data from Tongcheng Travel, the average domestic airfare peaked on January 25 and February 4, around the Chinese Spring Festival, before gradually declining. By February 17, the average fare had dropped below CNY 700, a 42% decrease from its peak. Data from ctrip.com also reveals that discounted tickets, some as low as RMB 200, were available in many regions. The average airfare for departures after the Lantern Festival saw a 30% to 50% drop compared to prices during the Spring Festival holiday.
7. Tuniu’s 2025 Winter Vacation Travel Consumption Report: Surge in Cultural and Ice & Snow Tourism, Emerging Destinations Gain Skyrocketing Popularity
Source: otadaily.com
As the new school semester begins across China, Tuniu’s 2025 Winter Vacation Travel Consumption Report highlights key travel trends from this year’s winter holiday. The data reveals a distinct "three-peak" travel pattern, with domestic long-distance trips accounting for the majority, accompanied by frequent short-haul excursions and a revival in outbound tourism. Emerging destinations are also gaining significant traction. In terms of travel themes, ice and snow tourism and intangible cultural heritage experiences have seen a sharp rise in demand. In terms of travel spending habits and popular products, there is a growing preference for immersive short-haul excursions and a diverse range of medium- to long-distance journeys. Flexible and personalized travel options are increasingly favored, with family travelers prioritizing well-rounded experiences, while those born after 2000 show a strong interest in socially engaging trips.
8. Loongair and China West Airport Group Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement to Establish "Second Base"
Source: Zhejiang Loong Airlines Co., Ltd.
On February 20, the T5 terminal at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport officially began operations. As part of the "Beautiful Seasons in Shaanxi" cultural exhibition, Loongair and China West Airport Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish the "Second Base" in Xi’an, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. Under the agreement, both parties will build on their existing collaboration to deepen high-level exchanges and strategic cooperation. Key areas of focus include accelerating the establishment of regional headquarters, expanding its route network, enhancing air travel services, and advancing smart civil aviation initiatives. In the core aviation sector, efforts will focus on expediting operational capacity expansion and establishing Loongair’s second domestic hub. Plans include launching new routes to Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and the Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan regions, while strengthening key connections to Central and Western Asia. Furthermore, Xi’an will be actively positioned as a key hub within the Belt and Road international aviation network. The partnership will also emphasize resource sharing and the joint development of services such as "Xi’an transfer services," "air-ground transportation," and "aviation + tourism," while collaborating on marketing and promotional activities.
