Canada’s tourism recovery hurt by China group travel ban
Canada won’t surpass its pre-pandemic international tourism level until 2025. One of the reasons is the lagging recovery of Asia, according to Destination Canada’s outlook report. That’s due in part to the Chinese government’s ban on group travel into Canada. China has yet to lift its ban on group travel to Canada. In August, the Chinese government lifted it for the US, UK, and multiple other countries.
Airbus forecasts China to be world's largest aviation market by 2042
China will become the world's largest aviation services market by 2042, with its market value climbing to 54.1 billion U.S. dollars, Airbus China forecast on Tuesday. China is set to overtake Europe and North America to top the global market for aviation services, as the country's in-service commercial aircraft fleet is expected to grow to 10,930 by 2042.
Cathay Pacific expresses interest in collaborating with C919 maker (in Chinese)
Cathay Pacific expressed interest in collaborating with COMAC, maker of China's own C919 passenger jet, valuing the innovation in the aviation industry and seeking to diversify their fleet. China’s domestically produced plane C919 made its debut outside the mainland on Wednesday, with international media in Hong Kong getting their first up-close look. The C919's competitive pricing and performance are expected to challenge the Boeing-Airbus duopoly, with Nigeria considering purchasing them for its national airline.
China Southern launches London Gatwick route
China Southern has started operating twice-weekly flights between London Gatwick and Zhengzhou this week. The flights are the only direct service between London and the Chinese city with a population of more than 10 million people. London Gatwick is also served by Air China and China Eastern and now has 16 flights per week to China, with two daily services to Shanghai already operating.
China Eastern completes first flight from Shanghai to Cairo
China Eastern Airlines' first flight between Shanghai and the Egyptian capital of Cairo took place on Monday. This is the first passenger flight from Shanghai to North Africa operated by a Chinese airline, according to the Shanghai-based carrier. The airline said it hopes that the new flight route will help to promote the trade and cultural exchanges between China and Africa, which is a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
With fewer Chinese tourists coming, Thailand woos Taiwanese, Indians
Despite lifted restrictions and visa waivers, Thailand sees fewer tourists from China than expected. Chinese tourists' safety concerns in Thailand and negative media portrayals affect tourism. Instead, large numbers of tourists have been arriving from Taiwan, India and other places. Thailand's tourism is recovering slower than expected post-Covid, aiming for 28 million visitors compared to 40 million in 2019.
Beijing museum to hold loan exhibit of Persian treasures
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts revealed that a grand exhibition named “Glory of Persia” is scheduled to launch in a Beijing museum in December. Ezzatollah Zarghami highlighted the significance of that exhibition, emphasizing its potential to shed light on Iran's history and culture, captivating the interest of Chinese tourists.
Beijing suspends operations in mountainous scenic areas amid orange alert for blizzards
Beijing has decided to suspend operations in mountainous scenic areas, in addition to outdoor large-scale amusement facilities in non-mountainous scenic areas, after the capital city issued an orange alert for blizzards on Tuesday night. The notice also clarified that all travel agencies in the city should adjust their itinerary arrangements promptly to ensure the safety of tourists.
