Trip.com Group's CEO, Jane Sun, believes that Chinese outbound travelers will gradually increase as international flights resume, and visa applications continue to rise.

It's hard to compete with the home team. Macau is reaping the benefits of its shared border with China, getting over 50 percent of outbound Chinese visitors, even as regional gaming hubs try to draw the market back.

According to the latest research from China’s online travel agency giant, Ctrip platform, Macau and Singapore, the two famous Asian gaming hubs, are among the most popular destinations for Chinese outbound travel during the Dragon Boat Festival break. In addition, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo were also listed as the most popular destinations for Chinese travelers.

Analysts at Maybank view are optimistic about the recovery in Chinese outbound tourism, indicating that after a tepid start, “the recovery in Chinese outbound tourism is accelerating and will reach more meaningful levels by mid-2023”.

Chinese outbound tourists will likely choose travel destinations closer to home after the pandemic, as outbreak fears and safety concerns will remain post-covid. 

With global tourism approaching full recovery, the Chinese online travel agency (OTA) giant Trip.com Group has reported a strong booking interest in Asia.

Tour groups from mainland China to Macau are restarting today, as the country finalizes its opening-up policy, with both Hong Kong and Macau fighting to get their share of the pent-up demand from their neighbor.

China is actively encouraging investment in and the development of Cambodia, notes an expert, pointing out that increased flights between the nations and the build–out of airports will further strengthen tourism and business. The nation's gaming industry could, however, be facing heavy competition in the near future, as Thailand aims to steal the regional gaming crown.

The recent push for more liberalized visa policies between China and regional gaming jurisdictions is a boon for boosting a currently laggard rebound in punters from the region, with Macau (as a domestic market) and Singapore leading the pack for the Chinese New Year holidays.

Research highlights air links and visa issues as key contributors to China's outbound travel rebound in 2024. As more Asian countries waive visa requirements for Chinese travelers, casinos in the region stand to benefit.