China protests interrogations and deportations of its students at US border
The Chinese government has protested to the United States over the treatment of Chinese arriving to study in America, saying some have been interrogated for hours, had their electronic devices checked and in some cases were forcibly deported from the country.
Singapore arrivals double on China, Indonesia visitors
Singapore’s international visitor arrivals doubled in 2023 from a year ago to reach 13.6 million, led by travelers from Indonesia, China and Malaysia. That’s 71% of the international visitor arrivals in 2019. The country’s tourism receipts last year reached an estimated S$24.5 billion ($18.3 billion) to S$26 billion, surpassing an earlier forecast of as much as S$21 billion, according to a statement from the Singapore Tourism Board.
Tourism expenditure per capita in 2023 surpasses 2020 level
The per capita Chinese families' tourism expenditure increased by 1,189 yuan ($167) in 2023 compared to 2020, showing a steady bounce back, according to a report on China's tourism sector prospects in 2023-2024. China's post-95 generation emerged as the driving force for travel industry, according to the report. Top three items contributing to the increase in consumer expenditure in China have been accommodation spending (77.8 percent), dining expenses (71.9 percent), and shopping costs (45.0 percent).
Resort island aims to receive 110 million tourists by 2026
Hainan province has officially launched a three-year action plan to promote the high-quality development of its tourism industry, setting a target of hosting 110 million tourists by 2026 including 1.25 million inbound visitors, with the added value of the tourism industry set to exceed 12 percent of the province's GDP. China aims to build Hainan into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035.
HNA Aviation gives staffers USD 55.7 million in bonuses after turning a profit
HNA Aviation Group, part of Chinese conglomerate Liaoning Fangda Group Industrial, the controller of Hainan Airlines Holding, has given bonuses of more than CNY400 million (USD55.7 million) to its employees after turning an operating profit last year for the first time since 2018. HNA Aviation provided cash bonuses to about 60,000 employees, including regular staff, contract workers, dispatched labor, and rehired personnel.
Hainan Airlines opens Haikou-Abu Dhabi service
Flight HU763 departed from Haikou Meilan International Airport in Haikou City, south China's Hainan Province, at 2:46 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the official commencement of the new air route from Haikou to Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight also marked the province's first international air route to the Middle East. Operated by Hainan Airlines, it utilizes the A330 aircraft and will operate every Tuesday and Saturday.
China to grant top tourism rating to 21 scenic sites
China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently announced a list of 21 scenic sites which will all be granted a 5A rating, the highest level in the country's tourist sites rating system. The list consists of both natural and historical tourist sites, such as mountains, valleys and ancient towns. Popular tourist destinations on this list include the likes of Beijing Grand Canal Cultural Scenic Area, and Qingdao Olympic Sailing and Marine Culture Tourist Areas.
Essential travel guide to Chinese New Year for foreigners
China is embracing a tourism boom during the upcoming eight-day Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) holiday, according to data from several domestic online travel platforms. The country implemented a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from some countries last year. It has also rolled out a set of measures to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals for business, education and tourism earlier this month, further promoting the inbound travel spree during the holiday.
