Chinese outbound tourists have shown a clear preference for small-group private charters over traditional large bus tours in recent years.
This shift not only caters to their demand for personalized and quality services but has also driven a remarkable surge in the overseas car rental market.
A decade ago, Chinese outbound tourists primarily traveled in large mixed-group bus tours.
However, since 2015, driver-guide platforms have catalyzed a shift towards smaller and more intimate group travel.
Unlike foreign tourists who prefer self-driving, affluent Chinese travelers favor luxury vans such as the Alpha, 12-seater Hiace, or Mercedes-Benz models, accompanied by Chinese-speaking driver-guides. This tailored travel model, popular even before COVID-19 pandemic, allows local guides to handle driving and tour planning.
This rising demand for small-group tours has made private charters the mainstream choice, reflected in the rapid expansion of the car rental market in recent years.
A car rental service company targeting Chinese tourists in New Zealand, Australia and Japan reported peak-season revenues exceeding RMB 20 million (USD 2.7 million) in February alone, with full-year revenues surpassing RMB 65 million (USD 8.9 million).
According to the Fliggy "2024 Car Rental Travel Report," domestic car rental orders in China increased by approximately 80% in 2024 compared to 2023, while overseas rental orders surged by more than sevenfold.
Similarly, Trip.com recently revamped its travel channel by consolidating private group tours, customized trips, and independent travel products into a new "Independent Travel" section. This move aims to cater to the growing trend towards smaller-scale and more personalized travel preferences.
