The dynamic resurgence of the Chinese travel market is demonstrated by the impressive 190% increase in air connectivity between Europe and China in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, according to the latest data from Mabrian Technologies.
We have released data on the top 10 countries with the best international air connectivity in the first half of 2024 and found significant developments in the connectivity landscape.
The analysis, based on flight schedules, reveals a significant evolution in the connectivity landscape. The study covers travel dates from January 1 to June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
Within the realm of geographic markets, a notable advancement in connectivity between Europe and China stands out. In particular, European countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands, which no longer require a tourist visa for travel to China, are showing a notable increase in connectivity, offering collectively of 1.98 million air seats. This marks an impressive 190% increase, compared to the first half of 2023 (when there were only 682,000 seats).
As Mabrian notes, this surge is supported by a recent measure, that was announced by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to encourage the return of European tourism. It allows citizens of Spain and four other European Union countries to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 15 days.
The top ten countries with the best international air connectivity in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023 are as follows: USA (14.12%), UK (8.37%), Germany (13.29%), Spain (12.55%), United Arab Emirates (12.24%), France, (7.40%), Italy (14.88%), China (138.56%), Turkey (9.30%), Japan (48.26%).
The total airline seats for these 10 countries amounted to 482,102,279, representing 42% of the world’s international airline seats in the first half of the year.
Commenting on this data, Mabrian CEO Carlos Cendra said: “Anticipating the potential of origin markets in terms of their outbound air connectivity is a key factor in identifying where tourism demand will be and the most important opportunities for international destinations and tourism companies. However, it is important to analyse each destination individually.”
For his part, Gavin Eccles, director of GE Consulting, a firm specialising in air connectivity, added: “There is an increase in seats across the Atlantic for Europe. The robust outbound markets of the UK and Germany are also seeing significant growth in seats and connections as they recover strongly from the pandemic. China’s recovery with a significant number of routes and seats is promising and, if this growth continues, 2024 could surpass 2019 as the year with the most international connections. In addition, the influence of Emirates and Etihad is evident in the considerable, international seats offered through the UAE, highlighting Dubai and Abu Dhabi as global hubs facilitating travel to and from the region.”
