Chinese spend Spring Festival abroad

Spring Festival has always been an important boost to domestic and global tourism. As the impact of the financial crisis weakens, more Chinese have chosen to spend the holiday abroad.

Tours to Thailand are proving popular ahead of Spring Festival.

According to Thailand's tourist authority, the favorite destination for Chinese visitors is Phuket island. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are also proving popular, with eighty percent of hotel rooms fully booked.

Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand said, "A total of 125 flights will arrive from the Chinese mainland during Spring Festival. Thailand will host more visitors from China than in any previous year. We estimate the number will be at least 12-thousand. "

Chinese and Thai artists will give touring performances across Thailand during spring festival.

Away from Asia, the northern hemisphere is also experiencing an influx of Chinese holiday makers.

Over one thousand Chinese visitors are celebrating the holiday in New York City. It's estimated that they will generate revenues of around 30 million US dollars. And the "Big Apple" is showing true enthusiasm for the year of the tiger. The Empire State Building will be lit up in yellow and red in honour of the occasion.