North Korea wants to be a tourist destination
North Korea has welcomed tourists in the past. Before the pandemic, thousands of tourists visited North Korea each year, the majority hailing from China. Now, after years of setbacks and delays, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea—is allegedly resuming construction on the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, United Kingdom-based newspaper Metro reported, with hopes that the final product will resemble Benidorm, a popular tourist destination in Spain equipped with beaches, skyscrapers and hotels.
Northern Marianas hotel groups want unique visa policy for Chinese tourists
The two largest business groups in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI) are pleading for the administration and other local officials to support the creation and implementation of the proposed CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorisation Programme (EVS-TAP), allowing prescreened Chinese nationals to travel to the CNMI without a visa under specified conditions.
Business visitors to receive cash to holiday in Taiwan
Travelers on organized business trips are to receive NT$2,000 (US$63.77) each to remain in Taiwan as tourists after their trips conclude. The giveaway is part of an initiative to encourage people visiting Taiwan for meetings or conferences to stay longer.
The Peninsula’s parent company seeks a new CEO
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, the parent company of the Peninsula luxury hotel brand, said its CEO Clement King Man Kwok will be stepping down with effect from 31 October 2024. The company's COO Peter Camille Borer will be stepping down with effect from 31 July 2024. The company said it will be searching for a successor to the CEO and a further announcement will be made later.
Direct flight to connect Minsk, China's Sanya
A direct flight will connect Minsk and the Chinese city of Sanya, Hainan Province, BelTA has learned. From January 2024, a Chinese airline will launch a direct flight from the city of Sanya, Hainan Province, to Minsk using an Airbus A330-300 (279 seats in Economy Class and 24 in Business Class). Flights will be operated twice a week (on Tuesdays and Saturdays).
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines strengthen strategic cooperation
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines signaled their intent to strengthen their partnership by signing a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to enhance commercial and operational ties. The MoU should facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to begin services to Abu Dhabi through its discussions with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and other key stakeholders in the UAE capital.
Hong Kong Disneyland welcomes the 100 millionth guest
Hong Kong Disneyland theme park recently celebrated a major milestone of welcoming its 100 millionth guest. The park first opened its gates on September 12, 2005, making history as the first Disney theme park in China. The opening of Hong Kong Disneyland was the result of a joint venture agreement signed in 1999 between the Government of Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company.
Marriott to develop two luxury properties in Qiandao Lake, China
Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with Zhejiang Wanhao Wanjia Group to develop two properties in Qiandao Lake, located in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province. The St. Regis Qiandao Lake and AC Hotel by Marriott Qiandao Lake are expected to open in December 2026. In Hangzhou, Marriott International currently operates over 20 hotels spanning 10 brands, including The Luxury Collection, Marriott Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, Moxy Hotels, etc.
