US allows Chinese airlines to boost direct flights to 50 per week
Chinese passenger airlines will be allowed to boost their weekly round-trip U.S. flights to 50 starting on March 31, up from the current 35, the U.S. Transportation Department said on Monday, returning the market to nearly one-third of pre-pandemic levels. The approval "is a significant step forward in further normalization of the U.S.-China market in anticipation of the Summer 2024 traffic season," the USDOT said.
Chinese airline completes cooking oil fuel flight
A Hainan Airlines flight from commercial hub Shanghai to Beijing used biofuel supplied by China National Aviation Fuel company and energy giant Sinopec, according to a statement from US aircraft giant Boeing. Used cooking oil, called “gutter oil” in Chinese, has been the target of media exposure about how the waste product is sometimes illegally reused for human consumption.
South Korean visitors to China soar 908% in Jan
Since the full resumption of China's inbound tourism in 2023, the number of overseas tourists visiting China has grown rapidly. The number of South Korean tourists traveling to China in January exceeded 140,000, up 908 percent year-on-year, China Media Group (CMG) reported on Monday.
Air China looks to raise stake in Cathay Pacific
Air China is reportedly exploring the possibility of increasing its stake in Cathay Pacific to assume control of the Hong Kong-based carrier. This development has raised questions regarding Cathay Pacific's future within the oneworld Alliance, given that Air China is part of the Star Alliance.
Xi encourages more US youths to visit China
Sienna Stoneking, a US high school student, expressed her enthusiasm for her first visit to China, inspired by President Xi Jinping. Over 20 students from Muscatine High School visited Beijing, Shanghai, and Hebei for an exchange visit. The visit is part of a program aiming to invite 50,000 US youths to China in the next five years.
New visa policy expands tourism opportunities in Macau
Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng thanked the Central Government for expanding the cities covered by individual visa policies, noting that it will help boost Macau’s tourism sector. In response to this development, the MSAR Government pledges continuous efforts to enhance tourist resources and hospitality capacity in collaboration with relevant sectors. These efforts will include improving border entry and exit measures, customs clearance, and transit facilities to ensure a seamless experience for visitors to Macau.
Marriott International, Cathay Pacific deepen strategic partnership
Marriott International announced the expansion of travel benefits in its travel program, Marriott Bonvoy, through collaborating with Cathay Membership program, loyalty program of Cathay Pacific. Eligible members will gain exclusive access to both programs' membership benefits through limited status match offer, and accelerated points earning via seamless two-way conversion between Miles and Points.
Chinese tourist asked to clean Airbnb or lose $700 deposit
A Chinese tourist and her family were asked to either clean the bathroom and other areas of their Airbnb rental or risk losing their 5,000 yuan (US$695) deposit.
Tianjin Airlines carries 7,057 passengers with Chongqing-Sydney route in around 3 months
Tianjin Airlines' Chongqing-Sydney route has transferred 7,057 passengers since the route was opened on Nov. 27, 2023, according to the Chongqing-Sydney Route Promotion Event held in Sydney on Friday. The route is between Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Sydney Airport, with flights operating twice a week.
Holiday travel delays fuel calls in China for bridge to Hainan
A member of China’s top advisory body has thrown his weight behind renewed calls to build a bridge between the southern resort island of Hainan and the mainland after legions of tourists faced delays getting home during the Lunar New Year holiday. The island was inundated with visitors over the eight-day break, with tourist numbers up by more than 30% on last year, according to official figures. But transport to and from Hainan is limited to air and sea options.
