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Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

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Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse
Business

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Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

2026-02-02 12:28 Last Updated At:12:45

  • Travellers are taking longer trips and venturing further, with cross-border stays of seven nights or more up nearly 40% and long-haul bookings up over 50%.
  • Comfort is becoming a priority, with first-class and business-class flights and five-star hotel stays all showing strong growth.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Galloping into the Year of the Horse, Lunar New Year 2026 travel is gathering speed.

Bookings across Trip.com Group's platforms 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.

Long-haul travel, packaged routes and premium choices are also redefining this year's Lunar New Year journeys.

Longer Holidays Are Reshaping Travel Depth and Pace

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 traveller source markets, the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday spans nine days and can extend beyond 15 days by taking 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, SingaporeMalaysia and the Philippines, where taking two to three days of leave can extend breaks to nine days.

Trip.com Group data show that cross-border bookings with stays of seven nights or more have risen nearly 40% year-on-year. Long-haul bookings have surged by over 50% during the same period. Together, these trends point to travellers 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 Lunar New Year. Norway records the fastest growth among Singaporean travellers, with bookings soaring over 200% year-on-year, boosted 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, recording an increase of over 100% year-on-year, with popular sights including the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and the Outback's landscapes, while New Zealand is experiencing strong global interest, rising close to 50% year-on-year.

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 multi-city travel. In Japan, a five-day Osaka–Kyoto itinerary features Amanohashidate, Ine's boathouses, Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge, and Nara Park.

Premium Travel Gains Ground as Comfort and Quality Take Priority

As travel patterns evolve across destinations, choices around comfort and quality are also shifting. Besides travelling for longer, people are also travelling better — more are favouring premium ways to travel.

First-class flight bookings have risen 83% year-on-year, while business-class travel has risen 38%. Such a trend is further mirrored in accommodation, where five-star hotel demand has climbed 59%.

In Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, five-star hotels account for close to or 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 Dominates as Urban Hubs Anchor Regional Travel

During the Lunar New Year period, East Asia and Southeast Asia accounted for the largest share of overall 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 particularly strong booking growth. Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali each have recorded year-on-year booking growth of more than 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 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 countries in Europe and Oceania. In particular, bookings from the United Kingdom 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 10 February, Trip.com will be introducing 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 al so introduced "Shenzhen Express" — a free 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. Travellers are truly ready to go the extra mile this festive season.

  • Travellers are taking longer trips and venturing further, with cross-border stays of seven nights or more up nearly 40% and long-haul bookings up over 50%.
  • Comfort is becoming a priority, with first-class and business-class flights and five-star hotel stays all showing strong growth.

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Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Galloping into the Year of the Horse, Lunar New Year 2026 travel is gathering speed.

Bookings across Trip.com Group's platforms 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.

Long-haul travel, packaged routes and premium choices are also redefining this year's Lunar New Year journeys.

Longer Holidays Are Reshaping Travel Depth and Pace

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 traveller source markets, the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday spans nine days and can extend beyond 15 days by taking 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, SingaporeMalaysia and the Philippines, where taking two to three days of leave can extend breaks to nine days.

Trip.com Group data show that cross-border bookings with stays of seven nights or more have risen nearly 40% year-on-year. Long-haul bookings have surged by over 50% during the same period. Together, these trends point to travellers 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 Lunar New Year. Norway records the fastest growth among Singaporean travellers, with bookings soaring over 200% year-on-year, boosted 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, recording an increase of over 100% year-on-year, with popular sights including the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and the Outback's landscapes, while New Zealand is experiencing strong global interest, rising close to 50% year-on-year.

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 multi-city travel. In Japan, a five-day Osaka–Kyoto itinerary features Amanohashidate, Ine's boathouses, Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge, and Nara Park.

Premium Travel Gains Ground as Comfort and Quality Take Priority

As travel patterns evolve across destinations, choices around comfort and quality are also shifting. Besides travelling for longer, people are also travelling better — more are favouring premium ways to travel.

First-class flight bookings have risen 83% year-on-year, while business-class travel has risen 38%. Such a trend is further mirrored in accommodation, where five-star hotel demand has climbed 59%.

In Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, five-star hotels account for close to or 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 Dominates as Urban Hubs Anchor Regional Travel

During the Lunar New Year period, East Asia and Southeast Asia accounted for the largest share of overall 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 particularly strong booking growth. Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali each have recorded year-on-year booking growth of more than 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 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 countries in Europe and Oceania. In particular, bookings from the United Kingdom 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 10 February, Trip.com will be introducing 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 al so introduced "Shenzhen Express" — a free 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. Travellers are truly ready to go the extra mile this festive season.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

Trip.com Group's 2026 Lunar New Year Forecast: Longer Journeys and Premium Travel Gain Momentum in the Year of the Horse

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global K-beauty leader COSRX continues to expand its presence on the haute couture stage as the official backstage hair sponsor for MISS SOHEE during Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 on 29th January.

Backstage hair was overseen by internationally renowned hair artist Joana Neves, COSRX's Global Hair Ambassador, whose expertise bridged the refined aesthetics of haute couture with K-beauty hair solutions proven in backstage environments.

MISS SOHEE Backstage: COSRX Enters the Haute Couture Arena

MISS SOHEE, founded by designer Sohee Park, is a London-based haute couture house recognized for its refined craftsmanship and contemporary approach to couture. For the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, COSRX supported the show from backstage, providing performance-driven K-beauty hair solutions.

Widely regarded as one of the first occasions a K-beauty brand has supported backstage hair sponsorship within the haute couture calendar, the collaboration marks a notable moment as Korean beauty enters one of fashion's most exclusive creative environments.

Presented under the theme "BREATHING FORMS," the collection explored sculptural silhouettes softened by movement and fluidity — a signature approach that has established MISS SOHEE as a leading voice in contemporary couture. Since its Paris Haute Couture debut in Spring/Summer 2025, the house has rapidly gained global recognition, with designs worn by internationally celebrated figures including Anya Taylor-Joy, Beyoncé, Zendaya, Bella Hadid, and Florence Pugh.

For the show, COSRX worked alongside Joana Neves, COSRX Global Hair Ambassador, supporting the backstage hair team with its PEPTIDE-132 Hair Bonding Trio. Long dominated by European beauty houses, the haute couture backstage saw a meaningful shift through this partnership, marking a notable moment for K-beauty on the Paris couture stage.

About Joana Neves

Joana Neves is a London-based fashion hairstylist and Global Hair Ambassador for COSRX, working closely with the brand across Europe on professional education initiatives, backstage collaborations, and the development of performance-driven hair solutions for high-fashion environments. Recognized for her refined aesthetic and modern approach to hair artistry, she is a lead artist within the internationally renowned hair team led by Guido Palau, with an extensive portfolio that includes collaborations with Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada, as well as styling global icons such as Kendall Jenner, Lily Collins, and Dua Lipa.

About COSRX PEPTIDE-132 Hair Bonding Trio 

Backstage hair for the MISS SOHEE Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 show was supported exclusively by COSRX's PEPTIDE-132 Hair Bonding Trio, selected by Global Hair Ambassador Joana Neves to meet the technical and aesthetic demands of a couture runway.

  • PEPTIDE-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum
    A lightweight, high-performance bonding oil serum used to refine and finish backstage looks, delivering flexible control and couture-ready shine. Infused with patented PEPTIDE-132 to reinforce weakened areas of damaged hair.
  • PEPTIDE-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Shampoo
    A salon-grade formula that gently cleanses while strengthening compromised protein bonds, creating a balanced foundation for precision styling.
  • PEPTIDE-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Treatment
    An intensive treatment designed for mid-lengths and ends, improving softness, manageability, and resilience ahead of runway styling.

About COSRX

Founded in 2013, COSRX is a global skincare brand known for its "essentials-only" approach: highly effective ingredients, concentrated formulas, and affordable prices. Trusted by millions worldwide and powered by social media virality, COSRX has grown into one of the most influential K-beauty brands across skincare and haircare. COSRX is also on Instagram + TikTok.

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global K-beauty leader COSRX continues to expand its presence on the haute couture stage as the official backstage hair sponsor for MISS SOHEE during Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 on 29th January.

Backstage hair was overseen by internationally renowned hair artist Joana Neves, COSRX's Global Hair Ambassador, whose expertise bridged the refined aesthetics of haute couture with K-beauty hair solutions proven in backstage environments.

MISS SOHEE Backstage: COSRX Enters the Haute Couture Arena

MISS SOHEE, founded by designer Sohee Park, is a London-based haute couture house recognized for its refined craftsmanship and contemporary approach to couture. For the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, COSRX supported the show from backstage, providing performance-driven K-beauty hair solutions.

Widely regarded as one of the first occasions a K-beauty brand has supported backstage hair sponsorship within the haute couture calendar, the collaboration marks a notable moment as Korean beauty enters one of fashion's most exclusive creative environments.

Presented under the theme "BREATHING FORMS," the collection explored sculptural silhouettes softened by movement and fluidity — a signature approach that has established MISS SOHEE as a leading voice in contemporary couture. Since its Paris Haute Couture debut in Spring/Summer 2025, the house has rapidly gained global recognition, with designs worn by internationally celebrated figures including Anya Taylor-Joy, Beyoncé, Zendaya, Bella Hadid, and Florence Pugh.

For the show, COSRX worked alongside Joana Neves, COSRX Global Hair Ambassador, supporting the backstage hair team with its PEPTIDE-132 Hair Bonding Trio. Long dominated by European beauty houses, the haute couture backstage saw a meaningful shift through this partnership, marking a notable moment for K-beauty on the Paris couture stage.

About Joana Neves

Joana Neves is a London-based fashion hairstylist and Global Hair Ambassador for COSRX, working closely with the brand across Europe on professional education initiatives, backstage collaborations, and the development of performance-driven hair solutions for high-fashion environments. Recognized for her refined aesthetic and modern approach to hair artistry, she is a lead artist within the internationally renowned hair team led by Guido Palau, with an extensive portfolio that includes collaborations with Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada, as well as styling global icons such as Kendall Jenner, Lily Collins, and Dua Lipa.

About COSRX PEPTIDE-132 Hair Bonding Trio 

Backstage hair for the MISS SOHEE Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 show was supported exclusively by COSRX's PEPTIDE-132 Hair Bonding Trio, selected by Global Hair Ambassador Joana Neves to meet the technical and aesthetic demands of a couture runway.

  • PEPTIDE-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum
    A lightweight, high-performance bonding oil serum used to refine and finish backstage looks, delivering flexible control and couture-ready shine. Infused with patented PEPTIDE-132 to reinforce weakened areas of damaged hair.
  • PEPTIDE-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Shampoo
    A salon-grade formula that gently cleanses while strengthening compromised protein bonds, creating a balanced foundation for precision styling.
  • PEPTIDE-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Treatment
    An intensive treatment designed for mid-lengths and ends, improving softness, manageability, and resilience ahead of runway styling.

About COSRX

Founded in 2013, COSRX is a global skincare brand known for its "essentials-only" approach: highly effective ingredients, concentrated formulas, and affordable prices. Trusted by millions worldwide and powered by social media virality, COSRX has grown into one of the most influential K-beauty brands across skincare and haircare. COSRX is also on Instagram + TikTok.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Paris Couture Backstage Welcomes COSRX with MISS SOHEE

Paris Couture Backstage Welcomes COSRX with MISS SOHEE

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