SHANGHAI, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai's tourism market rebounded strongly in 2025, with inbound travel rising sharply throughout the year. The city received 9.3602 million inbound visitors over the year, further cementing its position as a leading gateway for international travelers visiting China.
Diversified and Balanced Source Markets
According to data from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, inbound arrivals climbed 39.58% year-over-year to 9.3602 million, with momentum accelerating toward year-end. December alone saw 1.0777 million inbound visits, up 45.56% from the same period a year earlier. Overnight stays accounted for the largest share of inbound travel. The city recorded 1.0397 million overnight visitors in December, an increase of 47.72% year-over-year, bringing the annual total to 8.7894 million, up 45.09%. The growth highlighted Shanghai's renewed appeal to international travelers and its continued role as a major urban destination in Asia.
Arrivals from major source markets rose markedly. Arrivals from South Korea more than doubled to 909,100, a rise of 103.62% from a year earlier. Visitor numbers from Russia increased significantly, with December arrivals jumping 93.58% and the annual figure reaching 385,100, up 59.23%. Thailand contributed 513,700 visitors, up 70.16%, while Indonesia and Italy recorded annual increases of 62.13% and 52.43%, respectively. Traditional source markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Australia maintained steady momentum, each posting growth of more than 30%, contributing to a more diversified inbound visitor mix and reflecting broad-based demand across both regional and long-haul markets.
Inbound tourism services expanded in tandem, with travel agencies playing an increasingly central role. Agencies organized 180,500 inbound visits during the year, up 97.39% year-over-year, including 13,300 in December alone, a rise of 102.48%. Travel agencies received 274,900 inbound visitors overall, an increase of 55.49%, of which 231,700 were overnight stays, up 55.04%, reflecting steadily improving service capacity.
Accommodation Sector Sees Strong Demand
Thanks to visa-free policies and Shanghai's distinctive urban landscape, several boutique hotels reported robust performance. International travelers accounted for 66% of guests at the Yangtze Boutique Shanghai, with Europeans making up the largest group. Broadway Mansions Hotel, known for its panoramic views of the Bund and the Huangpu River, has become a popular stop for overseas visitors; international guests represented 20% of its clientele, with South Koreans making up the largest share. Moller Villa and InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin reported foreign guest shares of 21% and 25%, respectively, underscoring the city's cultural and architectural heritage and the enduring appeal of its historic properties.
Overall, Shanghai's accommodation market remained buoyant overall in 2025. In December, occupancy rates for star-rated hotels and other lodging establishments were broadly level at 63.30% and 63.29%. Star-rated hotels recorded a full-year occupancy rate of 65.86%, up 2.00 percentage points from a year earlier, reflecting sustained travel demand throughout the year.
Five-star hotels, representing the high-end segment, delivered particularly strong results. Occupancy reached 70.71% in December, up 4.45 percentage points from a year earlier, while the annual average stood at 71.30%, an increase of 2.81 percentage points. Average daily room rates also climbed, reaching RMB 1,045.32 in December, up 9.29% year-over-year, with the annual average at RMB 978.80.
As more targeted, high-end travel experiences come to market, Shanghai is expected to attract a growing number of international visitors in the coming years amid the continued recovery and evolution of global travel.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Shanghai Records Surge in Inbound Tourism in 2025, Welcoming Over 9.36 Million Visitors
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SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reports a 25% increase in travel interest among Asian couples for Valentine's weekend, according to accommodation searches made on Agoda for check-ins between 13-15 February 2026. Bangkok, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur have captured the hearts of many, emerging as the most sought-after destinations for a romantic escape.
Beyond Bangkok, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur, destinations like Pattaya, Seoul, Bandung, Manila, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali make up the top 10 most-searched Valentine's weekend getaways, beckoning couples with promises of both urban adventures and sun-kissed beach retreats.
Whether it's a serene sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, a cozy hot spring experience on the outskirts of Tokyo, or a candlelit dinner with a view of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, each destination offers unique experiences to celebrate love. Couples can indulge in a romantic stroll through Seoul's charming Bukchon Hanok Village, explore the vibrant art scene in Yogyakarta, or unwind on the sunny beaches of Bali. For those seeking a blend of culture and relaxation, Bandung's lush tea plantations and Manila's historic Intramuros provide the perfect backdrop for love to blossom.
Leading the charge in celebrating love through travel are couples from Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea. Indonesians, in particular, have shown an 86% increase in travel interest compared to last year.
Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, "With Valentine's Day fortuitously falling on a weekend once again this year, it's the perfect opportunity for a romantic getaway or a cozy staycation. Agoda's insights reveal a growing passion among Asian couples for both local and international escapes. We're thrilled to help them create cherished memories, whether basking on a beach or exploring the vibrant streets of Asia's most romantic cities."
For those planning a romantic getaway, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and start planning your next adventure today.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reports a 25% increase in travel interest among Asian couples for Valentine's weekend, according to accommodation searches made on Agoda for check-ins between 13-15 February 2026. Bangkok, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur have captured the hearts of many, emerging as the most sought-after destinations for a romantic escape.
Beyond Bangkok, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur, destinations like Pattaya, Seoul, Bandung, Manila, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali make up the top 10 most-searched Valentine's weekend getaways, beckoning couples with promises of both urban adventures and sun-kissed beach retreats.
Whether it's a serene sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, a cozy hot spring experience on the outskirts of Tokyo, or a candlelit dinner with a view of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, each destination offers unique experiences to celebrate love. Couples can indulge in a romantic stroll through Seoul's charming Bukchon Hanok Village, explore the vibrant art scene in Yogyakarta, or unwind on the sunny beaches of Bali. For those seeking a blend of culture and relaxation, Bandung's lush tea plantations and Manila's historic Intramuros provide the perfect backdrop for love to blossom.
Leading the charge in celebrating love through travel are couples from Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea. Indonesians, in particular, have shown an 86% increase in travel interest compared to last year.
Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, "With Valentine's Day fortuitously falling on a weekend once again this year, it's the perfect opportunity for a romantic getaway or a cozy staycation. Agoda's insights reveal a growing passion among Asian couples for both local and international escapes. We're thrilled to help them create cherished memories, whether basking on a beach or exploring the vibrant streets of Asia's most romantic cities."
For those planning a romantic getaway, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and start planning your next adventure today.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Unveils the Most Popular Destinations for Couples this Valentine's Day
