Tokyo is top Chinese New Year destination for Asian travelers

Tokyo, Bangkok and Taipei are the top three destinations for travelers from across Asia to celebrate Chinese New Year, according to data from Agoda, one of the world’s fastest growing digital travel platforms. This year, Tokyo nudged Bangkok off its pole position, steadily climbing from third place in 2018 to the top spot, while Taipei moves to third place.

In fact, Taiwan is a key destination this year, with four of the market’s cities figuring in the Top 10: Taipei (No. 3), Taichung (No. 4), Kaohsiung (No. 6) and Tainan (No. 9). Other favorite destinations to welcome the Lunar New Year include Seoul (No. 7) and Chiang Mai (No. 10).

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, sees the biggest global migration as revelers across the globe visit family and friends. Spending quality time with family and enjoying tasty treats at reunion dinners make it a perfect time for the whole family to travel together. It is little wonder then, that Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand secured top overall destinations for Asian travelers to ring in the Chinese New Year — each offering their own unique blend of mouth-watering eats, cultural experiences and shopping havens for every member in the family to enjoy.

Historically, the Philippines has had strong Chinese ties dating as far back as the pre-colonial era. And with the world’s first Chinatown having been established in Manila, Filipinos have come to adapt the celebration of Chinese New Year.

Agoda booking data show that the Philippines is a consistent CNY destination for Chinese and Japanese travelers.

Cebu in particular was the Philippine city of choice for travelers from China, while travelers from Japan are flocking to Manila, Angeles/Clark and Cebu.