China's domestic tourism market experienced a decline in average spending per trip during the Golden Week holiday, while overseas holidays continued to attract travellers seeking longer and more varied experiences.

Average spending on domestic journeys dropped to 893.92 yuan, approximately $133.51, representing a 1.9% decrease compared with the previous year. This was the lowest average expenditure recorded during the holiday period in four years.

The extended holiday, which combined National Day celebrations with the Mid Autumn Festival, gave travellers more opportunities to plan international trips. Longer itineraries and visits to multiple destinations became attractive options for people looking to make the most of their time off.

The decline in domestic spending also affected parts of the tourism and entertainment industries. Hotels faced pressure on revenue, while cinema ticket sales weakened. Box office collections reached 1.16 billion yuan, marking their lowest level for the Golden Week holiday since 2014.

Economic uncertainty, employment concerns and weakness in the property market have encouraged many consumers to control their expenses. As a result, travellers are paying closer attention to the cost of holidays and the value they receive from their spending.

Despite these challenges, international tourism continues to attract interest from Chinese holidaymakers. The changing pattern highlights a difference between domestic and overseas travel demand, creating new considerations for airlines, hotels and travel agencies planning their future services.