China saw a 16.7 percent year-on-year growth in domestic tourism in the first quarter of 2024, with travellers making 1.419 billion trips, according to data released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

China Central Television stated that tourism expenditures during this period experienced a 17 percent year-on-year increase, amounting to 1.52 trillion yuan (US$210 billion).

This points to further robust growth in tourism heading into the five-day May Day holiday weekend, a prime tourism period in China.

Smaller cities and counties are seeing robust demand. Hotel bookings in the country's fourth- and fifth-tier cities surged 140 percent compared to last year.

Emerging destinations like Jiangmen City in south China's Guangdong Province, Huainan City in east China's Anhui Province and Changjiang Li Autonomous County in south China's Hainan Province are set to welcome many more visitors.

Earlier this year, the Ministry unveiled pilot programmes to develop new immersive and intelligent tourism offerings.

New options, including industry tours, themed tourism routes and historical and cultural districts, will meet travellers' growing preference for customized experiences.