According to data released by Ctrip.com, a leading provider of travel services, Xiamen took second place among the top 10 domestic tourist destinations for the May holiday this year.
Sanya retained first place, followed by Kunming, Lijiang, Guilin, Beijing, Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Zhangjiajie.
In terms of overseas travel destinations, Seoul, Bangkok, and Tokyo were the top three most sought-after destinations. And 70 percent of travelers who decided to travel to Seoul, Bangkok, and Tokyo opted for independent travel.
The data also showed that over 60 percent of travelers asked for more leave days, with an average of two to three days before or after the May holiday.
Outbound travelers spent more on accommodations this year than last year. An estimated 73.5 percent of hotel reservations went to 4 and 5-star hotels, a year-on-year increase of nearly 15 percent.
The occupancy rate of a 4-star hotel on Xiahe Road in Xiamen is expeceted to surpass 90 percent, according to its hotel executive.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
