This summer, the travel scene in the Chinese mainland is heating up as families become the driving force behind a bustling tourism market. With schools on break and long-awaited reunions on the horizon, parents and kids are lining up for flights like never before.
According to LY.coms 2025 summer travel trends report, passengers traveling with minors now make up 34.7% of domestic civil aviation travelers and about 23% on international routes from July to August. Both figures outpace last years numbers, signaling a clear shift toward family-centered journeys.
Even more striking: an estimated 6 million people will take to the skies for the very first time this summer. From city slickers to countryside explorers, new flyers represent a fresh wave of tourism demandand a chance for the industry to innovate with kid-friendly services and digital planning tools.
Beijing-based Utour, one of the mainlands leading travel agencies, has already seen a 70% year-on-year jump in summer customers as of mid-June. Family bookings alone account for over 60% of its total reservations, underscoring how parents are prioritizing shared experiences and memories.
“Our view is that this summer could become the most vibrant tourism season in recent years,” says Li Mengran, media and public relations manager at Utour. “Were seeing families embrace both classic destinations and off-beat spots, all powered by online planning and seamless booking platforms.”
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads, the family travel surge offers inspiration for new business models—from kid-friendly co-working retreats to sustainable stay options that cater to multiple generations. As the Chinese mainlands airports buzz with stroller traffic and neon backpacks, one thing is clear: summer travel is back, and this time, its a family affair.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
