The exit-entry administration of the Taicang public security bureau revealed that more Taicang citizens prefer to spend Spring Festival on outbound travel instead of traditional ways.

The popularity of outbound tourism can be attributed to several reasons. For example, there is a contrast between increased fees for domestic travel and the lower price of outbound tourism. According to local travel agencies, bookings of outbound group trips have soared since last year, with most tour groups for the Spring Festival holiday sold out. Thailand, Malaysia and tropical islands are among the most sought-after destinations for Taicang citizens.

Shi Lihua, leader of the exit-entry administration of the Taicang public security bureau, said that since last December, the number of citizens applying for visas for Spring Festival reached more than 3,200, a 40 percent increase. Besides Southeast Asian countries, the USA, Australia, the UAE, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Russia are also popular destinations for Spring Festival travel.