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Visitor arrivals to Oman plunge by 25% in 2021
Oman witnessed a decline of 25.4% in number of visitors in 2021 compared to the year ago period
Maximum Occupancy 2022: Sheraton Grand Sydney, 5-6 April 2022
Maximum Occupancy is Australia’s premier hotel and accommodation industry conference, designed for and by the hotel industry's leaders. Suited for all types of hotel and accommodation…
IWTA speaks with Chitra Gurnani Daga – co-found Thrillophilia.com
Chitra started with a Bachelors in Information Technology, and turned her back on a steady well-paid career to follow her passion for travel, which she has since built into a thriving…
IWTA speaks with Mari Tomoda – Captain, Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda
Mari is the first female Captain (hotel manager) for Marriott in Japan with aspirations to become general manager, Mari Tomoda moved from Japan to Thailand as a young adult with her…
Passenger traffic up in November 2021, Omicron likely to affect recovery ahead
International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the recovery in air travel continued in November 2021, prior to the emergence of Omicron
China targets 2023-25 for recovery in international air travel
China will focus on expanding domestic flights and restoring international air travel in 2023-2025, the country's aviation regulator said as it issued a new five-year development plan for a…
China’s rail trips hit 21.42 million during New Year holiday
Roughly 21.42 million people travelled by train in China during the three-day New Year holiday
IWTA speaks with Vicki Parris – VP Customer Success FCM Travel Solutions Asia
Vicki is a New Zealander who joined Flight Centre as a Travel Consultant in her home country, as ‘just a job’ and something to do whilst she settled back into home life after a few years of…
IWTA speaks with Celia Lao, GM Greater China Air Asia Digital
Meet Celia Lao, GM Greater China Air Asia Digital, since graduating from the University of Macau with a BBA (Hons) in International Marketing, Celia has immersed herself in the aviation…
IWTA speaks with Vinita Rashinkar – Tourism Marketing Entrepreneur
Meet Vinita Rashinkar – Tourism Marketing Entrepreneur, Vinita Rashinkar is a published author, and has built a business working with different Indian states to promote tourism to the…
IWTA speaks with Surayyal Hizmi – PATA 2021 Face of the Future
Meet Surrayyal Hizmi, Surayyal is a lecturer at the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, under the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Republic of Indonesia and the PATA 2021 Face of the Future
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How UAE golden jubilee drives Expo 2020 visitor numbers
Expo 2020 Dubai has seen 5,663,960 visits up to December 5, with recent figures buoyed by the United Arab Emirates’ golden jubilee festivities
5th Pricing & Revenue Management Summit – Berlin, Germany
Join Luxatia International and global executives as we return for our 5th Pricing & Revenue Management Summit in Berlin, Germany on the 3rd and 4th of March 2022. This hybrid edition…
Podcast: The spotlight on Aviation, Part I – Geoffrey Thomas
In this limited aviation focused podcast series, the first episode drops today, when we have a chat to Mr Aviation himself, Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-In-Chief of AirlingRatings.com, who is one…
IWTA speaks with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi – President Thai Hotel Association & Executive Vice President Sukosol Hotels
Meet Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi – President Thai Hotel Association & Executive Vice President Sukosol Hotels, Marisa leads the organisational development, operational and marketing…
Reopening Thailand – Tourism Minister address British Chamber in Bangkok
Yesterday H.E Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism & Sports along with Khun Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East…
ITB India 2022: 4 – 8 April 2022, Mumbai, India (Hybrid event)
ITB India will be held from 4 - 8 April 2022, with the physical event happening from 4 - 6 April 2022 and the virtual component from 7 - 8 April 2022. The show is organised by Indo-German…
Travel Tech Asia 2022: 19-21 October, Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Travel Tech Asia is a must-attend event for all Travel Tech industry professionals. We gather people and companies who are looking to showcase their innovations, explore new business…
MICE Show Asia 2022: 19-21 October, Marina Bay Sands Singapore
The fourth edition of MICE Show Asia will be an in-person event in 2022 from Wednesday, 19 October – Friday, 21 October 2022. Co-located with ITB Asia and Travel Tech Asia, MICE Show Asia…
ITB Asia 2022: 19-21 October Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
ITB Asia 2022 is co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia covering the key verticals in the travel industry such as Leisure, MICE, Corporate, and Travel Technology. With three…
IWTA speaks with Carissa Nimah, Guardian of the Brand for Soneva
We are delighted to introduce you to Carissa Nimah, Guardian of the Brand for Soneva in our newest interview in the series from TDs Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA).
ITB China ropes in Saudi as culture travel partner
ITB China, the marketplace for China’s travel industry, has announced Saudi as the Official Culture Travel Partner of ITB China Virtual 2021
IWTA speaks with M. Laksasubha Kridakon, Owner Laksasubha Hua Hin
We are delighted to introduce you to M. Laksasubha Kridakon, Owner Laksasubha Hua Hin in our latest interview in the series from TDs Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (TDIWTA).
OAG Webinar – Australia Reconnects: How strong could the recovery be?
Join our Chief Analyst, John Grant, Deidre Fulton Partner, Midas Aviation and our guest panelists Simon Westaway, Strategy Director at RoyceComm and Gordon Bevan, Head of Aeronautical…
Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2021
The Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) is a hydrid (In person & Online) gathering of experts and professionals in the travel and tourism industry, a platform for the…
AVIAREPS APAC Virtual Expo 2022 (AAVE)
The AAVE2022 edition gathers quality buyers from an additional 4 countries on top of the 7 existing countries seen in the 2021 edition. Powering the virtual event this year is our…
ITB China 2021 kicks off with who’s who of Chinese travel industry on board
The Marketplace for China’s travel industry is once again attracting a diverse exhibitor representation, quality buyers and sees a strong line-up of partners this year
IWTA speaks with Bonnie Leung, Operations Leader – FCM Hong Kong
We are delighted to introduce you to Bonnie Leung, Operations Leader for FCM Hong Kong in our latest interview series from TDs Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (TDIWTA).
US issues new guidelines for air travel, lifts restrictions on India, China and Europe from 8 November
In a new development as US opens international borders for non-essential travel, the US has issued new guidelines for foreign travellers, lifting restrictions on China, India and much of…
Webinar: Insight and analysis for the SE Asia region
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 @ 3PM SGT, Join our Chief Analyst, John Grant, Becca Rowland, Partner, Midas Aviation and our guest panelist Gary Bowerman, Director, Check-in Asia as they…
Renaissance Pattaya: The hidden gem and premium hotspot in Na Jomtien for your perfect getaway
Prepare yourself for a surprise every step of the way and soak up the most gorgeous views here as the premium hotel follows in the footsteps of its contemporary design and luxury quotient…
Radisson Collection unveils chic new hotel in Wuxi, China’s enchanting lakeside city
Radisson Collection Hotel, Wuxi is a stylish and sophisticated new downtown hotel that puts guests in the heart of one of China’s most compelling cities.
ITB China announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner 2021 for Shanghai event in November
In 2021 Maldives will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from…
China-Hong Kong travellers will no longer need quarantine from 8 Sept
Travellers arriving in Hong Kong from China will no longer need to quarantine from 8 September onwards
Europe becomes Strategic Partner of ITB China 2021
Many Chinese are looking forward to travelling abroad according to recent data collected by the European Travel Commission (ETC), who is strengthening ties with ITB China as a Strategic…
WTM London unveils new China partnership
WTM London has announced that China Travel Online is the show’s newest buyer partner and media partner in China
Making hotel travel possible for all! Wyndham becomes official partner of ITB China for third time
The hotel industry giant will have a strong presence on both the physical and digital show floor of ITB China, introducing its brand-new products and innovative services to the industry in…
Trip.com hosts first annual event in Sanya, China
Trip.com Group hosted its inaugural International Travelers’ Forum combining a partner forum during the day and a Travelers’ Night event focusing on Ctrip Community users in Hainan, Sanya
ITB China set to take place as physical event in Shanghai in November
With travel and tourism within China bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels, ITB China, the largest B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, is set as in-person event at the Shanghai World…
FCM unveils tech platform in China
FCM has announced the launch of its new proprietary technology platform in China
Dragon Boat Festival’s booking data shows steady domestic recovery in China: Trip.com
Trip.com Group has released its 2021 Dragon Boat festival data highlights, which reveal a continuing stable recovery of China's domestic travel market
International travel from China back to pre-Covid levels by 2023
China is ready for international travel - it has already opened its borders to 36 European and 13 Asian countries
China’s domestic travel tops pre-pandemic levels over May Day break
Chinese tourists made around 230 million trips over the extended May Day holiday as domestic travel surpassed pre-coronavirus pandemic levels
200 million tourists set to travel over five-day break in China: Trip.com
Online travel services provider Trip.com Group has released its China May Day holiday forecast data which shows up to 200 million tourists in mainland China are set to travel over the…
Travellers could enter China easier if they are vaccinated…but wait!
China is making it easier for foreigners to get a visa to enter China, but wait not so fast, this treatment is only for people who have been inoculated with Chinese-made coronavirus…
China unveils Covid-19 vaccination certificates for cross-border travel
China has launched a digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate for its citizens planning cross-border travels, joining other countries issuing similar documents as they seek ways to reopen…
Radisson Collection debuts in China
Radisson Collection, Radisson Hotel Group’s anthology of premium lifestyle hotels, has reached another major milestone with the official debut of Radisson Collection Hotel, Xing Guo Shanghai
Steigenberger comes to China’s City of Eternal Spring
Deutsche Hospitality and Huazhu are planning a further hotel project in China in the form of a new Steigenberger Hotel in Kunming, a location which is nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’…
ITB China Special Edition 2021 announces new business procurement convention in May
China BT MICE, announced that the Business Travel MICE Procurement Convention (BTMPC) will take place at this year’s ITB China Special Edition
China emerges as top theme in travel sector as recovery beckons
With lockdowns and shutdowns back across several countries to contain the possible second or third wave of COVID-19, China’s domestic travel rebound has fuelled discussions in the travel and…
Hilton aims to open and manage 1000 hotels in China by 2025
Hilton Hotels & Resorts aims at opening and managing 1,000 hotels in China by 2025
ITB China to host two events in Beijing and Shanghai
With traveller confidence recovering swiftly in China, the ITB China organisers have announced plans to launch an ITB China Special Edition in 2021
Dusit International opens luxury wellness resort in Suzhou, China
Dusit International has continued its expansion in China with the recent opening of the highly anticipated Dusit Thani Wellness Resort Suzhou, Jiangsu
Reopening soon: Japan and China to resume business travel by November end
Japan and China have agreed to restart coronavirus-hit business travel this month in the first high-level dialogue since Japan picked a new leader in September
No quarantine needed: Singapore to allow tourists from China, Australia
Starting 6 November, Singapore will allow all travellers from China and state of Victoria, Australia without the need for quarantine as long as they negative from COVID-19 upon arrival.
Flights from India to China’s Wuhan all set to resume operation
India’s national carrier, Air India, is all set to operate flights to Wuhan on 30 October
Marriott debuts in Southwest China with W Chengdu
Marriott has expanded its portfolio of W Hotels in China with the opening of the W Chengdu in Gaoxin district
BUZZ Expo China Summit builds bridges. China – the biggest travel market.
All Tourism Professionals worldwide are welcome to join the BUZZ Expo China Summit - a truly unique digital trade show for the global Tourism Industry. Learn about the World’s biggest…
China promises one-hour travel anywhere in the world by 2045
Bao Weimin, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, announced that China’s top space travel researchers are working on a new technology that would allow people to travel anywhere in the…
Lux Collection expands 5 Star to Chongzuo, Guangxi, China
The Lux Collective, a luxury hotel management operator headquartered in Singapore, has signed an agreement with Mingshi Yijing Tourism Development Co. Ltd. to manage the first international…
Aquatech China 2020: First RAI exhibition in China since COVID-19 outbreak
Aquatech China 2020, the largest international exhibition for process, drinking and waste water in Asia has opened its doors at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai (31…
Marriott International expands its presence in China
Marriott International, Inc. today announced the opening of its dual-branded hotel, JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan and Courtyard by Marriott Yinchuan in Northwest China
ITB announces industry meet up in seven cities across China
ITB China Industry MeetUp is designed to help industry recover from economic post-Covid-19 fallout, providing unique opportunities for industry professionals to get updated on latest trend…
New outbreak in China slows down aviation recovery
A new outbreak of coronavirus cases in China, particularly in Beijing, is slowing down the recovery of the country’s aviation sector, according to the latest flight tracking data from…
250-metre-high glass-bottom Exploration Deck opens to eager visitors in China
One of the year’s most eagerly awaited attractions in China, the 250-metre-high Exploration Deck Viewing Gallery (Exploration Deck), a star feature of The Crystal sky bridge at Raffles…
China’s hospitality sector growth curve shows signs of recovery
China’s hotel industry in on the recovery mode. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) in the country reached heights not seen since January during the week of 18-25 May. This was revealed…
Royal Caribbean to resume sailings from China in July
Royal Caribbean will be unfurling its sails in July with scheduled cruises in Asia.
Hotels on road to recovery in China
There has been a noticeable growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) over the past few weeks in China as the country starts to recover from the coronavirus outbreak. This was…
China, India and US may lose up to 40 million tourism jobs
Global job losses from the Covid-19 crisis could far exceed 100 million, with China, India and the US expected to be the hardest hit as these countries stand to lose almost 40 million…
STR monitors rise in China hotel booking
STR reports hotel occupancy in China reached 40% from 6-10 May due to the partial resumption of business travel. In Beijing, occupancy increased after the government eased restrictions…
China’s passenger number down by nearly 70% in April
The decline in all major performance indicators of China’s civil aviation services in April had slowed compared to March. The data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China…
HRS obtains Oracle Hospitality support rights in China
HRS Hospitality & Retail Systems continue their global expansion by opening in China, the largest market in the Asia-Pacific region. HRS began its operations reselling Oracle…
From CFO to GM: Calvin Xie to accelerate FCM’s organisational transformation in China
Travel management company FCM Travel Solutions has announced the appointment of Calvin Xie as general manager for China.
In his new role, Calvin will drive the company’s business in China…
Wyndham merges China unit into Asia Pacific
Wyndham Hotel Group said in an internal message that it will reorganise its global structure from five regions to three, combining Greater China with Southeast Asia Pacific Rim as Asia…
China tourism revenue drops 60% during first major holiday
Millions of Chinese people kept their spending down during the first major holiday in China since the coronavirus outbreak.
During the May Day holiday, also known as Labour Day…
China National Tourist Office launches Facebook campaign
The China National Tourist Office (CNTO) has launched a social media campaign from its London office via Facebook. The page has a statement in support of the UK government's guidelines…
TUI China relaunches domestic holidays
TUI China has resumed business operations, offering domestic tours for holidaymakers in China. Three months after the subsidiary had to completely stop selling tours, the…
Ray of light: DiDi resumes services in Wuhan, China
On 30 April, DiDi has resumed its ride-hailing services, including taxi-hailing, private-car hailing, Hitch, and Designated Driving, in Wuhan, China.
Travelling after lockdown: What can we learn from China?
Many of us wonder what travelling would be like after the lockdown. It has been over a month since some nations imposed a shutdown that made us live like a recluse and I imagine that our…
China’s domestic air travel capacity shows sign of early recovery
Domestic airline capacity in China is beginning to recover, with over 30% of its domestic capacity returning in the last two months, according to a new analysis from Cirium.
British Airways adds extra flights a week from China
British Airways is increasing the number of cargo-only flights from China to the UK to 21 a week, up from 13 last week, as demand continues to rise.
From May, 14 flights each week…
China’s tourism sector in biggest slump in 40 years
The number of tourists and China’s income from tourism may slump about 30% this year compared with 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the sector, according to a new…
Second outbreak impedes China market
Chinese tourists may not return soon as a second wave of the outbreak is hitting many key areas, while tour agents in Europe are bypassing summer vacations and starting to offer winter…
Lufthansa lands twice daily with protective equipment from China
To do its part in addressing the covid-19 crisis, Lufthansa is currently operating two daily flights carrying protective equipment from China to Munich Airport with Airbus A350…
Thai VietJet plans new China route
Thai Vietjet will launch a new service linking Bangkok and Haikou in China by late October. The new service will feature in the carrier’s winter season plans for 2020/21 subject to…
China’s hotel industry data show early signs of recovery
Mainland China’s daily hotel occupancy reached an absolute level of 31.8% on 28 March, up from a low of 7.4% during the first week of February, according to preliminary data from STR.…
Togeter we stand! Qingdao in China donates masks to Japanese travel industry
Travel agencies and companies in Qingdao, China, which have close links with Japan, extended their support to neighbouring countries, including Japan, where COVID-19 is widespread.…
Qatar Airways Cargo returns to destinations in China
Qatar Airways Cargo announced it will resume scheduled belly-hold cargo operations to China with the utilisation of wide-body and passenger-configurated aircraft. The additional cargo…
Japanese drug Avigan is effective for coronavirus treatment, says China
China's ministry of science and technology has announced on late Tuesday that favipiravir, the main ingredient in the influenza drug Avigan, showed "very good clinical results" during…
COVID-19 statement from UNWTO
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) observes that full or partial travel restrictions have been – and continue to be – introduced across the…
Trip.com donates one million face masks
Trip.com Group, has announced that it will donate one million surgical masks to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
As of today, and led by the company's co-founder and chairman,James…
Positive development: Australian researchers claim to find possible ‘cure’ for Coronavirus
In a positive development towards finding a solution to the coronavirus pandemic that shook the world and crippled the global economy and the travel and tourism industry, a team of…
5 reasons why you should go on a Pandaw river cruise at least once in your life
Pandaw river cruise is a luxurious experience but personalised at the same time. It all adds to the famous 'Pandaw spirit' that brings so many guests back onboard time and time again.
A masterclass events experience at the best convention hotel in Thailand
There are many perks to working in the media wing of the travel industry, including getting the opportunity to meet fascinating, interesting people, travelling the world, getting to stay in…
Etihad signs MoU with Chinese tech giant
Etihad Airways has announced a major new deal with Chinese multinational and internet big beast Tencent Tencent, owners of China's ubiquitous mobile app WeChat.
The new Memorandum of…
ICCA strengthens footprint in China with Chengdu centre
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has signed an agreement with Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Exposition (CCPIT Chengdu), MeetingsChina and Chengdu University on a…
Covid-19: UNWTO calls on tourism to be part of recovery plans
In an update on the sector’s response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) offers a first assessment pointing to a decrease in international…
Kempinski to add 6,000 hotel rooms in Beijing
Switzerland-based luxury hotel company Kempinski announced that it is adding 6,000 rooms in Beijing through a joint venture with the Beijing Tourism Group.
The first 1,200 rooms will…
China pumps investment to cultural tourism projects in virus-hit regions
China’s top economic planner has allocated CNY 5.7 billion (USD 814 million) to support project construction in the cultural tourism industry that has taken a hard hit by the novel…
ICAO: “Assuring the evolution of new digital identity innovations”
The United Nations aviation agency ICAO has announced new steps to strengthen modern border security through the online issuance of a new “Master List” of e-passport authentication…
Three ITB events cancelled so far; ITB Asia to push through
At the heels of ITB Berlin 2020 cancellation, ITB India has been postponed to 2021 due to the ongoing health crisis prompted by the new coronavirus.
Opinion (Different): Hospitality marketing during the virus outbreak
On February 28, Messe Berlin announced the iconic ITB Berlin will be cancelled, for the first time in history. Then on my Facebook, LinkedIn, the majority of industry associates were…
COVID-19 cancels more than 200,000 flights to, from and within China
Over 200,000 flights have now been cancelled or proactively removed from schedules to, from and within China due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), according to Cirium.
The figure – which…
Choking travel won’t stop the coronavirus spreading, warns WTTC
Closing borders, blanket travel bans and more extreme government policies will not stop the spread of coronavirus, argues the head of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).…
72% of Chinese travellers will hit the road after the outbreak ends
Chinese travellers and businesses have expressed confidence in the development of the country’s tourism industry, although it was hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. “China's tourism…
Qatar Airways sends 300 tonnes of medical supplies to China
Five Qatar Airways Cargo freighters departed to China carrying approximately 300 tonnes of medical supplies donated by the airline to support Cornavirus relief efforts. The five flights…
China turns to tech firms for apps to monitor health, travel
Chinese government are tapping tech giants to come up with an app to track the health and travel history of millions of citizens that are preparing to go back to work.
Royal Caribbean deploys two ships for humanitarian efforts
Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced it will dedicate two ships to humanitarian efforts in Australia and California to support some of the people affected by recent crises. Richard…
ITB China postponed as coronavirus battle continues
Organisers at ITB China have confirmed the event will be postponed as the country continues to battle a coronavirus outbreak. The event was scheduled to be held on 13-15 May at the…
Why Four Seasons Hotel is the most luxurious hotel in Sydney
Here are some reasons why Four Seasons top other 5-star hotels in the area.
January woes: Travel reservations to China plummet 79%
The coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the world economy. The increase in cases throughout China and the uncertainty generated after the international alert declared by the World…
China hotel performance could recover quickly: STR
Amid the current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), leading market research firm STR analysed historical data for China and found that the country’s hotel performance recovered quickly…
DiDi to launch services in Sydney in March
Ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing (“DiDi”) has announced that it will launch its ridesharing services in Sydney, New South Wales, on 16 March.
THAI, Toyota Tsusho and Worldwide Logistics transport medical supplies to China
Thai Airways International (THAI) collaborated with Toyota Tsusho and Worldwide Logistics Services in Thailand to provide aid and support for Chinese from the recent outbreak of…
Qatar Airways volunteers free worldwide air cargo transportation of medical supplies donated to China
Qatar Airways has volunteered free air cargo transportation for medical relief aid organised by Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide to fight the coronavirus emergency. The…
Don’t stigmatise Chinese and Asian tourists because of coronavirus, says WTTC
Individual tourists and groups from China and Asia must not be stigmatised because of the latest coronavirus outbreak, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The…
Centara’s enhanced safety measures keep guests and staff well-protected
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s hotel operator, is providing a reassuring hand to travellers with added safety measures and greater flexibility for changing travel plans.
The…
Car rental market to reach USD 230 billion by 2029
According to Future Market Insights, while North America holds almost half of the car rental market share, East Asia is expected to emerge as the most lucrative for companies in the car…
STB waives licence fees for hotels and travel agents
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has introduced measures to help tourism businesses combat the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV). STB said it would waive licence fees for hotels,…
Vietjet Thailand disinfects all aircraft and carries donated medical supplies to China
Stepping up measures against coronavirus outbreak, Vietjet Thailand has sprayed disinfectant aboard all its aircraft to prevent the spread of the disease and increase travel confidence…
IT&CM China shifts dates to August
Organisers of IT&CM China 2020 and CTW China 2020 have shifted the event to 3-5 August in response to the on-going crisis caused by the novel coronavirus. Originally, scheduled from…
STR: The initial impact of coronavirus on hotel occupancy in China during CNY
Industry analytics firm STR has released data measuring the initial impact of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on hotel occupancy in Mainland China over the Chinese New Year period, 14-26…
DiDi supports coronavirus relief efforts
Didi Chuxing (“DiDi”) is taking new actions to support doctors, communities and drivers as China continues to fight the coronavirus outbreak (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan through the following…
China turns to apps after closures and cancellations
As the feared coronavirus continues to spread at a rapid rate, China is slowly being walled off as governments and airlines are suspending travel to and from the country despite World Health…
Tibet shuts all tourist spots over virus concerns
Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region has temporarily suspended the operation of all its scenic attractions to tourists over concerns regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus.…
Coronavirus: Trip.com chairman comments on outbreak
In the usually joyous Chinese New Year holiday season of 2020, anxiety was the mood as the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic spread across the nation. Wuhan and various surrounding cities…
The light at the end of the tunnel for the coronavirus outbreak
I understand that much of the anxiety stems from the fear of the unknown – the carrier of the virus has not been identified and the lack of cure or vaccine. Moreover, the death toll is…
Finnair suspends Nanjing and Beijing Daxing routes until March end
Due to the recent suspension of all group travel from China, Finnair will cancel its three weekly flights between Helsinki and Beijing Daxing International Airport between 5 February and…
China’s travel ban hits Thai tourism industry hard
As the coronavirus outbreak reverberates through China, the Thai tourism sector has been badly hit. Thai hotels are preparing for another slump in bookings as the Chinese government’s…
5 things travellers should do in the midst of coronavirus outbreak
The 2019-nCoV coronavirus is the biggest threat in the travel industry affecting various sectors such as transportation, aviation, tourism and attractions and tours. The fear of the…
US confirms five cases of deadly virus from China
As the fear of a new pandemic rise, the US has confirmed five new cases of the Coronavirus from China.
Singapore ranked global leader in mobile payment usage among Chinese tourists
Nielsen and Alipay have jointly released a new report on the latest trends in Chinese outbound tourism and the consumption habits of Chinese travellers for the third consecutive year.…
Hilton rings in Lunar New Year with release of ‘Room 702’ episode focused on education in China
Timed to coincide with the Lunar New Year 2020 on 25 January, Hilton has released the latest instalment of its acclaimed ‘Room 702’ video docuseries, profiling Nick Li, manager of safety…
DoubleTree by Hilton Fuzhou South Hotel opens in China
Hilton has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Fuzhou South, a 17-storey, 242-room new-build hotel that will welcome business and leisure travellers visiting Fuzhou, the…
Thailand, Japan and Singapore top Hotelbeds’ Chinese New Year travel ranking
Hotelbeds, the bed bank company, has revealed the top international destinations for Chinese travellers during the seven-day Chinese New Year holiday period starting on 24 January.…
Budapest strengthens Chinese connection
Just six months after its inaugural service with Shanghai Airlines took off, Budapest Airport has announced the addition of two other Chinese destinations on its route map. Following…
Trip.com Group collaborates with British Airways and Iberia on NDC standard
Chinese provider of travel services, Trip.com Group, has strengthened its partnership with British Airways and Iberia by connecting to the New Distribution Capability (NDC).
The NDC…
TAT’s announces Year of the Rat and 60th anniversary celebrations
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting all to join in its unique Chinese New Year (CNY) 2020 celebrations organised in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket to ring in the ‘Year of the…
Mysterious illness dampens CNY travel as disease spreads in Japan, Thailand
The mysterious illness that caused an outbreak in Wuhan, China continues to harbour fear in Asia over the cross-border spread.
Hotelbeds inks deal with citizenM Shanghai Hongqiao
Hotelbeds, the bedbank company, has announced a strategic partnership with citizenM Shanghai Hongqiao, a Shanghai based property of the Netherlands-based hotel chain citizenM. The deal…
CWT debuts with replatformed digital offering in China
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), the global travel management specialist, has announced the launch of its flagship platform, myCWT, in China – marking the latest milestone in its journey…
OYO lays off 1800 employees in India, China and it’s just the start
OYO has scaled back its growth and has fired around 600 of its 12,000 China employees and 1,200 India employees.
ITB China ties up with CBEF to boost buyer attendance
ITB China, the largest B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, has announced a partnership with the China Business Exhibition Federation (CBEF) to strengthen the participation of…
China’s hotel markets remain strong amidst US trade war
Global analytics and benchmarking company STR has reported that China's hotel markets are projected to grow in 2020 despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Chinese mainland has 38,433 travel agencies
The Chinese mainland had 38,433 travel agencies at the end of September 2019, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The travel agencies received 4.86 million overseas…
Chinese travellers willing to pay more for quality experience
China’s tourism industry is heading toward high-quality development amid diversifying and expanding market demand, said an industry report.
They are willing to pay more for cultural…
China sees 670 million cross-border trips in 2019
Border inspection agencies across China saw 670 million entry and exit trips in 2019, an increase of 3.8% from the previous year, figures from the National Immigration Administration…
China Airlines to grow Southeast Asia network
Due to the strong outlook of the Southeast Asia travel market, China Airlines is following up on the launch of its first Cebu service in March by adding four weekly direct flights to…
No travel ban as China’s mysterious virus strikes down 59
Travel in and out of China is business as usual even though the local government in Wuhan, a major industrial and commercial city in Central China, has confirmed 59 cases of the mysterious…
“Superior comfort and excellent service”: Hyatt Regency Hengqin launches in Zuhai
Hyatt Hotels announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Hengqin in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, last week.
With 493 rooms, six dining outlets, and 40,440 square feet (3,757 square meters) of…
Huazhu completes Deutsche Hospitality deal
Huazhu Group, a leading and fast-growing hotel group, has announced the closing of the acquisition of all shares in Steigenberger Hotels Aktiengesellschaft, Germany or popularly called…
Mysterious viral illness in China sows fear in Asia
Airports in Asia are on heightened alert following the outbreak of a mysterious illness in Wuhan, China.
China’s tourism market generates USD 890 billion
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently announced at its fourth quarter press conference that 560,000 cultural enterprises in China generated CNY 6218.7 billion (USD 890 billion)…
Turkish Airlines expands flight network in China
Turkish Airlines has announced the addition of Xi’an, the Chinese city with 3,000 years of history, to its flight network. Xi’an has become the flag carrier’s fourth destination in…
JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay debuts on China’s holiday island
JW Marriott has welcomed the opening of JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay, located on the Haitang Bay, China. The property marks the group's second resort on Hainan and eighteenth hotel in…
Visa-free entry to see 7% growth in tourist arrivals from India and China to Malaysia
In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY2020), Tourism Malaysia is looking at tourist arrivals from China and India to increase by about 7%. This was revealed by Musa Yusof,…
Enter the Dragon: Trip.com and World Tourism Alliance reveals China inbound tourism report
The number of tourists to China saw a steady growth this year and the number of inbound trips in the first three quarters this year stood at 108.76 million, up 4.7% from the same period…
Bonanza 2020: Malaysia extends 15-day visa free travel for China and India
The Malaysian government has gazetted two orders permitting a 15-day visa exemption for tourists, particularly from China and India in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
For…
PATA Travel Mart 2020 heads to Leshan in Sichuan, China
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2020 in Leshan, Sichuan, China from 3-6 September. The event will be hosted by the Leshan Culture,…
Trip.com invests in business lounge operator DragonPass
DragonPass, a Chinese company operating high-end business lounges at airports and high-speed railway stations, announced it has obtained an undisclosed sum of funding from Ocean Link as…
Jiangxi seduces Mexico with beauty, culture and history
China's Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism held the 2019
"Beautiful Jiangxi Scenery" Cultural Tourism (Mexico) Promotion Conference in Mexico City on December 13. The…
TravelFlan completes USD 7 million funding
TravelFlan, a Hong Kong-based chatbot provider for the travel industry, has recently received USD 7 million in its A round of financing. SPK AI Travel Tech Fund, founded by Lazard Korea,…
Thai hospitality comes to Shuangyue Bay in China
Thailand-based global hospitality company Dusit International, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has opened Dusit Thani Sandalwoods Resort Shuangyue Bay Huizhou,…
Hot hotel openings: The best of 2020
In this week's special edition of hot hotel openings, we look forward to the year ahead and visit some of the latest and most anticipated properties from around the world.
After numerous scandals, Mafengwo to lay off 40% of staff
Rumours are circulating that Chinese OTA Mafengwo may be laying off 40% of its employees following several scandals involving the company.
IATA welcomes Cebu Pacific as its newest member
Filipino carrier Cebu Pacific has joined the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), the trade association for the global airline industry. CEB is IATA’s largest member among…
Responsible travel in Koh Samui: Eco-friendly activities to enjoy on the island
If you are looking for an amazing destination that offers sustainable tours and activities, responsible travel in Koh Samui is for you!
ITB China, The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence promote MICE and corporate travel
ITB China and The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) announced their strategic partnership for the upcoming travel trade show set to take place from 13 to 15 May 2020 in…
Hot hotel openings: Club Med opens on its own private island and more
This week on hot hotel openings, we've got four of the best hotels and resorts from around the world — from Shenzhen's east coast to the archipelago of Seychelles off East Africa and more.
Travel tech this week: The ‘Everyday Essential’ app and more
Omio is awarded by Google as 'Everyday Essential' app. An ex-Googler created a car subscription start-up, Carasti.
More Chinese to travel overseas on Spring Festival holiday in 2020, says Trip.com
China’s online travel agency Trip.com has revealed that Chinese tourists will travel more to overseas destinations for the Spring Festival holiday in 2020.
Small meetings with a big heart: MICE & lifestyle unite in Sukhumvit
A lifestyle wellness destination delivering the ultimate urban experience, Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 combines a well-balanced lifestyle through its dedicated MICE facilities.
“No signs of life” left in New Zealand’s White Island volcano eruption
Police have claimed that there had been "no signs of life" left on White Island volcano eruption during several lengthy aerial survey flights.
World’s first marine cemetery: “A reminder of the destruction”
The world's first Marine Cemetery, made out of single-use plastic bottles, has opened its gate at Beypore Beach in Kerala, India to commemorate World Wildlife Conservation Day.
6 must-visit destinations in December
The festive season is here and Cathay Pacific has revealed the six must-visit destinations this month where travellers can fully enjoy the holiday season.
Chinese tourists will be taught how to behave in Malaysia
“We will educate our tourists to behave properly in Malaysia,” says China’s ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian. China has acknowledged that the embassy had received numerous complaints…
9 kid-friendly tourist attractions in Asia
When parents touch down in a new country (after hearing 'are we there yet?' for hours on end), they need to have a plan.
Hotels G spreads the holiday cheer this festive season
Whether you're into the magic of White Christmas or looking for powder-soft sands — from Singapore to Yangon, to Pattaya and Bangkok — Hotels G, managed by GCP Hospitality, is the ideal…
PEACHY events: Discover the best MICE location in Thailand
With the country's popularity as a MICE-destination continuing to soar, contributing significantly to the Thai tourism industry and its impact on the economy, it’s no wonder the Royal Cliff…
Shopping is chief out-going of Chinese tourists
Trip.com Group and UnionPay International have published the “2019 Chinese Outbound Travel Consumption Report”. The report provides insights into the cross-border travel consumption trends…
Travel tech this week: The first airline ticket on the blockchain and more
This week in the travel tech industry, the first airline ticket through a blockchain has been issued. TripAdvisor has launched self-service advertising and Amadeus for Developers offers…
Airbnb Experiences unveils Cooking to bring out secret family recipes
Airbnb Experiences has launched a brand new category of bookable experiences – Cooking. This has allowed people to have access to recipes and culinary traditions that were once reserved for…
Oyo receives USD 1.5 billion investment amid losses
Indian start-up superstar Oyo has received a nod from its board for a USD 1.5 billion investment from Softbank and RA Hospitality.
9 luxury villas you should book in 2020
Luxury villas are filled with top notch amenities and facilities such round-the-clock concierge service and tailored experiences.
China adds Xian, Ningbo, and Chongqing in 144-hour visa-free travel ports
Travellers will have more options gaining entry in China as the country added Xian, Ningbo, and Chongqing to its growing list of 144-hour visa-free travel ports.
Hong Kong’s local elections: Are the nation’s travel woes finally over?
Is the long-awaited indication of triumph finally here? The semi-independent Hong Kong held its local elections amid the protests that could be a key on how things will end.
Ride Tesla or Mercedes cars with Didi Chuxing’s Japan premium service
China’s Didi Chuxing will trial a premium ride-hailing service in Japan offering luxurious vehicles like Tesla, Lexus and Mercedes Benz vehicles.
Will you stay in One Dollar Hotel and do this?
Travellers have the option to stay in Asahi Ryokan in Fukuoka, Japan for JPY 100 (USD 1) a night if they agree to livestream their stay.
Red Elephant Reps: “A one-stop-shop for representation services”
In this exclusive interview, Ian Paul Woods, group business development director at Red Elephant Reps, shares with us the story behind the hotel representation company, its global network of…
New initiative to promote Karnataka on e-bikes
B: Live, an eco-tourism start-up which has pioneered the concept of electric vehicle (EV) tourism in India has launched its services in Karnataka. It offers immersive experiential tours…
Let’s bid goodbye to the elephant rides at Angkor Wat
Two of the 14 elephants in Angkor Wat were relocated to the nearby Bos Thom community forest last week.
Hyatt to reduce plastic waste with new global initiatives
Hyatt Hotels has announced a series of initiatives including introducing large-format bathroom amenities and reducing single-use water bottles by June 2021.
5 true stories on how hotels increase revenue by using this service
If there is one thing that is constantly in the minds of hoteliers, it is how to increase hotel revenue to keep the business going. To overcome this challenge, hoteliers need to think of…
Welcome to the jungle: Best hotels in the wilderness revealed
Looking for a change of scenery? Why not consider a holiday deep in the jungles and wilderness in some of the most exotic places on earth?
From surfing the Great Barrier Reef to cheering for Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Virtuoso reveals 10 Wanderlist experiences for 2020
Luxury travel company Virtuoso has revealed the “trips of a lifetime” for next year.
The most ‘Instagrammable’ hotels in the world
Doing it for the 'gram? Here are some of the world's most Instagrammable hotels.
Accor and Alibaba form alliance to improve ‘consumer experience’
Accor and Alibaba Group have announced a strategic collaboration to develop a series of digital applications and loyalty programs to improve the consumer and traveller experience over the…
Too trippy: Mega collaboration sees the introduction of TripAdvisor China
Trip.com and TripAdvisor have released news that the two online giants have come together in a strategic partnership which they hope will push the brands' global presence even further, by…
Travel tech this week: DiDi, Rapido, and WeTravel launch new services
DiDi Chuxing is launching its food delivery in Mexico City, while Bangalore-based Rapido is expanding in New Delhi by offering free rides.
5 health and wellness activities in one Bangkok hotel
This holiday season, it's all about working out and staying in shape — all while pampering yourself to the best massages and feasting on those tasty holiday treats!
5 road trips that every foodie should take
Embark on a food road trip and taste the unique cuisine from every place. Below are the five countries that every food lover should visit.
“Safety does not have to be serious or boring”: K-Pop stars create new safety vid
Korean Air has unveiled global K-pop supergroup, SuperM as the stars of its new safety video.
A collaboration between the airline and SM Entertainment, the video was aired for the…
Centara Hotels & Resorts reveals global expansion plans
Thailand's Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced a strategic five-year development plan that will see its global portfolio grow to over 130 hotels in more than 50 countries by the end…
Shanghai tops winter capacity growth from Gatwick
Shanghai tops the list of the ten fastest growing destinations served from Gatwick this winter. The airport’s fastest-growing route list is headed by China’s global financial centre,…
“A perfect match”: Pullman Huizhou Kaisa opens for business
Accor subsidiary Pullman has announced the opening of Pullman Huizhou Kaisa as its 38th hotel in Greater China.
Huizhou is a central city in the Pearl River Delta and enjoys benefits from…
ITB China backs tourism forum
More than 3,000 delegates from 26 countries attended the 2019 World Culture and Tourism Forum in Chanba, Xi’an, China. The conference hosted by Xi’an Municipal People’s Government and…
Ctrip is now Trip.com
The recently concluded 2019 annual general meeting of shareholders adopted the resolution to change the name of the company from Ctrip.com International to Trip.com Group.
Ctrip.com…
ATM events focus on Saudi, India, China outbound
The upcoming Arabian Travel Market 2020 (ATM) in Dubai, UAE has launched a new series of buyer forums and networking events focused on India, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia’s growing…
Chinese travellers take 31 million trips via tour packages
Chinese mainland tourists made a total of nearly 31 million outbound trips through tour packages organised by travel agencies in the first half of 2019, said a report unveiled by the…
Capturing the Chinese consumer
1.4 billion people strong, the Chinese make up a large percentage of APAC travellers. Capturing Chinese travellers is like netting a big fish. They travel in throngs and have money to spend.
Virgin Atlantic unveils plans for China Eastern joint venture
Virgin Atlantic has announced its intention to enter into a joint venture with China Eastern and Air France-KLM. The move is designed to provide customers with increased choice and…
Aerotel launches ‘one-of-a-kind’ brand in Beijing
Aerotel has opened its latest set of accommodations at Beijing Daxing International Airport, the first hotel of its kind in China.
Song Hoi-see, founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group…
“The South-East Asia market is a primary focus” Ctrip to partner with Thai tourism body
Ctrip Group CMO Sun Bo and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Yuthasak Supasorn, met today to discuss a potential partnership between the two organisations, to…
Tencent collaborates with YESMILANO to boost Milan tourism from China
Tencent, a leading provider of internet value added services in China, has announced its collaboration with YESMILANO, the official promotional agency of Milan, to launch a WeChat…
Dubai offers instant VAT refunds for Chinese tourists
Chinese tourists to Dubai can now get instant VAT refunds at Dubai Airports via the We Tax Refund on the WeChat Mini Programme, launched by Chinese tech giant, Tencent and international…
Here’s why you shouldn’t miss ITB Asia 2019
ITB Asia 2019, the biggest gathering of travel trade professionals, is back in Singapore for its twelfth year. The event will take place in Marina Bay Sands on 16-18 October.
ITB China lands pioneering partnership with Meituan
Riding on the success of three years, ITB China, the largest B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, has announced its milestone partnership with China’s leading e-commerce platform…
7 reasons why Sabre Red 360 gives you an all-round look at travel
Work better, faster and smarter thanks to Sabre Red 360.
China sees sharp increase in National Day travel
Transportation company headquartered in Beijing, Didi Chuxing, has released a summary of the travel data for the 2019 National Day holiday that commemorated the 70th anniversary of the…
Hong Kong protests cause collapse in visitors from mainland China
A study by ForwardKeys, the travel analytics firm, has revealed that the number of mainland Chinese visitors coming to Hong Kong by air has dropped by 53.3% from 1 July until 23…
World’s largest cruise ship to sail from Shanghai in 2021
Royal Caribbean's president and CEO, Michael Bayley, has revealed at a cruise conference in Shanghai, the company's fifth Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas.
US-China trade war weighs heavily on air cargo
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne-kilometres (FTKs), contracted by 3.9% in…
Chinese tourists increase by 33% in Cambodia
Cambodia attracted 1.7 million Chinese tourists during the first eight months of 2019, up 33% over the same period last year, according to its Tourism Ministry’s latest report. The…
Cruise news: First floating cabanas in the Bahamas and more
This week in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean introduces the first floating cabanas in the Bahamas, Windstar announces its 2021 Alaska season and more.
The dragon power: China’s outbound travel expenditure tops USD 127.5 billion
The outbound travel expenditure of Chinese travellers reached USD 127.5 billion in the first half of 2019, more than half of which was spent in Asian destinations, according to the…
Merlin plans to build the world’s largest Legoland in China
Merlin Entertainments, the second-largest theme park operator in the world, announced that it plans to build Legoland Sichuan in China, the largest Legoland in the world. The company has…
Kerala first state to partner with China Ready programme
In a bid to increase the tourist footfall from China, Kerala has become the first Indian state to partner with the China Ready programme, which has already been conducted in 48…
The rise of the Asian passport
Asia’s dominance appears to be unfaltering in the passport power stakes as Singapore and Japan share the top spots. Entering into the final quarter of 2019, Japan and Singapore continue…
Korean Air launches new routes into China and the Philippines
Korean Air has announced a tranche of new routes this week, including flights to Clark, in the Philippines; Nanjing, in China on 27 October. As well as, both, Zhangjiajie and Hangzhou,…
Dusit continues China expansion with third hotel in Changzhou
The highly anticipated Dusit Thani Wujin Changzhou hotel has opened to the public in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, offering 230 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. The third…
China to make 800 million domestic trips on national holiday
Chinese tourists will make nearly 800 million domestic trips and another 7.5 million overseas trips during the upcoming week-long National Day holiday, according to a report by Ctrip.…
Unstoppable: Global hotel pipeline soars to new heights
Provider of global hotel intelligence Lodging Econometrics (LE) has compiled construction pipeline counts for every country and market, revealing a record high of rooms around the world.
Travellanda bets big on China and LATAM
Travellanda, the wholesale travel company in the UK, has appointed two new sales and business development managers to help it expand into the Chinese and Latin American (LATAM) markets.…
Hong Kong hotel prices slump to USD 9 per night!
As pro-democracy protests never seem to cease, Hong Kong hotels raised the white flag and asked appealed to the government for support as hotel rates slid down to USD 9 a night on weekdays.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts unveils growth plans at first global conference
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries, has outlined growth plans to advance its position during its first global conference as an…
China Eastern unveils 5G travel system at Beijing airport
China Eastern Airlines, China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have joined forces to launch a 5G smart travel service system at the new Beijing Daxing International Airport. 5G enabled…
Hunan tourism festival takes centre stage
The 2019 Hunan International Culture & Tourism Festival opened with the showcase of many diverse opportunities for tourism the Hunan Province is able to offer.
This year also…
China Southern signs pact with Qatar Airways
China Southern Airlines has signed a code share agreement with Qatar Airways, effective from 15 January 2020 subject to governmental approval. As the first step to strengthen the…
Beijing’s Universal theme park to open in 2021
The Universal Beijing Resort has announced the park will open in 2021, bringing China another major international theme park. The park will be the largest Universal theme park in the…
China’s online hotel reservation industry continues to rise
According to the latest report from mobile Internet big data monitoring platform Trustdata, China's online hotel reservation market continues to rise.
Shenzhen airport sees jump in passenger traffic as Hong Kong declines
The Shenzhen airport in southern China reported significant rises in both passenger and cargo traffic, presenting a stark contrast to the airport in neighbouring Hong Kong. The disparity…
First-ever Business Travel MICE procurement event strengthens ITB China’s positioning
The recently organised Business Travel MICE Procurement Conference 2019 - Shanghai Station, jointly hosted by China BT MICE and ITB China, attracted 300 senior industry attendees from…
More Chinese opt for travel during family reunion festival
An ever-increasing number of Chinese celebrated the mid-autumn festival, a traditional holiday for family get-together by travelling. This was revealed by data from online travel agency…
Survey Result: Young Chinese Travelers Journey
China outbound is a very fragmented market but young Chinese travelers is always a very important segment for overseas tourism operators. It is because in general, this is the segment that…
Hot hotel openings: Rosewood’s new “mansion in the sky” and more
On this week’s round-up of hot hotel openings, we’re taking a look at Rosewood’s sky-high property in Guangzhou, a luxury lodge in the Arctic Circle and more.
Radisson Blu debuts in Hangzhou
Radisson Blu has expanded its portfolio in China with the opening of its first hotel in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province. Radisson Blu Hangzhou Xintiandi is located in the…
Alipay and Fliggy join hands to grow Chinese tourism to San Diego
Alipay, digital payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group (Alibaba Group) and Fliggy, Alibaba’s travel services platform, announced a collaboration with Brand USA and the…
Airbus deepens China commitment with AVIC deal
Airbus has reaffirmed its commitment to a long-term strategic partnership with China’s aviation industry. As part of the move, the company has signed a new agreement with Aviation…
Marriott’s Na Lotus Hotel opens in China
Marriott has opened a new hotel under its Luxury Collection brand, in the capital of Guangxi Province, Nanning. The new opening marks the brand’s eighth property in China.
Na Lotus…
Shandong Airlines-Sabre deal to drive intelligent retailing in China and across Asia
Sabre Corporation announced that China-based carrier Shandong Airlines is the latest to select several intelligent retailing solutions from the Sabre Commercial Platform. Under this…
China sees 735 million railway trips this summer
An ever-increasing number of Chinese travellers have been travelling in rail this summer. A total of 735 million railway trips in China were made from 1 July to 31 August, up by 10.4%…
Asia’s top ten cities for meetings & events
CWT M&E, CWT’s MICE division, has unveiled its top ten of the best locations for holding meetings and events in the Asia Pacific, ahead of the publication of WT’s 2020 Meetings &…
Hong Kong turmoil benefits Singapore MICE, hotels
The political unrest in Hong Kong proves to be beneficial for Singapore’s MICE and hospitality industries.
Air China boosts Bangkok flights
Air China will start a new flight from Wenzhou in China to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. The new service will start on 3 November and will continue until 31 March. Using a 180-seat…
Didi Chuxing to roll out self-driving car in China
China-based ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing plans to roll out self-driving vehicles in a district of Shanghai city. The company also aims to expand the scheme outside China by 2021.
China’s hotel construction pipeline continues to expand despite economic slowdown
Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) reported that at the end of the first half of 2019, China’s total construction pipeline swelled to 2,991 projects or 592,884 rooms, up 19% by…
Genting Cruise Lines unveils new chapter with Global Dream
Genting Cruise Lines officially announced the name of her first 208,000 gross ton Global Class ship at IBTM China, the nation’s largest business travel and MICE show, in Beijing.…
Luxury Escapes Experiences: Transforming a regular holiday into the ultimate lavish escape
Australian luxurious travel operator Luxury Escapes recently launched Experiences, which is a curated collection of handpicked, in-destination activities.
US to incur USD 11 billion loss in tourism receipts
The US could see nearly 2 million fewer Chinese visitors because of hostile trade relations, travel advisories and rising currency exchange rates. Chinese tourist arrivals to the US has…
ITB China to host inaugural Business Travel MICE Procurement Conference in Shanghai
ITB China, the largest B2B-exclusive travel trade show in China announced that it will be organising the first edition of the ‘Business Travel MICE Procurement Conference – Shanghai…
China records surge in travellers to central and eastern Europe
China saw rapid growth of tourists going to central and eastern European countries in the first half of the year, thanks to the opening of more direct flights, according to a new report…
6 countries with the most restrictive firewalls
Though most countries around the world allow VPN use, some consider VPN services undesirable or even illegal. Below are the six tourist destinations with the most internet restrictions.
Ctrip gets nod for acquisition of 42.5% stake in MakeMytrip
Indian regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 42.5% of outstanding voting shares in MakeMyTrip by Chinese online travel agency (OTA) Ctrip.…
China’s domestic arrivals to grow 8.8% in 2019
According to a report released by China Tourism Academy, domestic visitor arrivals are expected to grow 8.8% to reach 3.08 billion in the first half of 2019. All together generating…
ITB China joins hands with World Culture and Tourism Forum in Xi’an
ITB China, the B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, has become a strategic partner of the 2019 World Culture and Tourism Forum to be held on 22-25 October in Xi'an, China.
Under…
Japan becomes first overseas market for Mafengwo
Mafengwo, China-based travel information site, announced its entry into the Japanese market. Listing about 10 million travel content a month, including destination guides or…
China Eastern uses AI to improve experience
State-owned China Eastern Airlines is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the customer experience, using the technology’s ability to handle huge amounts of data to tailor…
Skyscanner to shut stand-alone local recommendations app
Skyscanner, owned by Chinese travel giant Ctrip, will close Trip by Skyscanner next month, marking the end of the user-generated travel planning mobile app and website founded in 2010…
Is Hong Kong safe? The impact of pro-democracy protests on tourism
Over two months of occupying the streets with no peaceful conclusion in sight, Hong Kong extradition and pro-democracy protests put the country’s tourism in peril.
WebBeds to boost international visitor arrivals to Sichuan
WebBeds has sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sichuan Tourism Investment JinJiang Hotel (STIJH) to promote the south-western Chinese province across its global network of…
China’s first tax-free store at cruise arrivals to open in Shanghai
China will ramp up its policy support for Shanghai, the nation's first pilot zone for cruise tourism, to attract more international partners and visitors. The eastern city's cruise port…
Hot hotel openings: The Standard arrives in the Maldives and more
In this week’s edition of hot hotel openings, a new ‘standard’ arrives in the Maldives, a 17th-century church transforms into a lifestyle hotel, Taco Bell hotel opens and more.
China Southern and American Airlines in lounge-sharing deal
China Southern Airlines has launched a programme of airport lounge-sharing with American Airlines starting from August. Both carriers will provide their self-managed lounges to the other…
Ctrip bats for Sicily in China
Ctrip has announced a strategic partnership with Sicily that promises to bring a bigger share of the world’s largest outbound tourism market to the Mediterranean island.
Tourism is a…
Chinese tourists spend USD 130 billion overseas in 2018
Chinese tourists made 149 million overseas trips in 2018, with total spending amounting to USD 130 billion. The data marked a year-on-year increase of 14.7% and 13%, respectively. This…
Expedia group sees growth in Chinese visitors to UAE
According to the latest data compiled by Expedia Group from the second quarter of 2019, the number of travellers visiting UAE from China has grown significantly. Industry leaders are…
Two thirds of travellers prefer fellow nationals over anyone else
Following a recent study, by online travel agent Agoda, it has been discovered that, in a majority of countries surveyed, citizens prefer the company of their compatriots on holiday. …
Taiwan on China solo travel ban: “Tourism shouldn’t be politicized”
Taiwan has responded on China’s travel ban on solo travel permits for Chinese tourists saying that it is Beijing’s move in manipulating the upcoming presidential elections in the self-ruled…
China Eastern debuts world-first smart luggage tags
Shanghai-based carrier China Eastern Airlines has launched the world’s first battery-less electronic luggage tag.
“The battery-less luggage tag, which has been jointly developed by…
Which wonder of the world is most popular on social media?
Throughout the years, there have been several lists of World Wonders that were compiled from ancient monuments to wonders of the present day.
IndiGo to enter Vietnam, expand in China
After rapidly expanding its presence in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, IndiGo plans to add destinations such as Hanoi and Chengdu to its flight schedule from September quarter…
Huatian pours USD 310 million into China’s Okay Airways
Chinese low-cost airline Okay Airways, has secured CNY 2.1 billion (USD 310 million) from its parent company Huatian Investment, after the latter changed its majority shareholder.…
China’s WeChat enables in-flight mobile payment
China’s popular social media platform WeChat has made in-flight mobile payment possible by post-landing settlement. WeChat Pay has rolled out a pilot in-flight mobile payment service for…
Sri Lanka to issue free visas for Chinese tourists
In a bid to attract one of the biggest source markets of outbound travellers in the world, Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal from the Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry to…
China’s VariFlight poised for global expansion, partners with Amadeus
Travellers in China are used to frequent flight delays, leaving holidaymakers with disrupted itineraries and business travellers missing appointments with customers. Putting an end to…
China and US continue to drive global travel
Mainland Chinese are travelling overseas for business and leisure in greater numbers than ever before according to Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index.The recently released…
Malaysia adds entry points for visa on arrival for Chinese travellers
In a bid to attract more Chinese visitors, Malaysia has announced it will grant visa-on-arrival to six more entry points for Chinese tourists. The home ministry of Malaysia announced the…
“It’s never too late”: Inside the mind of a hotel concierge
In this exclusive interview with Massimo Delnegro, guest experience agent at Four Seasons Hotel Milano, we talk about time and its potential to create lasting memories.
8 dark tourism destinations you need to see at least once
Visiting a concentration camp or radiation zone may not seem like everyone’s idea of a holiday but dark tourism sites are drawing millions of people around the world every year.
China’s CITS to invest USD 1.9 billion on world’s largest duty-free haven
A subsidiary of tour operator China International Travel Service (CITS) will spend CNY 12.9 billion (USD 1.9 billion) to build the world’s largest duty-free centre in China’s southern…
Cebu Pacific connects with ‘China’s Silicon Valley’
Cebu Pacific has extended its network on mainland China with the launch of its direct commercial service between Shenzhen and Manila, responding to increased customer demand for leisure…
The Sanya EDITION unveils summer art camp
Cashing in on the summer holiday season, the Sanya EDITION, located on China’s super-luxe Hainan island, is offering unique family getaways this summer. The hotel which is home to a kids…
Mafengwo targets Gen Z Chinese travellers, unveils road trip offerings
Chinese travel website Mafengwo has unveiled a new category of road trips and 12 classic itineraries for destinations in China and abroad. The company also announced its plan to provide…
PATA expands knowledge of the outbound Chinese MICE market
Travel and tourism industry pro's seeking to expand their knowledge of the industry now have a better understanding of the Chinese outbound tourism and MICE market after attending the…
Air China places order for 20 Airbus A350-900s
Air China has struck a sale agreement for 20 Airbus aircraft at a cost of approx USD 6.54 billion. The carrier said, the planes of the wide-body A350-900 type, were set to be delivered…
Chinaboo: A deeper look at Chinese tourism in SEA
Chinese tourists are ubiquitous across the globe. Anywhere you turn, Chinese is present; even in the most remote tourist area in Africa. It could almost be said that there is no tourist spot…
Accor Greater China celebrates diversity
Accor recently celebrated Diversity and Inclusion Week for the second consecutive year in Greater China. Through Diversity and Inclusion Week, Accor showcased the four pillars of its…
China summer bookings jump manifold in Airbnb Plus
Airbnb Plus, an up-market tier of homestay rentals platform Airbnb, has had a more than six-fold increase in summer bookings for China amid surging demand.
Destinations close to…
China Southern Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-900
China Southern Airlines has taken delivery of its first of 20 A350-900 becoming the newest operator of this latest generation and highly efficient twin-engine, long-range widebody…
Greater visa-free access to benefit Hainan
China will offer greater visa-free access for foreigners to its southernmost province of Hainan, in its latest move to support the construction of the Hainan pilot free trade zone (FTZ)…
Chinese tourism in UK up by 133% – TripAdvisor
A new travel trends study by TripAdvisor reveals that travellers from China are on the rise, and show no sign of slowing when it comes to visiting the UK.
Watch out for cultural extravaganza at Hong Kong Airport
A four-month long festival titled Art, Culture and Music at the Airport 2019 kicked off at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Passengers from around the world will be presented with…
Hot hotel openings: “The majesty of the past with the pulse of the present”
In this week's list of hot hotel openings, bold and modern brands are debuting in the most sought-after heritage destinations.
UmrahHolidays forays in China with two key partnerships
WebBeds, the world’s second largest business-to-business (B2B) accommodation provider, has announced the signing of two landmark partnership agreements that are expected to significantly…
Radisson and Jin Jiang deal for loyalty programme
Radisson Rewards, the global rewards programme of Radisson Hotel Group, announced an exciting new collaboration with WeHotel, the global hotel booking platform for Jin Jiang…
Finnair grows operations in China
Finnair has added capacity to Beijing with three weekly flights to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, which opens for operation on 30 September 2019. Finnair will operate to…
Design concept for ‘cruise terminal in a nature park’ unveiled
Berenblum Busch Architects, a Miami-based global design firm, has unveiled its design for Carnival Corporation’s first cruise terminal in Japan.
Shangri-La becomes Ctrip’s first globally certified hotel group
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Group announced it has earned the global certification of Ctrip's new China Preferred Hotel Program (CPH).
The iconic Asian luxury hotel group is the first…
OYO partners with Meituan Hotels to extend reach in China
OYO Hotels and Homes has announced a year-long strategic partnership with Meituan, one of China's leading e-commerce platforms.
China among top long-haul destinations for UK travellers
China is among the most popular long-haul destinations for travellers in the UK this summer. This was revealed by a recent study by Travelport. As of 14 June 2019, close to 30,000…
OYO now has 500K rooms in China; to invest USD 100m
OYO Hotels & Homes has announced that it has now become the largest single hotel brand in China and continues to maintain the second spot at the hotel group level in the country.
Meituan, Compass Hospitality pair up to lure Chinese tourists
China’s e-commerce platform for services Meituan and Bangkok-headquartered Compass Hospitality Hotel Group inked a strategic cooperation agreement that aims to provide convenient, safe…
Watch out for China Aviation and Tourism Forum this October in Beijing
Integrated marketing company specialized in the tourism industry, Travel Link, announced that AT@China, the first aviation and tourism forum in China will be held in Beijing on 24-25…
Hotelbeds unveils Maxiroom for Chinese market
Spain-based global bedbank Hotelbeds has launched the Chinese version of hotel extranet MaxiRoom. It is designed to control and maximise hotel occupancy rates through Hotelbeds’…
Cathay Pacific upgrades long haul first and business class
Cathay Pacific is going an extra mile for its first and business class passengers starting in October.
Hyatt, BTG Homeinns unveil China-centric brand UrCove
Hyatt Hotels and Chinese hotel company BTG Homeinns Hotels Group revealed the name of their upcoming upper-midscale brand, UrCove, at the recent Chinese Hotels and Tourism conference.…
Jayride continues global expansion, now live in China
Jayride’s global rollout is now in its final stages with the company announcing it has launched transport services at more than 130 airports throughout China, Russia and six other…
Battling Yourself: OYO Rooms CEO Ritesh Agarwal on how to succeed in China
Within a span of 18 months, OYO is now the second largest hotel chain in China boasting 450,000 rooms in 10,000 OYO hotels present in 320 cities. The fast-growing hospitality start-up is…
Lucky Air launches flights from Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport to Kunming
Lucky Air, the Chinese airline, started direct scheduled service between St. Petersburg, Russia and Kunming, China. Both the destination and the carrier are a new addition to the…
Travel Daily Jobs launches location-based search
Travel Daily Jobs, an online career platform for travel and hospitality professionals, recently launched a location-based search that shows job listings nearby the user.
Mandarin Oriental celebrates 10 years of wellness at its luxury spas worldwide
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is celebrating 10 years as a leader in wellness at its luxury spas worldwide.
To celebrate innovation in wellness, the group is offering complimentary…
‘Bee hotels’ are the latest buzz for over 2 million honeybees
Over two million well-travelled honeybees are now staying at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts around the world as part of its Bee Sustainable program.
Enter the Dragon: IndiGo’s China Delhi-Chengdu route
IndiGo is set to start a daily non-stop flight on the Delhi-Chengdu route from September 15 onwards. While also operating to five other international destinations in Asia, this flight…
China’s hotel pipeline intensifies, up 15% by projects
Analysts at Lodging Econometrics (LE) have reported that China’s hotel pipeline continues to expand 15% by projects and 8% by rooms year-over-year (YOY).
Accor to debut MGallery in Hong Kong with ‘silver’ hotel
Accor has announced MGallery's first hotel in Hong Kong scheduled to open towards the end of 2019 — The Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery.
Travelsky: “Chinese tourists say ‘ni hao’ to modern flight shopping”
TravelSky and ATPCO have announced that China’s largest GDS signed a five-year deal for both ATPCO’s pricing and shopping content.
TravelSky is currently testing all three rich content…
IndiGo daily flights between Kolkata-Hong Kong soon
IndiGo is enhancing its point-to-point connectivity with the launch of a daily non-stop flight on the Kolkata-Hong Kong route. Effective from 20 August 2019, IndiGo will operate its…
Cruise news: Tahiti holidays, voyages on The Gauguin and more
On our cruise radar this week, we’re seeing Saga Travel’s second ship for the British market, new cruises to Europe, holidays in Tahiti and more.
India eases business visa regime for China
As bilateral trade between India and China inches towards the USD 100-billion mark for the first time, India has liberalised the business visa regime for Chinese citizens.
Accor hits “record six months” with 1,100th hotel in APAC
With the launch of the new Sofitel Beijing Central, Accor has hit the 1,100-property mark — bringing its APAC portfolio to more than 210,000 rooms.
World domination: OYO schemes to rule the world
Entering new markets and dominating new territories, OYO, it seems, has plans to rule the world (the hospitality world, that is). Here’s an overview of what the company has been up to…
Scotland China Ready Tourism Conference unveils its China Champions
The second annual Scotland China Ready Tourism Conference is all ready to take off at Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria on 11 June, a serendipitous date which aligns with the one-year anniversary…
40% year-on-year increase of Chinese reservations root of Hotelbeds European success
Bedbank Hotelbeds unveiled its latest overview of the non-domestic bookings that the B2B sales platform offers to its European hotel partners today. The Spanish firm was able to confirm that…
Radisson Blu opens ‘urban resort’ in Shanghai’s CBD
Radisson Blu continues to expand in China with Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai, an urban resort in the rapidly-expanding Hongqiao business district.
Chinese tourism in US slows down as tourists travel closer to home
According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, Chinese tourism to the US fell by 5.7% in 2018 to 2.9 million visitors. In comparison, the US welcomed more than 3 million Chinese…
Inspired by the Orient: Royal Caribbean sails to China and Japan
Royal Caribbean International has announced new sailings to China and Japan, with two of its ships designed especially for excursions at the Orient.
OYO, Ctrip sign strategic partnership
OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal has announced at the Skift Forum that OYO and China’s OTA juggernaut Ctrip formed a strategic partnership.
Hot hotel openings: Breaking ground in paradise, transformations and more
From Four Seasons’ beachfront paradise in Los Cabos to The Whitley’s multi-million-dollar transformation — here are the latest news on the hottest properties you should know about.
“Robots will remain as a gimmick”: The real tech trends by Amadeus
Tech firm to the travel industry Amadeus has gathered insights from industry leaders on which tech trends they think will have the most significant impact.
OYO becomes the second-largest hotel group in China
After recently announcing its foray into Europe, OYO Hotels & Homes has made another bold statement — that in a span of 1.5 years, it has become the second-largest hospitality group in…
Raffles brings “illustrious hotel collection” to China and the Maldives
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced the official launch of two new landmark hotels, Raffles Shenzhen and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.
Thailand tourism to benefit from the worsening US-China trade war
Thailand tourism sector is expected to gain from the aggravating trade war between US and China as mainland tourists are looking to shorten their long haul flights to visit closer…
Hot hotel openings: JW Marriott’s USD 320m transformation and more
From a waterfront retreat in the Hamptons to a city hotel inspired by Thomas Edison in Hong Kong — here are this week's hot hotel openings from around the world.
JW Marriott Marco Island…
Shanghai boon: Finnair joins forces with Juneyao Air
Finnair continued to ratchet up the reach of its China Network today when it announced it had begun its new Finnair codeshare cooperation with the Shanghai based carrier Juneyao Air.
As…
China Tourism Training programme launched to grasp Chinese travellers
The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) has joined hands to offer a new…
When tech fails the travel industry
There is no doubt that technology made travel easier and faster – from planning to the actual trip. However, there are times when technology was unable to nail a solution to an existing…
CEO of Dubai-based JA Resorts & Hotels speaks on China expansion
To get more details on JA Resorts & Hotels' expansion plans in China, we got in touch with the company's CEO, Anthony Ross.
Move beyond: Cathay Pacific announces new “leadership mindset”
Cathay Pacific is 'moving beyond' by introducing new offerings, routes and upgrades to its digital platforms.
Hot hotel openings: MGallery relives the Samurai era and more
On this week’s hot hotels round-up — we’re mixing it up with newly-launched properties in Kyoto, Venice, Bangkok and Zhanjiang.
Cor blimey: David Beckham and Sands’ USD 2.2 billion launch of The Londoner Macau
David Beckham joined executives from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Ltd on stage at The Venetian hotel in Macau yesterday, to bring some extra razzle-dazzle to the company’s USD 2.2 billion…
Huangshan Tourism promotes ‘Yellow Mountains’ in NYC
Huangshan Tourism Promotion has debuted at the United Nations headquarters in New York, to promote and celebrate Mt Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountains.
5 baby-friendly destinations
It is super cost-friendly to travel with a baby, with flight tickets for babies costing only 10% of the adult fare. Contrary to popular belief, travelling with babies is not a painstaking…
Hot hotel openings: A landmark in the ancient Chinese capital and more
This week on hot hotel openings, we've listed down some of the newest properties from Sofitel, Four Seasons, St Regis and NH Collection.
Travel tech this week: DXB Entertainments new B2B platform and more
This week, travel booking sites eSky and DXB Entertainments moved forward with their businesses. Meanwhile, UDrive and Rentals United received millions of funding.
JA Resorts & Hotels: “We are targeting 27% of China’s population”
Dubai’s homegrown hospitality brand, JA Resorts & Hotels, has announced its expansion into China through a joint venture.
International Living: Smart strategies for budget travel in retirement
According to a new report from International Living, with the right money-saving strategies, overseas travel isn’t just affordable, it can cost less than staying home.
Italy becomes official partner destination of ITB China
The Italian National Tourism Board has announced that Italy is now the official partner destination of ITB China, set to take place in Shanghai.
Sports tourism: ITB China taps JTB Group as sports travel grows
JTB Group has been chosen as the official Sports Travel Partner of ITB China, taking place from 15 to 17 May 2019 in Shanghai.
Air China triples daily flights between London and Beijing
Air China, the country's major carrier to the UK, has introduced the new Airbus A350-900, operating on its London Heathrow to Beijing route.
Trip.com upgrades loyalty benefits with TripPLUS
Trip.com, the international brand of Ctrip Group, has announced the official launch of a new rewards program entitled TripPLUS.
How I learned how to avoid all humans with Sabre’s Frank Trampert
Earlier this year Sabre released their predictions for the travel trends which they believed would appear and gain traction through 2019 and beyond. Dubbed ‘Avoid all Humans’ the report…
Why luxury travel shouldn’t ignore Baby Boomers
The travel industry is talking about Millennials and Generation Z constantly calling them the "new breed of travellers" creating a groundbreaking impact on the industry. However, we…
The rise of super apps and why they are a bigger threat than Google
If we compare the travel industry to the Amazon jungle, I think of Google as the crocodile or anaconda, the ferocious predator on top of the food chain patiently waiting to ambush its prey,…
Booking.com: The barriers we face to making sustainable travel choices
Nearly half (45%) of US travellers report being more determined to make sustainable travel choices than they were a year ago, but barriers include a lack of knowledge and available or…
ITB China announces Air China as new partner airline
Air China will be the partner airline of ITB China 2019 marking the first time that China’s national flag carrier will hold this title.
The fastest-growing operator in China according to Asian Sky Group
Business jet management company Sino Jet is now the fastest growing operator in China according to statistics released by Asian Sky Group at ABACE2019.
Taiwan sees rising growth in Indian visitorship
Taiwan is increasingly becoming the destination of choice among Indians, with a recent report revealing a year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals (+41% to 3,608) from India in February.
5 reasons why the travel industry is always talking about China
The travel industry is obsessed with Chinese travellers trying to attract millions of travellers.
Marriott 7000th hotel reflects the “tremendous opportunity in Asia”
Hospitality giant Marriott International, has announced this morning the official launch of The St. Regis Hong Kong, the company’s 7, 000th hotel. The opening of the 27-story luxury property…
ITB China 2019: Bahamas to capitalise on island travel growth
The Bahamas have been confirmed as the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 15 – 17 May 2019, in Shanghai.
For the very first time, the…
Cruise news: Tulips, terminals, tours of the Nile and more
On our cruise radar this week, we’re seeing companies build new terminals, focus on the Chinese market, unveil new brochures and more.
Going green: Data reveals greenest countries in the Asia-Pacific
Analysing a wide range of environmental data sources, information provider ValueChampion has ranked the greenest countries in the region.
How it’s possible to travel to fictional places… in real life!
On The Go Tours has compiled 15 of the most popular fictional places from TV and film to provide travellers with real world alternative destinations.
Marriott takes on mission to have 1000 hotels in Asia by 2020
Marriott International unleashed its vision to open up 1000 hotels in APAC by the end of 2020 this morning. With an existing 710 properties in 23 countries, the plan is already well under…
Accor launches Pullman Baotou in Inner Mongolia’s developing CBD
Pullman, Accor’s premium brand, has announced the debut of Pullman Baotou, its first property in North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
AirAsia sets to fly Kuala Lumpur-Quanzhou route
AirAsia has announced it is set to fly to Quanzhou in Fujian, China with a daily direct service from Kuala Lumpur commencing 1 May 2019.
Top 5 regions best explored by rail
Travel activities and services booking platform Klook revealed that rail services bookings increased by more than 150% from 2018 to 2019.
Hotels.com: Passion for travel is on the rise, highest since 2004
According to the latest data from Hotels.com, there has been a 3% increase in global accommodation prices, reaching levels not seen since 2004.
A solar story: Four Seasons absorbs heat in the Maldives
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has connected its first RoofSolar inverter, one of the Maldives' largest resort-based solar installations.
Get connected with Ascott’s tech-driven new brand
The Ascott Limited has announced the launch of a collection of business hotels, specialising in short-stay bookings and providing guests with a “chic living experience in vibrant city…
Aviation round up: Iron chef’s, Vegas and Cathay snaps up HK Express
This week’s collection of stories descending from on high features a headline grabbing purchase, an Iron Chef and, of course, new routes.
Adventure travel to become “global driving force” in Chinese market
Findings of the ITB China Travel Trends Report has revealed that China is expected to become a global driving force within the adventure travel sector.
Dream Cruises unveils new ‘Godmother’ at Explorer launch
With the role of women in society, culture and business honoured with the World Women’s day earlier this month, Dream Cruises has signed up trail-blazing Chinese designer, Grace Chen, as its…
China’s hotel construction pipeline hits all-time high
According to analysts at industry consulting partner Lodging Econometrics, China's hotel construction pipeline remains strong with record-breaking figures.
“Customised touchpoints”: The Outpost Hotel at Sentosa joins SLH
Global luxe accommodation group Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has announced that The Outpost Hotel at Sentosa is now a member of their properties.
737 MAX Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System: Could the craft’s new safety tech be the reason for its failure?
Initial findings have found “similarities” between the two accidents related to the anti-stall software of the aircraft. In both cases, allegedly the pilots battled with the craft software…
Mandarin Oriental blossoms in the “beautiful environs” of Beijing
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced its latest property in China’s capital with the opening of Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing.
The Economist: World’s most expensive cities
According to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest research, for the first time, three cities share the title of the world’s most expensive city.
Ctrip, Millennium Hotels sign China-focused distribution deal
Ctrip.com, one of China’s largest integrated travel services companies, has signed an agreement with upscale hoteliers Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR).
Sanya welcomes Russian tourists with “a sense of belonging”
The Sanya Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Bureau has sent a tourism promotion delegation to attend Intourmarket-2019.
RedDoorz to raise USD 50 million in Series B round
Singapore-based budget hotel operator RedDoorz is raising up to USD 50 million for its Series B financing round.
Air China moves direct flight service to London Heathrow
China’s largest air carrier to the UK, Air China, will move its direct service between Chengdu and Beijing from London Gatwick to London Heathrow.
Phenomenal females: Wise words from the top women in travel
In celebration of International Women’s Day, I asked several women holding top positions in the travel industry how they managed to achieve their success and the advice they will give to…
On a mission: AKARYN sets to become ‘single-use plastic’ free
AKARYN Hotel Group, Thailand’s home-grown luxury boutique hotel brand, is on a mission to become a single-use plastic free hotel company by June 2019.
Welcome to the TRIBE: Accor launches midscale segment brand
Accor has announced a new lifestyle brand in the midscale segment, TRIBE, created to focus on style and reshaping the traditional hotel experience.
Here are the top destinations for bleisure travel
Tokyo ranks first out of 26 cities in the region for its combination of business and leisure—or bleisure—appeal for travellers.
New Distribution Capability (NDC) in air travel: Airlines, GDS and the impact on the industry
Two fundamental needs connect all airlines: revenue and passenger satisfaction.
“A story of two loves”: Falling in love with the hospitality business
In this interview, we talk about her passion for the industry, how she handles the workforce and cultivating the proper culture.
Like Chuxing raises ‘tens of millions’ of funding
Chinese car-sharing start-up Like Chuxing reportedly has secured “tens of millions” of dollars for its series B+ round of financing from a group of investors including Ant Financial, the…
Finding the balance with Sabre APAC head of talent acquisition and culture
In a single minute, Sabre supports 5,235 online hotel room shoppers, brings in $454,000 from hotel and air bookings and 132,103 flight searches. The international travel technology company…
Chinese tourists cancel trips to New Zealand to ‘punish’ them
Chinese tourists are cancelling their trips to New Zealand after the country bans Chinese telecommunications company Huawei from operating there last year.
Southeast Asia fights back! How countries battle pollution and overtourism
Bali, Phuket, Halong Bay, and Boracay used to be paradises on earth but now feature throng of crowds, heavy traffic, and shores defiled with trash.
ForwardKeys: Chinese arrivals in EU continue to rise
Data provider ForwardKeys has reported European travel is on the rise despite the slow-down in the Chinese economy and concerns about Brexit.
DoubleTree by Hilton targets APAC in global expansion
Pushing for international growth, DoubleTree by Hilton has its sights set on APAC, placing nearly half of its 200 planned hotels in the region.
Mount Everest base camp closed to tourists for major clean up
China has banned tourists at Mount Everest’s base camp in Tibet due to the ongoing clean-up in the mountainous region.
Roads less travelled: Didi Chuxing expands in South America
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing is reportedly expanding in Latin America based on the job postings and a company official.
Hot hotel openings: “Art, in all its forms, nourishes the human spirit”
From an artsy hotel in the US’ largest urban art district to a patisserie-themed boutique hotel in Rome — here’s the hot list of hotel openings this week.
Didi Chuxing invests USD 100 million in OYO
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing has invested USD 100 million in Indian unicorn Oyo Hotels & Homes. This brings Oyo’s total financing close to USD 1 billion.
Far East tourism surge boosts UK hotels performance
According to Expedia Group’s latest data, UK hotels enjoyed positive growth in 2018 as a result of a surge in visitors, particularly from the Far East.
IHG acquires Six Senses for USD 300 million
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) makes a major move with the USD 300 million acquisition of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
Destination Asia: The top 12 platforms generating Asian booking revenue
Acquisition platform Siteminder, has revealed its annual list of OTA’s and websites which have brought the highest total booking revenue to Asia in 2018.
Hilton opens first upscale international hotel within Chengdu district
Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Chengdu Chenghua, the first and only upscale international hotel within the district.
How to slide into DM’s and elevate the hotel guest experience
TrustYou has announced the release of its latest eBook ‘The Complete Guest Engagement Guide - How Messaging Elevates the Hotel Experience’.
Year of the big data: China installs facial recognition system in Beijing
In what seemed to be an episode from Black Mirror, passengers at the Beijing's high-speed railway station needed to pass through a machine before they board the train.
The State of Voice: Angie Hospitality on how “voice makes sense” in 2019
Hotel tech company Angie Hospitality has published 'The State of Voice 2019' featuring the latest statistics from industry experts.
Building a team is just like baking a cake
Take a strong vision, add a dash of passion and a sprinkling of fun, then top it all off with thoughtful leadership. The recipe for a well-functioning team is simple, yet effective. Get the…
Gym classes replace pub crawls: Wellness tourism in full bloom
Late nights at pubs and clubs when we travel could be a thing of the past and will be replaced by early morning runs and spa appointments. Most companies and organisations predict that…
MICE: When 12 heads are better than one
BestCities Global Alliance, a community of 12 cities around the world, dedicated to the betterment of international conferences and meetings, believes, naturally, that the right partner is…
How The Grand, York raised 130% more revenue from Chinese guests
The Grand, York, recognised an opportunity within the Chinese market and developed a host of tactics to help welcome Chinese guests.
Chinese New Year 2019 “pollution” could worsen Bangkok air
Residents of Bangkok and its nearby provinces have endured hazy days and choking air the past few days that forced schools and child centres to close and people to stay indoors.
Visa pleasers: Thailand makes Chinese entry even easier
Chinese travelling to Thailand can apply for Thai visas via a new online visa application service from 15 February onwards.
Breathe in, breathe out: The new pre boarding ritual
Calm your nerves at Cathay Pacific’s Business Class lounge at The Pier in Hong Kong that just became even more beneficial for mind, body and soul following the opening of The Sanctuary by…
Malaysia’s USD 20bn railway project in limbo
Malaysia’s huge railway project is hanging in a balance. Reports claimed that the country is shelving the project because it cannot afford it.
Egg tarts are set to become an Indian favourite
A usual extension of a work or leisure trip to Hong Kong, Macau has been basking in its glorious shadow for all these years. But it is not too far behind in setting its own identity as a…
CNY 2019: 330,000 Chinese visitors to Thailand to spend USD 314 million
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed up to 330,000 Chinese visitors could be making their way to Thailand to celebrate the Chinese New Year celebration, with a projected…
Beyond the horizon: China World Hotel completes three-year renovation
China World Hotel, a landmark in China’s capital city, has unveiled 126 newly-refurbished rooms and suites, after a renovation that began in early 2016.
AirAsia files MYR 400m counter-claim against MAHB
AirAsia has revealed that it’s seeking more than MYR 400 million (USD 96.73m) in counter-claims against Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
Overcoming the challenges of ‘on-the-go’ waste in airports
Dan Brown, corporate sector director at SWRnewstar discusses some of the waste challenges airports face and more importantly — how to overcome them.
Infographic: The new engine driving Chinese outbound travel
Alipay, in collaboration with Nielsen, has discovered that Chinese tourists from second-tier cities have become the new engine driving the Chinese outbound tourism market, as part of their…
Ascott achieves “unprecedented growth” with 100,000 units globally
Serviced residence operator The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has secured contracts for another 26 properties, boosting its portfolio to 100,000 units globally.
Chinese state firms avoid US and allies trips as much as possible
The tensions between China and United States and its allies are strained more than ever as China advised that some state-run enterprises to avoid business trips to the US and its ally…
‘I look at it like Fedex’ says GolfAsian MD, Mark Siegel
One company taking advantage of the continuing popularity of golf in Asia is Thailand’s GolfAsian. To find out more about how the company has grown, I spoke to the man at helm, managing…
Travel tech this week: It’s raining green for start-ups
This week we saw numerous travel tech start-ups receive millions of funding from different funding rounds. Start-ups rely on investments to foster growth.
Marriott International says Bonvoy-age to old loyalty brands
Marriott International has announced Marriott Bonvoy – the new brand name of its loyalty program.
“Worse than Boracay”: Philippine government calls for Manila Bay rehab
The Philippine government has rallied all stakeholders to work together and be part of history — to rehabilitate the heavily polluted Manila Bay.
Klook and CoopCulture’s “big step” towards digitising Italy
Travel activities, services and tour booking platform Klook, has announced its brand new global partnership with CoopCulture, an official national tour operator in Italy.
The “creative genius” of Gathy and Bensley comes to Hainan
Singapore based Capella Hotel Group and developer partner, China Gezhouba Group, have announced the grand opening of one the biggest launches in Asia for 2019 – the Capella Sanya.
“Culture is the key” says Amadeus’ HR mandarin
With employees always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop their life experiences as much as their career, the responsibility of human resources to find, develop and retain a…
Hidden China: Uncovering secret spots with travel expert Amy Fabris-Shi
Air China has teamed up with travel expert and author Amy Fabris-Shi, who listed the top five places that Brits should put on their 2019 travel bucket list.
Hit the Slopes: Klook reveals top five ski destinations
According to Klook’s internal data, ski-related bookings surged 341% year-over-year when comparing November to December 2017 with the same period in 2018.
Salmon’s homecoming: Raffles Shenzhen ushers 2019 with Grand Ballroom launch
Raffles Shenzhen has unveiled its Grand Ballroom for its inaugural event with more than 800 social elites and professionals gathering at the stunning venue.
NYE hangover: Agoda’s top destinations to ring in the new year
Got a NYE hangover? Agoda has compiled its booking data to reveal the top destinations to ring in the new year from around the world.
5 travel jobs to look out for in 2019
Here are five hot travel jobs to keep an eye out for in 2019, including luxury travel advisor.
Dusit International’s steamy proposition in China’s ancient province
Thailand’s Dusit International has signed an agreement to manage a luxury hot springs resort in Yunnan Province, China.
20 trend reports in 1: What travel will look like in 2019
Flooded with trend reports at the end of the year? TD has a special New Year's gift-- the lord of all trends reports to keep you on top of your game in 2019.
Green mind: Eco lessons from a five-star hotel
The Fragrance Group-owned ibis Styles Hobart Hotel was named as Australia’s first and only 5-Star Green Star certified hotel.
Content + collaboration = success: Podcast with Chirag Gupta, CEO of Deyor Camps
I spoke to Chirag Gupta, CEO of Deyor Camps - India's largest experiential travel company - about staying true to your values for this week's podcast.
Travel tech this week: Google and Airbnb’s new acquisitions and more
This week, we saw travel tech giants acquire smaller companies to fuel their growth and industry leaders drive innovation.
7 reasons why foreign businesses should think twice when investing in China
Last week, Wall Street Journal published an interesting piece claiming that Americans who flocked to China for better opportunities are slowly calling it quits and are flying home.
Rough riders: IATA introduces real-time turbulence forecasting
IATA (International Air Transport Association) has announced the launch of its new Turbulence Aware tool. The new resource has been developed to strengthen carrier’s ability to forecast,…
From pancakes to parrots: Guests expect more from B&Bs these days
Research from Direct Line for Business reveals B&B guests are now expecting more, from accommodating parrots to hardboiled eggs and broccoli spears.
Integrating hardware with ‘heartware’: Tencent partners with Shangri-La Group
Chinese tech giant Tencent and Shangri-La Group have announced the signing of a strategic partnership to deploy ‘Smart Hotel’ solutions.
Europe sees increasing Chinese visitors ahead of ITB China 2019
At ITB China 2019, the rising demand for exhibition space by European destinations reflects the trend of Europe as the top destination for Chinese tourists.
Telephone channel is still king for hotel bookings
With the advent of the latest technology and AI-powered chatbots, use of mobile bookings and other reservation options are becoming popular in hotels. Some hotels have stopped paying any…
Carb on, carb off: China Airlines helps passengers go carbon neutral
China Airlines has announced an “ECO TRAVEL Carbon Offsetting” service that allows travellers to learn about the carbon footprint and emissions generated during their flight.
SBC Travel yearns to streamline payments in travel with blockchain
SBC Travel hasn’t been launched officially yet, but it already gained a lot of traction due to its recent acquisitions.
Radisson Blu expands in central China’s thriving metropolis
Radisson Blu, the upscale hotel brand of Radisson Hotel Group, has opened a new hotel in Zhengzhou, one of China’s fastest-growing cities.
The rise of Danang and Centara’s unique place in the heart of it
Vietnam’s coastal city Da Nang has exploded as a tourist destination. Recent years have seen visitor numbers steadily rising with nearly seven million visitors packing their sun lotion,…
Traveloka co-founder bids goodbye and sparks rumours of internal conflict
Traveloka’s co-founder and chief technology officer Derianto Kusuma has resigned from the company, effective on 30 November, he co-founded after seven years saying “this game is no longer…
Bedroom buddies: Sofitel’s new business class partnership with Hainan Airlines
Accor owned Sofitel has today announced it has got into bed with Hainan Airlines to bring the French based hoteliers range of Sofitel MyBed products to the Chinese carrier’s business class…
Lion Air president hits back at preliminary report into flight JT 610 crash
Following the tragic crash of Lion Air flight JT 610, after just thirteen minutes into its flight from Cengkareng’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on 29 October, a preliminary report…
Guiyang city, China, sees outbound growth rate of 389%: Ctrip travel report
According to the report on 2017 China's Outbound Tourism, jointly released by China Tourism Academy and Ctrip, Chinese citizens made over 130 million outbound trips in 2017, spending USD…
Dolce & Gabbana doomed in China: What travel companies can learn from this
Luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana vanished in China in an instant amid a growing backlash against the brand’s latest ad campaign.
Air China says China is the top travel destination for 24% of Brits
Air China has uncovered that almost a quarter of Brits (24%) have China as their top travel destination on their bucket list.
NDC is like buying a chocolate cake, says Finnair APAC GM
Everybody in the aviation industry is talking about New Distribution Capability (NDC), which has been floating before us since a couple of years now. If you are still struggling to wrap your…
QQ Speed: VisitBritain takes the fast lane with Tencent’s racing game
National tourism agency VisitBritain has collaborated with China-based internet tech and cultural enterprise Tencent on a new 3D racing game QQ Speed.
URC announces luxury hotel in Beijing’s Forbidden City
Urban Resort Concepts (URC) has announced the launch of its latest luxury offering, The PuXuan Hotel and Spa, in Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Sanya set to woo German tourists
The Sanya Tourism Development Commission and TUI Group, the largest outbound tourism wholesaler in Germany, jointly hosted promotional events in Frankfurt and Munich, Germany, to present…
“Independents are the true pioneers of the future in travel”: Preferred Hotels’ MD
Last week in the first part of my interview with Josephine Lim – MD of Preferred Hotels in Southeast Asia -- we discussed what it takes to become a member of the prestigious group and its…
Rocco Forte Hotels unveils biggest expansion plan to date
Rocco Forte Hotels has announced its latest acquisitions — a big step in the group’s most ambitious expansion programme in its history.
ForwardKeys four essential tips to maximise Chinese arrivals
Industry analysts ForwardKeys have revealed their insights into the habits of the Chinese global outbound traveller, unveiling what it believes to be the “four important factors that…
Direct Booking Summit: “China is the Wild West of hotel distribution”
Ahead of the Direct Booking Summit in Singapore next February, Triptease has spoken with Chetan Patel, VP for strategic marketing & e-commerce at ONYX Hospitality Group.
The shopping phenomenon you’ve never heard of just racked up USD 30b in a day
Alibaba did it again! The Chinese e-commerce giant beat its own record at Singles’ Day 11:11 event with USD 30.7 billion total sales during the 24-hour event beating last year’s USD 25.3…
LINE Travel partners with Agoda, Lions Travel, KKday and Tripresso
LINE Travel to be launched in Taiwan from 28 November.
Winter is going? The end of Iceland’s Hollywood Glacier
With Icelandic Svínafellsjökull glacier now considered unsafe due to increased melting, the authorities have stated no one should go there for any reason.
HKTB unveils the Ultimate MICE Guide for Hong Kong’s Old Town Central
Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK), a division of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has unveiled The Ultimate MICE Guide.
Another Lion Air accident on runway during take-off
In a span of little more than a week, two unfortunate incidents befall Indonesian low-cost carrier Lion Air. Following the fatal crash of Lion Air 737 claiming the lives of 189 people,…
Carnival Corporation to nurture growth of the cruise industry in China
Carnival Corporation has announced that its cruise joint venture with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) will launch this week.
ONYX launches landmark 50th property in heart of Shanghai’s new CBD
ONYX Hospitality Group, owners of Amari, Shama and YOO Collection, has announced today the opening of its latest property, the Shama Hongqiao Shanghai.
High speed rail to boost MICE tourism in Macau
With the recent launch of the high speed rail and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HKZMB) Macau further strengthens its place as a relatively cheaper and convenient destination for…
“Capitalise on inbound Muslim travel”, says Tripfez founder
The GDP impact of Muslim travel in Asia is forecast to hit USD 33 billion by 2020, up 27% from USD 26.2 billion in 2017, according to new research unveiled this week.
“We have no intentions of slowing down”: Hilton VP talks Asian expansion
Following the recent debut of Hilton's flagship brand in the Philippines, we caught up with Paul Hutton, VP of operations in Southeast Asia to talk about the hospitality giant's expansion…
“The prime hotel address in Beijing”: Mandarin Oriental to debut in China
Mandarin Oriental has announced that its inaugural property in China, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, will open its doors in early 2019.
The rise of the crazy rich, six-parent Chinese traveller
If your business is still getting the bus loads of typical Chinese travellers, you could be attracting the wrong crowd. There is a new breed of Chinese travellers that are roaming the globe…
Hotelbeds: China source market grows by double digits
Leading bedbank Hotelbeds Group has confirmed the continuation of strong growth in wholesale sales in the Chinese source market.
3-in-1: World’s biggest bridge opens to connect three major Chinese destinations
Travelling from Hong Kong to Macao can be a drag. If everything goes according to plan, the ferry crossing between two of Asia’s premier destinations can be done, in theory, in 55 minutes.
APAC tourism records fastest growth in international tourist arrivals
UNWTO and GTERC have presented its Asia Tourism Trends Report at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao, China.
November: Travel Tech Show MEASA 2018
Travel Tech 2018 is the definitive place for hotels, airlines, travel agencies, tech disruptors and government authorities to talk customer and passenger experience, digital transformation,…
Swych launches Travelex Pay for WeChat
Leading cross-border financial services firm Travelex has partnered with Swych, the global digital gifting platform, and launched Travelex Pay within the WeChat app.
Ctrip and Trip.com pledge to combat illegal wildlife trade
Chinese OTA giant Ctrip and its independent brand Trip.com have pledged to fight illegal wildlife trade.
Qatar Airways Cargo adds Macau to freight network
Qatar Airways Cargo has announced that it has updated its international freight network this week, with the launch of services connecting North America and China.
Alila to open in Wuzhen, China’s 1,300-year old water town
Alila Hotels has announced the opening of its third property in Wuzhen, China scheduled to open in November.
“China remains a priority” as Rosewood adds four to Asian network
Hong Kong based luxury hospitality group Rosewood Hotel Group is stepping up its Asia expansion with the opening of four new properties in China, Southeast Asia and India, they announced…
Ctrip: Online giant opens its first hotel with Rezen Hotels Group
Travel tech company, Ctrip recently unveiled its hotel management brand Rezen Hotels Group at the World Cultural and Tourism Forum. The group aims to bring together top-rated hotels in…
Newly launched: Hilton Taipei Sinban
Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Hilton Taipei Sinban marking its return to the Taiwan market after 15 years.
Crystal Cruises 2021 lineup includes 175 heritage sites
Crystal Cruises has announced its full lineup of 2021 for Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, becoming the first cruise line to announce a complete 2021 deployment.
Artyzen Habitat opens in Shanghai, uncovering gems of the city
Artyzen Habitat Hongqiao Shanghai has opened its doors to welcome travellers visiting Shanghai.
Save more than 50% of your travel budget with Hong Kong Pass
The Leisure Pass Group has launched the Hong Kong Pass, allowing travellers to save money on their budget.
Minor Hotels announces two new M Collection resorts in China
Minor Hotels has signed two new management contracts in China under the company’s M Collection brand of hotels and bespoke travel experiences.
Tiqets and QYER launch WeChat mini-program for museums and attractions
Ticketing platform Tiqets has announced its exclusive partnership with QYER, making it possible to book tickets within the mini-programs using WeChat Pay.
Aviation gives rise to 30.2 million jobs in APAC
With more than 1.5 billion passengers arriving and travelling within APAC, the region has seen an surge in job opportunities with 30.2 million jobs in aviation and related sectors, being…
Bad blood: Thailand’s tourism in peril facing China’s wrath
Do not mess with China as it may cost you a lucrative market of 1.4 billion. Thailand’s tourism industry is in jeopardy after Chinese tourist arrivals dropped for the first time ever.
“Visitation from China grew by 29%” — UKinbound releases Business Barometer results
UKinbound has released its latest Business Barometer results, revealing a surge in growth from the Chinese market in July and August this year.
Dusit International finds its way to China’s ancient water town
Thailand’s homegrown hospitality brand Dusit International has officially opened the doors of Heritage Villas Zhouzhuang.
Ctrip x Splyt = Global mobility for Chinese travellers
Going around during your trip has never been this easier for Chinese travellers as they can now book a ride anywhere through their Ctrip app after the China’s largest travel agency partnered…
Shakespeare’s homes to be recreated in China
No need to travel to England to see Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Shakespeare’s New Place as the two homes will be re-created in the People’s Republic of China.
Transforming tourism with Portier: How does that work then?
Back at the beginning of September I reported news that Vietnamese telecom giant Vinaphone had entered the world of hospitality through a partnership with hotel tech firm Portier…
HK-China high speed rail guns for business travellers
The HK-China high-speed rail has commenced operation on 23 September connecting Hong Kong to 44 destinations in mainland China.
Wingate by Wyndham goes global with three-country expansion
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced the global expansion of its Wingate by Wyndham brand, extending its footprint in three countries with 14 hotels.
Hong Kong Airlines adds Macao to network with new TurboJET codeshare
Hong Kong Airlines has announced the addition of Macao to its growing network, through a codeshare agreement with high-speed ferry services company, TurboJET.
Thailand suffers slow Chinese arrivals based on flight booking data
Thailand is suffering a huge blow with the slowing down of Chinese arrivals following the tragic boat accident in Phuket on 5 July that left 41 dead – all of which were Chinese nationals.
Mentoring, vision and thought leadership with Sushma Panikker Ceasar
Sushma Panikker Ceasar is an expert in leadership development and talent management.
Performance-enhancing AI and data science in hospitality
One hotel provides facial recognition check-in and a chatbot that answers your questions in a couple of seconds, while the latter has only comfortable rooms to offer. What hotel would you…
Dream Cruises’ World Dream sails maiden voyage from Shenzen homeport
World Dream, Dream Cruises’ German-built, premium megaship, departs from the Shekou Cruise Homeport in Shenzhen on 18 September embarking on a journey to the scenic destinations in Vietnam.
Jumeirah Nanjing: “A remarkable destination” says Jumeirah CEO José Silva
Renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in China, crammed with open green spaces, mountains and catalogue of buildings and shrines of historic importance, Nanjing is the tenth most…
50 hotels in Hainan allow guests to pay with their face
Network solutions provider for hotels, Shiji, paired with Alibaba’s Fliggy to integrate facial recognition in 50 hotels in China's Hainan district that speeds up the process of check-in and…
Ctrip drives safety and responsible travel for outbound Chinese tourists
Following a new report dubbed the First Half of 2018 Travel Report- Europe, compiled in partnership with Ctrip, the China Tourism Academy (CTA) and Huayuan International Travel (HuaYuan),…
Alipay’s cash-free spending spree in SG
Mobile payment platform Alipay has announced it’s special “cashless” trip to Singapore, where Chinese tourists to Singapore travelled to the Little Red Dot and endeavoured to cover all their…
Artyzen hotel debuts in Nanjing with 10 more in the pipeline
Artyzen Hospitality Group has announced the opening of Artyzen Sifang Nanjing, the group's first Artyzen Hotels and Resorts property and its second operational hotel in the mainland of…
“Chinese visitors are coming in big numbers to Yas Island”: MeetChina 2018 organisers
The seventh edition of Meet China brought together a host of the country’s top-tier travel buyers and key suppliers from across the UAE.
Radisson: New build to “elevate the level of upper-upscale” in Haikou
Radisson Hotel Group has announced that it will be launching the upscale Radisson Blu brand in Hainan, China with the opening of Radisson Blu Haikou, slated to open by the end of Q2 in 2020.…
Asia driving “fastest growth phase” in Finnair’s history, says CCO
Following news of Finnair’s Asian expansion, which most recently has seen the company boost operations in Japan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, I spoke to Finnair’s chief commercial officer,…
Hong Kong Express responds to Typhoon Jebi disruption
Coming in the wake of the path destruction carved by Typhoon Jebi, Japan’s most powerful storm in 25 years, HK Express has announced the following statement.
Safety: Ride-hailing services’ major blackhole
Chinese ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing suffered a major setback when Delete Didi movement spread across China following the murder of a passenger by one of its drivers.
Radisson plugs into China’s high-tech zones
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the introduction of the Radisson Blu and Radisson brands to central China, with the signing of two new hotels, Radisson Blu Wuhan ETD Zone and Radisson…
Record numbers set to attend MeetChina forum on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Two-day forum on Yas Island – Abu Dhabi is set to welcome 85 top tier travel buyers from China and 75 suppliers from across the MENA region.
NCL’s senior vice president in APAC: Fleet realignment key for success in China
I sat down with Steve Odell to discuss NCL’s Asian strategy, Chinese tourists' growing interest in cruises, new ship Norwegian Bliss, future plans and a whole lot more.
Why hotels in China should strengthen their online bookings
Hotels in China should pay more attention to their online hotel bookings as China’s online hotel reservation industry maintains speedy growth with monthly active users (MAU) reaching 91.09…
Top 10 places Brits want to visit in their lifetime
Online voucher codes company, MyVoucherCodes, has surveyed travellers from across the UK to uncover 10 of their favourite bucket list destinations from around the world.
Looking east: Finnair increases frequency to Japan and China
Wishing not to be left behind, and continuing its strong growth in key Asian markets, Finnair announced it will be adding frequencies on many popular Asian routes for next summer.
Hong Kong Airlines adopts Sabre Branded Fares
Tech provider to the global travel industry, Sabre Corporation, has implemented Sabre Branded Fares for Hong Kong Airlines, giving travel agencies the ability to create tailored offers with…
China Eastern unveils new flight management tech at STX Singapore 2018
Kicking off proceedings with a bang, Sabre Corporation began the first day of its STX conference at the Sands Marina Hotel in Singapore with a joint press conference with China Eastern…
Taking the piste: Club Med reveals the habits of Asian skiiers
Luxury ski firm Club Med has revealed the habits and influences of 5,500 winter sports lovers, across 11 markets in the China and APAC regions, in its 2018 Snow Holiday Report.
SIA unites with Chinese tech powerhouse Alibaba
Chinese giant Alibaba has revealed it is entering the aviation game with an ambitious new relationship with Skytrax's "world's best airline", Singapore Airlines (SIA).
ETOA requests survey participation for Schengen Visa Code
ETOA, the European Tourism Association, has launched a survey in relation to the operation of the Schengen visa process in China and India. The survey is open to industry professionals for…
Lake views from Hyatt’s latest – in Shanghai’s CBD
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the official opening of Hyatt Regency Shanghai Jiading in Shanghai’s Jiading District.
Cross-border selling to and from China: Larry You, Westwin
For this week's podcast, I caught up with Larry You, the marketing manager of Westwin for overseas businesses.
Did you win 3 nights at Royal Kamuela Ubud in a Suite with Balcony!
Luxury meets tranquility at Royal Kamuela Ubud at Monkey Forest. The resort is very close to the main attractions of Ubud and just a short distance from the popular Monkey Forest. With…
‘Underwater’ hotel InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland opens
The mostly below ground property is poised to welcome guests in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Here is why Amadeus bought TravelClick
Leading Global Distribution System company Amadeus described its acquisition of TravelClick as an important milestone for its hospitality business. The former believed that buying the latter…
Novotel Suites Shanghai Hongqiao opens its doors
Novotel Suites Shanghai Hongqiao has opened its doors aiming to target luxury and business travellers.
Chinese millennials’ travel expenditure increases by 80% YoY
A recent Hotels.com research has revealed startling facts about Chinese millennials born after 1990 and their travel habits.
Sabre Corp’s DNA conferences to empower hoteliers across APAC
Tech solutions provider, Sabre Corporation, has announced a series of conferences designed specifically for hoteliers, to empower them and transform the guest experience across Asia Pacific.
JAL and China Eastern sign deal to elevate alliance
Japan Airlines (JAL) and China Eastern Airlines (China Eastern) have signed a deal to further strengthen its partnership by coordinating flights and operations that will improve the…
Gatwick Airport announces Shanghai route with surging long-haul growth
Gatwick Airport has announced a new long-haul connection from London Gatwick to Shanghai, providing additional cargo capacity and more than 70,000 new seats per year.
Early Ramadan linked to drop in APAC passenger numbers
Passenger growth in the Middle East has experienced a decline of -4.5% according to a report from the Airports Council International Asian office.
Capturing luxury Chinese travellers: We talk to Anita Chan, CEO of Compass Edge
Anita Chan, the CEO of Compass Edge, warned me that "the China that you understand is not the real China".
Stage is set for Hong Kong’s first International Cruise and Yachting Festival
Hong Kong’s first-ever cruise and yachting event, International Cruise and Yachting Festival (Hong Kong) 2018 will be hosted at the China Merchants Wharf in Western and the Hong Kong…
China to host first World Food Tourism Conference
The first World Food Tourism Conference will be held in China's Panda paradise Chengdu on 5-6 September 2018 simultaneously with the Travel Trade Market 2018 (TTM).
Co-organised by Europe…
China’s most scenic spot: Red Beach near northernmost coastal city Panjin
"China's northernmost coastline" monument was unveiled at Red Beach National Scenic Corridor in Panjin as a national 4A level scenic spot.
Travel 2 inks deal with Wendy Wu to capitalise on the touring market
Travel 2 has announced a partnership deal with Wendy Wu Tours to increase its collection of tours across the Far East.
Ctrip and Skyscanner report 600,000 global travellers visited Russia for World Cup
OTA giant, Ctrip, the largest in Asia and the second largest in the world, has released the Summer 2018 Global Football Fan Travel Trends Report, developed in partnership with travel search…
Hotelbeds partners with Rezdy to provide real-time bookings
Hotelbeds Group, a B2B provider of services to the travel trade, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Rezdy, a Sydney-based independent booking software, to increase real-time bookings…
Chinese media giant Tencent to invest in Indian budget hotel start-up OYO Rooms
Tencent Holdings Ltd. is in talks to lead a financing round of between US$300 million to US$500 million in Indian budget hotel brand OYO Rooms, valuing OYO at over US$2 billion, according to…
Anantara enters untapped market in Chengdu, China
Anantara Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to diversify its portfolio in China by launching a luxury hotel brand in the Qingyang District of Chengdu with the opening of Anantara Jinsha…
Conrad Bangkok
Never Just Stay. Stay Inspired. If you had 1/3/5 hours to explore Bangkok, what would you do? Make the most of your journey at Conrad Bangkok with our curated list of 1/3/5 experiences.…
Cathay Pacific to launch direct link between Seattle and Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific has announced its new non-stop services, its eighth direct link to the US beginning on 31 March 2019.
Alibaba partners with JR Kyushu to offer scenic rail tours in Japan
Alibaba Group has announced a strategic collaboration with Japan’s Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) to promote railway-themed Kyushu sightseeing tours.
Tujia’s new partnership to cut “disputed orders by at least 90%”
Following news that Tujia, pioneers of the Chinese homestay market, had raised a whopping USD 300 million following the booking platform’s successful round of E funding last year, the…
Chinese carrier Juneyao Airlines unveils new design for Boeing 787
Chinese carrier Juneyao Airlines is scheduled to receive its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner this September, making it the first Chinese private airline to receive a wide-body, long-haul jet…
SLH adds four luxury boutique hotels to its portfolio
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has added four properties to its hand-picked portfolio of luxury boutique hotels, including three newly-opened hotels.
Alibaba and Marriott International introduce facial recognition check-ins in China
With the vision of redefining the future of travel, Alibaba Group and Marriott International have begun testing out facial recognition technology at two hotels in China.
‘Experience England’ makes it easy for Chinese tourists to explore Britain
The partnership dubbed as ‘Experience England’ will offer tailored packages for Chinese tourists looking to visit the cities and other English villages in the countryside.
Austrian Airlines reorganises network to boost US and China connectivity
As of the beginning of October Austrian Airlines will begin an extensive reorganisation of its current service network. The restructure will see international destinations, such as Hong…
HNA Group co-chair’s death could disrupt selling spree
Chinese conglomerate HNA Group is in the midst of selling some of its acquisition and the untimely death of one of the company’s key figures may affect the ongoing deals.
HNA considers selling Radisson Group to repay $100B debt
Chinese conglomerate HNA Group is reportedly considering to sell Radisson Hotel Group to pay its debt.
Regal Hotels partners with Ethiopian Airlines to award frequent flyer miles
Regal Hotels International has formed a strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines to reward hotel guests with benefits through ShebaMiles, the airline’s frequent flyer programme.
AccorHotels opens world’s 500th Novotel
The Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun has opened in South Korea.
World’s “most efficient offline translator tech”, ili, comes to UK
World fastest offline translator ili receives UK launch
Western companies go east: Overcoming the Great Firewall of China
China’s population of 1.4 billion has attracted companies from all over the world. Even a slice of this statistics would do wonders for a company. However, travel tech companies must first…
Ascott celebrates 20th year in China with new properties
CapitaLand’s The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has opened its first property in Nantong and fourth property in Suzhou, increasing its operating portfolio to more than 33 cities across China.
“It’s not just about food it’s about gastronomy tourism,” says CEO Ctrip Gourmet List
Yesterday, I brought to you news that China’s biggest travel company Ctrip had entered the food and beverage market with its first international launch, which took place at the top So…
Four amazing experiences for a summer in Taiwan
This summer, visitors of Taiwan can experience an array of exciting events ranging from summer festivals to culinary exhibits. Here are four of the best experiences tourists can have in the…
Gourmet List: Ctrip’s take on the Michelin Guide launches in Bangkok
Friday nights in Bangkok are rarely pedestrian and tourists, expats and locals can take their pick from a multitude of nightclubs, bars and, of course, some of the world’s finest cuisine…
Robots to take over our airports by 2030
Robots are set to replace the current airport staff and our air travel may soon be devoid of human contact.
Holidays Barometer: A detailed forecast of the world’s travel plans
Europ Assistance, a company that provides healthcare assistance and mobility services, has released the 18th edition of the Holidays Barometer, shedding perspective on the holiday plans of…
The sixth jewel of Bvlgari’s luxury hotel opens in Shanghai
Bvlgari’s latest luxury hotel has finally opened its doors in Shanghai.