Many Chinese will be traveling less or taking shorter trips this year.
Li Ying, a senior editor for the monthly magazine Traveler, which is affiliated with National Geographic said, "Many people will decide against a trip to the US or EU in favor of a shorter journey inside China or to an Asian country because of the financial crisis."
Guo Yu, Assistant General Manager of Beijing Mytour International Travel Agency said travel outside the mainland is becoming less popular, although travel agencies have cut the price of traveling to the US and EU in half.
American and European countries have cut their spending on media advertising, but continue to support travel agencies, hoping the agencies can bring Chinese travelers to their countries.
Stiill Travel.cn reports that major airlines are hoping to lure Chinese travelers with discounted tickets. British Airways offers round-trip tickets between China and Britain for $433; a round-trip ticket from Beijing to Washington DC currently costs $660.
Some Asian countries, like Singapore, have increased their budget on both media and travel agencies.
Li Ying said Singapore, which is nearby and Chinese-speaking, is a popular choice for a first trip abroad because of its rich variety of food and good shopping.