China Outbound Brief | June Week 3: Summer Peak Build-Up Begins

This week, we tracked new international flight activity from China to Europe, alongside insights from one of China’s largest travel agencies, U-Tour, on summer booking trends.

OUTBOUND TRAVEL MARKET

⚽️U-Tour Reports Summer Booking Season Entering Peak Period

U-Tour’s 2026 summer report shows China’s outbound travel market entering a clear booking peak ahead of the summer holiday period. Retail data indicates outbound traveler volumes up 37% year on year, with product supply expanding 38%.

Outbound demand is increasingly concentrated across Europe, North America (driven by World Cup-related travel demand), Oceania and Southeast Asia. Long-haul destinations such as Australia and North America recorded strong growth, while Southeast Asia continued to benefit from short-haul convenience and visa facilitation.

At the same time, demand for customized small-group outbound products continues to rise, reflecting a broader shift toward more tailored and experience-driven travel formats.

Source: U-Tour Official WeChat, 18 June 2026

AVIATION & CONNECTIVITY

🇨🇭 China Eastern Launches Shanghai–Zurich Direct Service

China Eastern launched a direct Shanghai–Zurich service on 18 June 2026, marking the airline’s first direct connection between Shanghai and Zurich. The route operates three times weekly, adding new capacity between China and Switzerland.

The new service strengthens air connectivity between China’s key economic hub and Switzerland, alongside existing services operated on the route.Shanghai remains the only mainland China destination directly connected to Zurich.

Source: Zurich Airport Newsroom, 18 June 2026

🇮🇹 Air China Opens Beijing Daxing–Milan Non-Stop Service

Air China launched a direct Beijing Daxing–Milan service on 13 June 2026, introducing the first scheduled nonstop passenger route between Daxing Airport and Italy. The service operates daily, strengthening direct air connectivity between China and Southern Europe.

The new route adds to Beijing Daxing Airport’s expanding international network across Europe and Asia, with further long-haul destinations expected to be added.

Source: CAAC, 15 June 2026

VISA & TRAVEL POLICY

🛂 Cambodia Visa-Free Window for Chinese Travelers Takes Effect

Cambodia’s four-month visa-free window for Chinese travelers took effect on 15 June. Chinese passport holders can stay for up to 14 days per visit until 15 October after completing Cambodia’s e-arrival card.

Source: AKP / Cambodia Ministry of Tourism; The Star, 14 June 2026

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