CCTV9英语新闻：越来越多的中国人出国度假（在线收听）

More Chinese people than ever this year are choosing to spend the Spring Festival holidays overseas. According to official figures, 5.19 million people are expected to travel overseas for the Lunar New year. What are their destinations, and why the growing passion for overseas travel?

The Spring Festival is traditionally a time for Chinese people to travel back to their home towns. But in recent years, many are opting for other destinations, as the country becomes wealthier.

According to the China National Tourism Administration, 5.19 million Chinese are expected to travel abroad for the Spring Festival holidays, a figure that exceeds domestic tourism for the first time.

South Korea tops the destination list, followed by Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Maldives, and Singapore.

"Spring Festival sees the country's outbound tourism peak, so the resources become relatively scarce. Prices generally inflate two or three fold compared with normal times. Top destinations are Asian Islands with easy visa application processes, short flight times, and nice weather," said Wang Zhuli, from Caissa Touristic.

The passion for overseas travel is also fuelled by more flexible visa policies.

The US last year started issuing 10-year multiple entry visas, and Japan is now offers three-year multiple-entry visas.

"Countries such as America, Japan, Europe, and Australia have launched easier visa services for Chinese nationals. Apart from the extended period of validity, visas processes are also easier and less costly for tourists, including services like visa on arrival, visa-free visits and group visa options. This is making it more convenient for Chinese people to travel overseas," said Dai Bin, China Tourism Academy.

A modern way of spending a millennia old holiday.