Tourists stranded by avalanches in China's Xinjiang lifted to safety by helicopter
Some tourists stranded for several days after avalanches hit highways leading to a popular winter tourism area in China's northwest region of Xinjiang were lifted by helicopter to safety, according to local media reports on Sunday. Days of heavy snow at Altay Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region triggered dozens of avalanches on large sections of highways at the Altay mountains leading to the Kanas scenic area, Chinese state media outlets Xinhua and CCTV News reported on Saturday and Sunday.
China says it’s easier than ever for Americans to visit the country
For years, Americans interested in visiting China had to endure a thorough visa process, which required pre-booking hotels and flights and handing their passports over to an embassy or consulate for an undetermined period. But as of January 1, 2024, some of those restrictions have dropped or loosened, making it easier than ever for US citizens to obtain a Chinese tourist visa.
Russian tourists flock to China, Europe during New Year holidays
During the past New Year holidays, there was a surge of Russian tourists flocking to China and Europe, RIA Novosti news agency reported on Friday. 11 percent more Russians went abroad compared to last year's winter holidays.
Cathay Pacific defends relaxation of captain training criteria, says it targets short-haul pilots
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has defended its relaxation of captain training criteria, saying it is targeted at short-haul pilots who build up flying hours more slowly despite operating a greater number of flights, but a union has warned the move is no solution to staffing problems. The decision by Cathay Pacific, which has canceled hundreds of flights since December 24 as it struggles with long-term staff shortages and stiff competition from other airlines for flight crew, would allow more pilots to be promoted to captain, potentially making the carrier more attractive to employees.
Hong Kong tourism rebounds in 2023 with 34 million visitors
Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors in 2023, with the Chinese mainland remaining its largest source market and accounting for 79 percent of the total figure amid the region's tourism rebound, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Saturday.
Bangkok seeks tourism explosion from spectacular Chinese New Year party
Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown is bracing for an invasion of dragons, lions and ear-splitting firecrackers as Thailand seeks a tourism boost from Chinese New Year. A cultural feast of performances along with illuminations will fan out from Chinatown’s Odeon Circle on Yaowarat Road throughout February. China was Thailand’s largest source of foreign tourists before the pandemic, but Chinese visitor numbers have been slow to recover since.
Duty free giant CTG aims at overseas expansion
China Tourism Group Duty Free (CTG Duty Free) released its performance report on January 8 showing that in 2023, the company achieved a year-on-year revenue growth of 24.15%, and a net profit increase of 33.52%. The company said it will expand overseas and efficiently manage the company to provide returns to shareholders.
Expats enjoy booming winter tourism in China's Ningxia
A group of expats immersed themselves in an ice-and-snow tour on Friday at Shahu (Sand Lake) scenic area in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region as innovative activities are boosting winter tourism in the region.
