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China boosts tourism exchanges with ASEAN via China Guangxi Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference
As a way of deepening cultural and tourism exchanges with ASEAN countries and expanding inbound tourism markets, Chinese tourism officials successfully held the 2025 China Guangxi Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference in two Southeast Asian capitals: Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Between them, the conferences drew in more than 200 participants, including government officials, tourism agencies, airlines, and media representatives from both countries. At both promotion conferences, three inbound tourism routes tailored for Thai tourists and three for Malaysian tourists were also unveiled. Signing ceremonies were held, including the cooperation agreement between the Guangxi Tourism Association and the Thai Travel Agents Association, as well as the Friendly Cooperation Agreement: Mutual Tourists Exchange between Chinese and Malaysia Tourism Enterprises, all aimed at actively promoting inbound tourism from Thailand and Malaysia to Guangxi. Through route launches, agreements signing, and artistic showcases, the conferences comprehensively highlighted Guangxi's abundant cultural and tourism resources. As a key initiative of Guangxi's 2025 Tourism Year Overseas Promotion Plan, the events built a robust bridge for collaboration between Guangxi and Thailand/Malaysia, injecting new momentum into the development of Guangxi as a world-class tourist destination. Cultural showcases At the event venues, artists from the Guangxi Ethnic Orchestra delivered a stunning array of cultural performances. The solo vocal piece Guangxi Ni De Ya (The Wonderful Guangxi) transformed Guangxi's picturesque landscapes into captivating melodies. The folk ensemble Beautiful Zhuang Brocade, featuring traditional instruments like the erhu and pipa, evoked a magnificent tapestry of Zhuang Brocade through its enchanting melodies. The innovative Liu Sanjie's Folk Songs blended traditional and contemporary elements, offering audiences a refreshing artistic experience through the perfect marriage of heritage and modernity. These vibrant performances vividly showcased the rich and diverse cultural charm of Guangxi, earning applause from the audience. Quick results At the Bangkok conference, Thai Travel Agents Association vice-president Viboon Kamontho declared that Thailand hopes to send 100,000 visitors to Guangxi in the near future. To achieve this goal, the association unveiled their Set Off for Guangxi: Thailand Travel Agency Group Tour Programme for 2025 which aims to enhance collaboration with the partners in Guangxi, upgrade tourism products, and promote mutual growth and prosperity. At the Malaysia conference, Guilin Jinyi International Travel Service Co, Ltd and Pinnacle Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd signed a charter flight agreement. This means 178 Malaysian tourists will arrive in Guilin by charter flight on Thursday, 3rd July.
JCB cardholders in China can now do contactless payment for subway rides
Japanese global payment brand JCB Co, Ltd announced that JCB cardholders in China may now use their contactless cards to ride the subway systems in both Shanghai and Beijing without needing to buy tickets in advance. Through this contactless service, JCB cardmembers can simply tap their contactless payment cards at the subway gates or designated readers to pay for fares quickly and conveniently. This user-friendly service is now available for overseas travelers and can be used on all underground lines in both cities. Urban convenience In Shanghai, the service covers all 21 subway lines and 517 stations; in Beijing, it is available on all 29 subway lines and 523 stations. Airport routes are also included, making the service even more accessible and beneficial for international tourists. This initiative marks the first time that contactless subway payment services have been made available to international cardholders in mainland China, further enhancing the travel experience and promoting the adoption of digital payments.
Dida unlocks the travel power of China’s 618 Shopping Festival
Last Wednesday, June 18th marked China's 618 Shopping Day — the country’s second-biggest online shopping event after Singles Day (November 11th) — yet many in the travel industry, outside China, overlook its significance. Dida, a B2B travel distribution platform specialized in outbound Chinese travel, urges global travel stakeholders to wake up to these high-impact consumer moments and adapt their strategies accordingly. "Many travel brands are missing an important opportunity to access the Chinese Market," says Gareth Matthews, Dida’s Chief Marketing Officer. "618 isn’t just about electronics or fashion, it triggers a mindset of deal-hunting, trip planning and summer travel preparation among Chinese consumers. Brands that tune in can ride the wave of demand. Those that don’t, will miss out in this hugely important market.” Dida’s 618 strategy: A playbook in localized innovation Dida exemplifies what smart, localized adaptation looks like with its Japan Summer Campaign, launched to coincide with 618. The campaign highlights: Exclusivity: Over 50 premium hotels in Tokyo and Osaka available only to Dida clients. Seasonality: Offers are aligned with Japan's summer festivals and anticipation for the Osaka Expo. Technology: AI-driven personalization tailors promotions based on user behavior, maximizing conversion. “We saw a surge in demand the moment we linked packages to the Osaka Expo and summer festivals,” explains Matthews. “Our Expo-linked products sold out within 72 hours.” Strategic advice for industry players: For hotels & destination suppliers “618 is the perfect time to turn exposure into bookings,” observes Matthews. “Hotels that create exclusive partnerships with platforms like ours benefit from targeted visibility during the exact moments Chinese travelers are actively searching. Add in perks like platform-specific discounts, room upgrades, or bundled local experiences, and you're not just selling a room, you’re selling relevance. And don’t underestimate the power of flexibility: free cancellation up to a few days before check-in plays directly into Chinese consumers’ 'stock-up now, decide later' mindset during festivals like 618.” For OTAs & travel platforms Gareth Matthews notes: “If you’re not using AI to deliver hyper-relevant options during 618, you’re invisible. Today’s Chinese traveler expects platforms to serve personalized, bookable itineraries in real time, not generic listings. Integrate visa-free travel tags like ‘No Visa Needed!’ to remove barriers and make decisions easier. And don’t miss the chance to run time-limited, flash sales with layered benefits—like discounts, value-adds, and loyalty points—to create urgency during key cultural moments like 618 and Singles Day.” For destinations & tourism boards “Destinations that align with China’s travel calendar win the long game,” points out Gareth. “618 isn’t just a date—it’s a signal. Destinations should time campaigns around key Chinese holidays and plug into platforms that can reach the right segments. We’ve seen incredible traction when we target niche interests—anime culture, luxury shopping, family travel—with themed packages. Combine that with event hooks like the Osaka Expo, and you’ve got a campaign that sells out in days and builds brand equity for the future.” A wake-up call for global travel brands “If you’re in global travel and not building around China’s cultural calendar, you’re not just missing a trend, you’re missing growth,” concludes Dida’s Chief Marketing Officer. “618 is a signal. The winners will be the ones who listen.” And the final reminder from Dida: “618 isn’t just a date — it’s a mindset. If you’re still treating Chinese travel demand as seasonal or secondary, you’re leaving serious growth on the table. Localization isn’t optional anymore — it’s the new baseline.”
China Eastern Airlines to expand reach in Europe with three new destinations
China Eastern Airlines announced the expansion of its flight network in Europe for summer 2025. The announcement comes just as the airline launched a new direct route to the Swiss city of Geneva from its home hub in Shanghai. The maiden flight on the new Shanghai-Geneva route took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Monday, 16th June. This new route flies four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays,and Saturdays; and also has the distinction of being the first-ever direct flight between the two cities run by a Chinese airline. These flights are operated with the airline’s Airbus A350 and A330 units. Other destinations Aside from its new Shanghai-Geneva route, China Eastern’s new Shanghai-Copenhagen itinerary took off yesterday, 17th June. Likewise, the new Shanghai-Milan route will spread its wings on Friday, 20th June. The addition of the three new routes means China Eastern will be flying to 15 European destinations this season.
China grants Indonesians visa-free entry for up to ten days
China now grants Indonesian citizens a visa-free transit stay of up to days, expanding the number of countries eligible for the policy to 55. The visa-free transit arrangement was announced on Thursday, 12th June. Under the new ruling, Indonesian travellers are allowed to enter China through any of 60 designated ports without a visa, provided they hold valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed dates and seats to a third country or region. Eligible travellers can stay in designated areas for up to 10 days. Those allowed entry under the policy may do so for the purpose of tourism, business, family, and exchange-related visits. A necessary move An administration official said the expansion of the visa-free transit policy is an important step toward enhancing China's exchanges and cooperation with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At the same time, it is also expected to help facilitate trade and investment between China and Indonesia, and strengthen the good momentum in bilateral ties. China is Indonesia's largest trading partner. Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, is Southeast Asia's biggest economy. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reported that bilateral trade reached US$147.8 billion last year, a 6.1 percent increase year-on-year. Investment and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries has also thrived, with landmark projects including the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor. It is expected that this new visa-free policy, alongside initiatives such as scholarships and youth exchange programs, will open the gate for the emerging middle class, students and young people in Indonesia to gain a better understanding of China.
Plans announced for Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025
Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has rolled out its plans for the much-anticipated Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025. Chuk Chumno, director-general of the ministry’s Tourism Development and International Cooperation, confirmed the launch of this significant campaign. Developed following Chinese President Xi Jin Ping’s state visit to Cambodia earlier this year, this initiative seeks to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between Cambodia and China. As such, activities held throughout the year aim to attract a larger number of Chinese tourists as a way of deepening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The shared richness of nations According to Chumno, the planned events are set to show off the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of both countries. He said: “These include an international music festival, an international street art festival, a mixed martial arts festival, food diplomacy promotion, and the Cambodia-China International Tourism Conference, among others.” The slate of events also includes a tourism business matching forum, which aims to facilitate deeper collaboration in the tourism sector. This year will also see the exchange of tourism goodwill ambassadors and promote Cambodia-China film tourism through targeted activities, including a planned visit by a Chinese media delegation. An overland expedition from China which will culminate with a tour of the Kingdom was also in the cards; however, relevant details have not been released as of press time. Chumno added that an international music festival, which will be held either in Siem Reap province or Phnom Penh, was also on the slate. As he put it: “It will serve as a cultural exchange between the two countries, showcasing the diversity of our artistic traditions.” In addition, a street art festival will feature a variety of performances, including traditional Cambodian Bassac theatre and Chinese opera, to engage audiences with both cultures.
Air Astana expands its network in China
Screenshot Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana announced the expansion of its China network at a media reception in Guangzhou earlier today, 11th June. The event was attended by Air Astana Group chief executive Peter Foster, Kuanysh Amantay, Minister Counsellor of Kazakhstan, and Air Astana’s regional manager for China and Mongolia Islam Sekerbekov. Foster said of the expansion: "China has always been an important strategic market for Air Astana. The launch of the Guangzhou service marks a significant step in expanding our Chinese route network in line with our long-term growth objectives. Air Astana has a proud reputation for delivering outstanding in-flight service, with passengers from China destined to enjoy high standards of cabin comfort and warm Kazakh hospitality.” A milestone in expansion The recent launch of Air Astana services from Almaty to Guangzhou marked a significant milestone in expanding the airline’s operations to China. The service not only became the fifth direct connection between Kazakhstan and China, but it also represents the first Air Astana flight linking southern Kazakhstan with southern China. This expansion underscores Air Astana’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and fostering closer ties between the two countries. Passengers from Guangzhou arriving in Almaty can enjoy convenient onward connections to destinations throughout Central Asia, the Caucasus, Middle East, South Asia and Europe Air Astana has continuously grown its route network in China since the Almaty to Beijing route was launched over 20 years ago. The airline now operates five routes between Kazakhstan and China: Almaty to Beijing, Astana to Beijing, Almaty to Urumqi, Almaty to Hainan and Almaty to Guangzhou, with a total of 23 weekly flights.
China’s H World Group makes its debut in Laos
Chinese hospitality company H World Group Limited announced its debut into the Laotian market with the signing of four hotel management agreements. These recent signings further advance H World’s international growth strategy by expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia. Held in Vientiane on 29th May, these agreements symbolise H World’s entry into the Southeast Asian nation, thereby cementing its assel-light and global-centric expansion strategy. H World Asia Pacific president Zhu Xiaogang said of the agreements: "Thie signing of four hotels in Laos is an important step for H World in promoting localised management and building a deeply rooted network across the region. We are committed to strengthening our operational capabilities in Southeast Asia and delivering high-quality, full-lifecycle services to our partners. We are confident that these projects in Laos will become the highlights in H World's development in the region.” Collaborative development Located in Vientiane and the historic city of Luang Prabang, the four properties will be developed in collaboration with three investment partners: Lao Kunpeng Industrial Co., Ltd., Yuting Hotel Investment Management Co., Ltd., and KP Construction Sole Co., Ltd. These recent signings fall under H World's core upper-midscale and midscale brands, with projects located in Laos' capital and major tourist destinations. The new developments are as follows: Intercity Hotel Vientiane: Developed in partnership with Lao Kunpeng Industrial Co., Ltd., the hotel will be situated near Wattay International Airport and the Sanjiang Area in Vientiane. Scheduled to open in early 2026, the hotel will offer modern amenities and seamless connectivity. Intercity Hotel Luang Prabang: Invested by Lao Kunpeng Industrial Co., Ltd., the hotel will be located in the historic city center of Luang Prabang. Expected to open in 2027, it will blend local cultural elements with the brand's signature design and functionality. JI Hotel Vientiane Mekong Riverside: Developed by Yuting Hotel Investment Management Co., Ltd., the hotel will be located along the Mekong River in downtown Vientiane. Offering scenic river views and strong accessibility, it is set to open in early 2026. This marks the first JI Hotel in Laos and the second in Southeast Asia, following the opening of JI Hotel Orchard in Singapore. Orange Hotel Vientiane International Airport: Developed by KP Construction Sole Co., Ltd., this project will be located near the airport and the Sanjiang Area. It is expected to open in Q3 2026. This project represents the global debut of the Orange Hotel brand outside China. All three investment partners expressed confidence in the collaboration, citing H World's operational excellence, brand reputation, and digital ecosystem as key drivers for the partnership. They also noted that the cooperation is expected to elevate hospitality standards in Laos and deliver enhanced travel experiences for guests.
Frasers Hospitality expands Modena by Fraser’s brand presence in China
Frasers Hospitality recently announced the expansion of its Modena by Fraser brand presence with two new property openings in Mainland China: Modena by Fraser Shenzhen and Modena by Fraser Wujiaochang Shanghai. Strategically located in two of China's most dynamic cities, the openings demonstrate Frasers Hospitality's commitment to delivering contemporary, design-led accommodation for modern travellers. Frasers Hospitality chief executive Eu Chin Fen said: "The China market is central to our long-term strategy for Asia. Our two new Modena by Fraser properties represent a significant step in strengthening our presence in this region, while allowing us to reinforce our competitive advantage and differentiation with experience-led stays that resonate with today's modern travellers." Company chief operating officer Chew Hang Song added: "These openings reflect our continued focus on operational excellence and local market relevance. The expansion of the Modena by Fraser brand presence in China addresses a clear gap in the extended stay segment, offering apartment-seekers trusted, reliable and purposefully designed living spaces, backed by over two decades of creating homes away from home." Adjusting to residents’ needs Both properties offer flexible living spaces that adjust to residents' needs, such as dedicated white zones that can be used for yoga, gaming, or other activities depending on individual preferences. Practical kitchenettes provide everyday convenience, while communal areas are designed to encourage social interaction. These features are supported by regular community programmes that bring residents together. These elements reflect Modena by Fraser's approach to intuitive living, combining comfort, functionality, and a sense of belonging. The additions of Modena by Fraser in Shenzhen and Shanghai mark the brand's seventh and eighth property in China, representing another step forward in Frasers Hospitality's efforts to deepen its presence in Mainland China and further strengthening its leadership in the extended-stay segment. These properties are part of a larger expansion pipeline, reinforcing the group's commitment to delivering lifestyle-driven residences across the region. Shenzhen: The art of connected living Modena by Fraser Shenzhen, which initially opened on 29th March, brings a refreshed take on flexible urban living in the heart of Luohu District within the Greater Bay Area. The residence features 325 contemporary apartments, ranging from smart studios to spacious two-bedroom units, all thoughtfully designed with multi-functional areas to support both short- and long-term stays. Housed in the distinctive Shennan 1001, a landmark development in Shenzhen designed by London-based PLP Architecture, the tower's spiral façade draws inspiration from traditional Chinese scroll paintings, creating a poetic silhouette on the city skyline. The city's first Modena by Fraser property offers direct connectivity to Hong Kong and is mere minutes away from the Luohu, Wenjindu, and Liantang border crossings, and a short drive to Luohu Port. It is also conveniently connected to the Shenzhen Metro via Lines 2, 5, and 8. Among the lifestyle amenities are a pickleball court, alongside a gym, yoga studio, relaxation lounge, lobby café, and outdoor barbecue area, all designed to support active living and foster a connected community. With its vibrant setting, thoughtful design, and award-winning service, Modena by Fraser Shenzhen presents a fresh option for cross-border professionals and leisure travellers alike. Shanghai: Urban power and dynamism Modena by Fraser Wujiaochang Shanghai offers a well-balanced lifestyle for business travellers and academics, blending inspiration, connectivity, and community in one of the city's most bustling neighbourhoods. Located in the heart of Yangpu District, in close proximity to the Wujiaochang commercial hub, Modena by Fraser Wujiaochang Shanghai is situated close to global tech companies, premium shopping centres, and top educational institutions, Fudan University and Tongji University. The property recently had its soft opening last 20th May and offers 307 fully furnished studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments with sizes ranging from 23 to 66 sqm. Designed to enhance productivity and relaxation, the property features a range of thoughtfully curated facilities from a tranquil landscaped garden at the entrance and a serene relaxation room to a yoga studio and gym equipped with state-of-the-art smart mirrors. Guests can host business and social events in versatile meeting spaces and the stylish Common Room with amphitheatre seating. For gourmet meals, the property's restaurant serves up a delectable mix of Cantonese and local Shanghai cuisine promising a rich culinary experience. Within easy access to multiple bus routes and Metro Lines 10 and 18, the residence fuses the energy of a creative academic community with exceptional urban convenience.
Emirates and Air China sign MoU
Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic framework for expanding their existing reciprocal interline cooperation. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 81st Annual General Meeting (IATA AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Yan Fei, Air China’s Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, accompanied by senior executives from both sides. Adnan Kazim said: “Our partnership with Air China commenced 26 years ago (July 1999) and since 2018 approximately, 18,000 Emirates customers have benefited from the expanded connectivity offered through our interline agreement. Building on this success, we've recently announced the launch of two new Chinese cities—Shenzhen and Hangzhou—which will strengthen our East Asia operations. Shenzhen will feature our best-in-class products, including our brand-new Premium Economy cabin. As we continue expanding our investments in Chinese mainland, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Air China to meet growing travel demand in this strategic market and create new pathways for travel and trade between China and the global community." Yan Fei said: “Air China highly values the cooperation with Emirates. The signing of this memorandum is an important milestone for the deepening of the cooperation between the two sides. Air China continues to implement "Belt and Road Initiative". By collaborating with Emirates, we will further expand our route network in China-UAE and global market and jointly promote global connectivity." Under the MOU, Emirates and Air China will explore a reciprocal codeshare on select routes across each other’s networks. This would allow each airline to place its code on the other’s flights on China-UAE trunk routes as well as beyond Beijing and Dubai to an expanded list of points. * Emirates and Air China will also develop a framework for cooperation across cargo operations and respective frequent flyer loyalty programme, enhancing their value proposition for both travellers and businesses. To further ensure seamless connectivity for customers, the two carriers will explore coordinating flight schedules or adjusting minimum connecting times. Once activated, customers of both airlines will benefit from a seamless booking process, single ticket itineraries and wider lounge access to new and exciting destinations. Beyond commercial cooperation, both carriers plan to exchange best practices in areas such as revenue management, data analytics, digitalisation, brand management and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), among others, through joint knowledge sharing and familiarisation visits. Emirates in Chinese mainland From 30 July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai as well as daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The airline's continued expansion into the Chinese mainland reflects the deepening UAE-China bilateral ties and underscores Emirates' longstanding commitment to advancing the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative.
IT&CM China and CTW China 2025
Since 2007, as The Leading International MICE Event in China, IT&CM China is co-located with CTW China – China’s Leading Corporate Travel Management Conference. Together, the events deliver a unique proposition as China’s Only Doublebill Event In MICE and Corporate Travel.
ITB China 2025 – Shanghai, 27-29May
ITB China is the leading B2B-Exclusive trade show focused on the Chinese Travel Market. At ITB China in Shanghai, we bring together top and hand-selected buyers from Greater China with industry professionals from all over the world. We provide various networking events and a unique state-of-the-art matchmaking system to enhance networking and maximize business opportunities at our travel expo. Coinciding with our travel fair, the
ITB China 2024 – Shanghai, China
Meet with high diversity of buyers coming from leading travel companies throughout China, and attendees seeking for business opportunities in China. At ITB China we gather top and hand-selected Chinese buyers from leading Chinese travel agencies, with the focus on conducting successful and profitable deals for you, the matchmaking system is a proven way to make the most of the limited time at the exhibition
13th Macao International Travel Expo (MITE)- 25April to 27April 2025
In 2025, the the 13th MITE will adhere to the principle of “Multi-dimensional Cooperation among Macao, Mainland China and International Market” to proactively engage more participation from the international tourism industry, exhibitors, buyers and trade visitors. The MITE will give support to Macao’s “1+4” adequate diversification development and to build Macao into the World Centre for Tourism and Leisure.
ITE Hong Kong 2025 – 12 June (Thu)-15 June (Sun) 2025
The 20th MICE Travel Expo co-locating with the 39th ITE Hong Kong will be held from 12 to 15 June 2025 at Hall 1 of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
2024 PATA Travel Mart Final Call: Last Chance to Join as an Exhibitor!
Join the 47th edition of #PTM2024, one of Asia Pacific's longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. This is your moment to engage with over 260 international organisations from more than 40 destinations across the Asia Pacific region.
HEDNA Bangkok – September 11-12 2023
The agenda will bring a wide array of current topics in our industry to the main stage. You’ll hear from experts in Distribution, Fintech and Payments, Marketplaces, Leading Executives and of course our Hoteliers will be bringing their perspectives to these topics and so much more.
Luxury Oceanfront Pool Villa seeks fun-loving travellers! Apply within
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Win 2 nights in a Ocean front Balcony Pool Suite at SALA Samui Chaweng Beach!
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Win two nights at the AVANI Atrium Bangkok
Travel Daily Asia has teamed up with AVANI Atrium Bangkok to offer travel professionals the chance to win a 2-night