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When we go on a trip, we prefer to slowly enjoy the atmosphere and do not want to be in a hurry, right? However, there is a new travel trend that is popular among Chinese teenagers which can be seen as very different from the slow lifestyle of Thai people. This style of travel has been called “Special Forces Tourism”. The name sounds so weird. Follow ACU PAY and get to know about what this kind of travel is like.
The new travel trend is popular among Chinese teenagers, focusing on saving as much money as possible and spending as little time as possible within 24 – 48 hours, the same concept as the Lean out tour in Thailand. It will focus on the major landmark locations and will make time in limited travel time.
Special Forces Tourism was only popular in April after a series of new tourism videos emerged in the social world, such as a 48-hour trip in Thailand. This trend is largely driven by ‘need’ rather than ‘likes,’ reflecting that today’s teenagers are not earning enough or much to spend as many days as the previous generation, making them have to travel fast, economically, and spend at a minimum.
This trend is also detrimental to the health and economic system as it is difficult to complete every tourist attraction within 1-2 days. Some choose to visit 10 places within a day, or they may have to skip sleep to go everywhere. Others choose to sleep in bathhouses or cafes that are open 24 hours a day to save on accommodation costs. In addition, speed travel may hurt tourism spending, such as shopping for souvenirs, restaurants, or accommodations, and making less money with local people because they focus on checking in and taking pictures.
There are many possible reasons. Nikkei Asia stated that during the second quarter of this year, China’s teenage unemployment rate rose 21.3 percent, or one-fifth of 16 to 24-year-olds were jobless.
Although Chinese people travel more, statistics show that they do not spend as much as before. For example, during Labor Day, or Golden Week, Chinese travel increased compared to the year 2019, but per capita spending was only USD 75.40 or THB 2,568, down 10.5% from the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, this may be due to higher airplane ticket prices, so they will have to reduce other expenses. Another reason is that Chinese tourists travel abroad less than before and are reduced to half compared with those before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Special Forces Tourism may be viewed as fun, challenging their limits, but some view it as more tiring. However, they do not get to choose their choice because of a small income and a few vacations, but this short-term trip is a way to recharge themselves to get back to work.
