Mutual visa exemption between China, Georgia to promote bilateral cooperation with surge in tourism
China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday said that the mutual visa exemption agreement signed with Georgia will further promote cross-border travel and enhance communication and cooperation at various fronts for the two countries. Searches for tourism products covering Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on Chinese online travel agency Qunar.com increased by 1.1 times after the announcement of the signing.
Hotel tech firm DerbySoft acquires PKFARE
DerbySoft has acquired travel trade marketplace PKFARE, an innovative global technology company. With partnerships with the top 10 global hotel groups, leading third-party Central Reservation Systems, and regional hotel chains, along with connections with distribution channels worldwide, including major OTAs, Metasearch Engines, Wholesalers, and Tour Operators, DerbySoft manages data for over 227,000 hotels globally, processing more than 18 million room nights' worth of orders monthly.
Taiwan’s tourism administration offers discounted flights to Japanese tourists with new passports
Taiwan's Tourism Administration has introduced a special offer for Japanese nationals obtaining new passports to attract Japanese tourists to Taiwan. These travelers will be eligible for a USD 32 discount on round-trip tickets on selected airlines, with only 4,000 seats available on a lottery basis.
US airlines ask government to pause additional flights to China
US airline industry is worried that Chinese carriers enjoy an unfair advantage with access to Russian airspace and China’s government. They are asking the federal government to pause the expansion of passenger flights to China, citing “anti-competitive policies of the Chinese government.”
Malaysia pursues holistic strategy to boost Chinese tourist arrivals
Malaysia is adopting a holistic approach to boost Chinese tourist arrivals, moving beyond traditional promotional methods to create an ecosystem that enhances visitors' experience. The approach includes deploying Chinese-proficient staff at key entry points, collaborating with airlines to offer direct flights from secondary and tertiary Chinese cities, partnering with educational institutions, and utilizing Chinese social media influencers, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Manoharan Periasamy told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.
Vietnam plans to start work on high-speed rail lines to China by 2030
Vietnam aims to start building two high-speed railway lines linking its capital Hanoi with China before 2030, the Ministry of Planning and Investment said, reports PTI. China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and a vital source of imports for its manufacturing sector. The two countries are already connected via a system of highways and two railway lines that are old and need upgrading on the Vietnam side.
China, South Australia to deepen cooperation
China and South Australia will strengthen exchanges and dialogues in various fields such as low-carbon economy and green minerals. Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said China hopes to continue to expand cooperation and exchanges with South Australia in various fields, such as agriculture and food, education, science and technology, tourism and culture.
China Eastern Airlines to connect Vienna and Shanghai
Starting June 2024, China Eastern Airlines will offer thrice-weekly flights between Vienna and Shanghai, enhancing Austria-China connectivity. Beginning 22 June 2024, the airline will link Vienna with Shanghai, operating three weekly flights year-round on an Airbus A330-200. This new route underscores China's significance to Vienna Airport and acts as a catalyst for business and tourism in Austria.
IHG partners with China UnionPay for pre-authorization without card
IHG Hotels & Resorts announces a strategic partnership with China UnionPay that offers a new level of digital convenience for travelers in Greater China. Through this partnership, holders of both domestically and internationally issued UnionPay credit cards can now complete pre-authorization without card presence for online reservations through IHG’s direct channels.
