Where rich families frolic

Hokkaido's Tomamu resort, a high-class ski resort in central Hokkaido, Japan, with a large selection of trails and entertainment options on ice and snow, is extremely popular among affluent Chinese visitors. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Improved incomes, transportation and information technology have expanded outbound travel.

Chinese tourists enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 60 countries and regions.

About 6.15 million people traveled outside the Chinese mainland during the Spring Festival holiday that ended on Feb 3, up 7 percent over last year, according to a report by the China National Tourism Administration.

Domestic scenic spots received 344 million visits during the seven-day Spring Festival holiday, up 13.8 percent over last year, according to the China National Tourism Administration. Tourism income stood at 423.3 billion yuan, up 15.9 percent.

A clear trend is that more people are willing to spend for better service and experiences.

This tendency seems likely to extend into the coming year, and perhaps beyond.

Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn