A 'friendly' airport in Paris to boost relationship with China
Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France with a "Chinese Friendly Airport" ceremony on December 4. This marks the second airport after Istanbul to implement such a program. The airport has adapted to Chinese tourists' needs, including providing hot water and a Chinese interface on its website and services.
Da Nang international terminal recognized for satisfying Chinese tourists' experiences
Da Nang Airport's international terminal in central Vietnam has obtained a Welcome Chinese certification from the China Tourism Academy to recognize its efforts to upgrade services to satisfy Chinese travelers. The certification is awarded only to facilities that have introduced special services for Chinese tourists, with each of the services corresponding to standards of quality recommended by China's tourism authorities. Da Nang Airport's international terminal is the only Southeast Asian representative to be awarded with such a certificate.
China continues to exempt fingerprinting for visa applicants from many countries
The Embassy and Consulates General of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia posted a notice saying that it will continue to exempt the fingerprinting of eligible visa applicants for single or double entries in the categories of M/L/Q2/G/C visas until December 31, 2024. Similar notices were posted from China's embassies and consulates in countries like South Korea, Spain, Australia, Sweden and more.
Kenya to abolish visa requirement for all foreign visitors beginning January
Foreign visitors to Kenya will not be required to have a visa beginning January 2024, President William Ruto announced Tuesday during the celebration of Jamhuri Day, or Independence Day, held in Nairobi, the capital. Ruto said all foreign nationals will enter the country without a visa from January next year, a move that is expected to boost tourism.
New York City’s Chinese tourism recovery to lag in 2024
Chinese tourists won’t be coming back to New York City at their pre-pandemic levels next year. Affordability and limited flights are two issues holding back the rebound, say travel executives. “It is unaffordable at this moment for people from China, for the average visitor to come to the U.S.,” said Peter van Berkel, chairman of the International Inbound Travel Association and president of Travalco, a tour operator.
China moves to intensify controls along border with North Korea
China has recently begun intensifying control over its border with North Korea, which suggests that cross-border smuggling is unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels in 2024. Speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, a Daily NK source in China said Friday that China’s border patrol plans to install additional CCTVs and infrared sensors along the border with North Korea. The move appears aimed at stopping rampant defections and smuggling in the region.
Rise in early bookings cements Chinese travelers' growing interest in Türkiye
The interest of Chinese tourists in Türkiye is growing as a 15% annual rise was observed in early-bird bookings for 2024, a top sector official told Anadolu Agency (AA) on Monday. Türkiye has the chance to attract 20% of its current number of tourists from the Chinese market alone.
Shanghai looks to boost inbound tourism with new campaign
Shanghai is warmly welcoming travelers from across the globe. On Monday, the city launched the "Visit Shanghai" campaign to boost inbound tourism, and seven foreign friends from the Netherlands, Germany (two), Malaysia, Spain, Italy, and France were appointed as "Shanghai International Tourism Ambassador" by the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.
Overseas students experience aviation culture at China Eastern Airlines R&D
Nearly 30 overseas students joined an educational tour at R&D Center of China Eastern Airlines, where they had an opportunity to get close to the aviation culture and feel its charm. Hailing from 7 different countries including Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, the international students test-piloted an A350 flight simulator, learned service procedures alongside flight attendants, and strapped on VR goggles for an immersive virtual aircraft inspection.
