Hawaii tourism authority provides update on Maui wildfires travel impact
>> Travel to West Maui was discouraged throughout August due to wildfire impact. Hawaii Tourism Authority provides update on travel information after a devastating wildfire. Travel to the rest of the Hawaiian islands is still possible. Travelers heading to other parts of the island, including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena, should contact their chosen accommodations to see if they can still stay there.
Thailand urged to fix Chinese visa issues
>> Chinese tourists are visiting Japan after a 3-year ban, but Thailand might face reduced Chinese tourism due to visa application issues. Thai travel agents suggest that simplifying the visa application process could attract more Chinese tourists as competitors are welcoming tour groups.
Hong Kong sees significant tourism bumps
>> The Hong Kong Tourism Board reported a 31% month-on-month increase in July visitor numbers. The HKTB’s preliminary numbers suggest 3.6 million visitors in July, bringing the total in the first seven months of 2023 to approximately 16.5 million visitors, with an average daily count of 116,000 in July. Of the 3.6 million, 2,975,902 came from Mainland China.
China holds cultural and tourism event in LA following resumption of group tours
>> A Chinese cultural tourism promotion activity was held in the western U.S. city of Los Angeles on Friday, aimed at promoting bilateral tourism and cultural exchanges. The event was held during "Nihao China!," a 2023 Yellow River-themed tourism overseas promotions season, USA special, featuring a photo exhibition and presentation of the glamorous Yellow River culture.
Finnair will begin to differentiate between EDIFACT and NDC content in China
>> Airlines Reporting Corp. has integrated Finnair's New Distribution Capability offering into its ARC Direct Connect program, the carrier in October will begin to implement a $15 per-way surcharge in the EDIFACT channel in the United States, Finnair announced Thursday. In addition, Finnair will begin to differentiate between EDIFACT and NDC content in China, where it introduced NDC prior to the pandemic.
United Airlines to resume Beijing flying, reintroduces daily service to Shanghai
>> United Airlines will resume daily flights between San Francisco and Beijing starting in November. The US carrier will also increase daily flights from San Francisco to Shanghai from October 1, 2023. The company said that the expansion of flights is a result of an agreement between the U.S. and China governments.
Cathay Pacific enhances Business Plus platform
>> Cathay Pacific has revamped its self-service corporate loyalty program and travel management platform Business Plus, which is geared toward small and midsized companies. Business Plus members now can earn Asia Miles from Cathay's loyalty program to their company Business Plus account and use them to redeem rewards including Cathay Silver membership and lounge passes for their travelers. Asia Miles also can be transferred to any employee's individual Cathay account.
Marriott signs agreement for Dali EDITION Hotel to open in 2025 in southwestern China
>> Marriott International partners with New Development Group for the Dali EDITION Hotel, set to open in 2025 in Southwestern China. Dali EDITION Hotel is situated on the Cangshan Mountain hillside, offering a luxury experience and marking the brand's third property in China. The Dali EDITION, which marks the brand’s third property in China, is expected to open in December 2025 and establish a new benchmark for the luxury hotel segment in Yunnan Province.
Diverse cultures boost tourism in Qinghai
>> Located in Haidong City, Qinghai Province, Ping'an Town, which is also known as Ping'anyi, was once an important station on the ancient Silk Road. To promote its rich history and culture, locals established the Ping'anyi and Hehuang Folk Culture Experience Block in the center of the town.
