Visa exemptions will strengthen exchanges between China and ASEAN
Since the second half of last year, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have successively announced mutual agreements with China on visa exemptions. The implementation of visa-free measures between China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will not only be good for the respective countries’ tourism industries, but also the promotion of bilateral economic and trade development between China and ASEAN.
Concern about Hawaii acid attack could chill Chinese tourism
The acid attack against a Chinese visitor in Hawaii generated negative publicity in China, which used to play an important part in Hawaii's tourism industry. Before COVID visitors from China were substantial and contributed to the economy. The number of tourists from China reached a peak in 2015, when more than 165,000 arrived on the islands. Spending levels are back up to pre-pandemic levels. But Chinese visitor arrivals are not.
Big-Three airlines expect 2023 loss while private carriers turn profit
China’s three largest state-owned airlines, Air China, China Southern and China Eastern, reported losses for the full year in 2023 while some smaller private airlines turned in a profit, thanks to the recovery of domestic tourism. Budget carrier Spring Airlines said it projected a net profit of RMB 2.1-2.4 billion (USD 296-338 million) for the same period.
How Cathay Pacific is reinventing its business class
Cathay Pacific is promoting its all-new Aria business class suites, marking the most significant leap since the introduction of the second-generation flatbed business class in 2010. The Aria suites aim to completely transform the business class experience and are expected to debut on the airline's Boeing 777 flagship jets around the middle of this year.
New blueprint for Hong Kong’s tourism industry ‘won’t be ready until second half of year’
A new government blueprint for Hong Kong’s tourism industry will not be ready until the second half of the year, as the sector’s advisory committee convened for the first time to identify issues with the current strategy. The new Tourism Strategy Committee, which held its first meeting on Monday, was set to convene two more times this year before the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0” could be finalized.
China's visa-free policy for Switzerland to boost tourism
China's newly announced visa-free policy for Switzerland should boost tourism flows between the two countries in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a top Swiss executive said on Monday. "As the National Tourism Board of Switzerland, we welcome any removal of barriers that makes it easier to travel," Daniela Chiani, director for Greater China at Switzerland Tourism, told Xinhua in a virtual interview.
Ethnic tourism invigorates southern China's Sanjiang
As the Spring Festival approaches, staff members in local scenic spots and residents in hamlets of Sanjiang are busy rehearsing traditional songs and dances to welcome visitors. In recent years, Sanjiang has been actively promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism industries. The county attracted 9.01 million tourists last year, with a revenue of 9.6 billion yuan (about 1.34 billion U.S. dollars).
China i2i Group in deal to foster tourism ties with Saudi
China i2i Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiba Investments – a collaboration that will pave the way for holding China Visitors Summit (CVS) in Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2024. The group recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring Dur Hospitality, a leading company specializing in delivering world-class hospitality services infused with authentic Saudi hospitality.
