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India-China tourism rebounds as direct flights, visas return
Legendary sacred mount Kailash from lakeside of holy Lake Manasarovar. Ngari scenery in West Tibet. Sacred place for Buddha pupils making piligrimage in Asia. Place of prayer, calm and meditation After years of limited mobility and strained connectivity, tourism between India and China is witnessing a steady revival. The resumption of visas and direct flights, along with renewed pilgrimage routes and expanding travel offerings, signals a new chapter in people-to-people exchanges between the two Asian giants. Last year marked a significant turning point when India began re-issuing visas to Chinese travellers, including reopening e-visas after nearly five years. Around the same time, flight services between the two countries resumed, restoring crucial air links that had been suspended during the pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. Air India has further strengthened this revival with plans to resume non-stop operations to mainland China, including flights to Shanghai from February 2026. This revival comes amid broader growth in regional aviation. According to industry reports, India, China, and Southeast Asia are driving a new wave of air travel expansion, reflecting both pent-up demand and strengthening economic linkages. As connectivity improves, tourism is emerging as a vital pillar in rebuilding trust and cooperation. Didihat is rich in flora and fauna offering picturesque views of verdant valley surrounded by attractive ridges. It is situated on the pilgrimage route to Kailash Mansarovar. Spiritual Tourism: A Bridge of Trust Spiritual and cultural heritage tourism is playing a particularly important role in reconnecting the two nations. Buddhism remains one of the strongest historical links between India and China, dating back over two millennia through the Silk Route exchanges. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya — where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment — continues to be a key pilgrimage destination for Chinese Buddhists. Nearby sacred sites such as Nalanda, Rajgir, and Vaishali also draw visitors seeking deeper spiritual engagement. The reopening of travel channels is expected to significantly boost footfall to these destinations. In a reciprocal gesture, China has reopened the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route to Indian pilgrims after a prolonged hiatus. Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar hold immense spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners, and the reopening has been widely welcomed in India. Spiritual tourism, therefore, is not merely about travel — it represents a cultural bridge capable of rebuilding trust and reviving civilizational connections that transcend contemporary political complexities. Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple Expanding Leisure and Cultural Circuits Beyond pilgrimage tourism, leisure travel between India and China is also gaining renewed momentum, supported by improved connectivity, eased visa norms and growing interest in experiential travel. For Indian travellers, China’s classic landmarks remain strong draws. Shanghai’s futuristic skyline and the iconic Bund waterfront offer a blend of heritage and hyper-modernity, while Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City continue to represent the country’s imperial grandeur. Xi’an’s Terracotta Army provides a powerful historical experience, appealing to culturally curious Indian travellers. At the same time, newer destinations are capturing attention. Chongqing — often described as a dramatic “5D city” — is emerging as a favourite for its cyberpunk-style skyline, elevated highways, cliffside architecture and LED-lit river cruises. Chengdu attracts visitors with its Giant Panda reserves, vibrant teahouse culture and globally celebrated Sichuan cuisine. Meanwhile, Zhangjiajie’s mystical quartz-sandstone peaks, glass bridges and mountain elevators — landscapes that inspired the film Avatar — are becoming popular among adventure seekers and photographers. Crowds of tourists take pictures with the giant panda statue at Dujiangyanshui Culture Square in Chengdu, China Indian travel companies are responding to this renewed demand by launching expanded China holiday portfolios that include curated itineraries, culinary trails and multi-city cultural experiences. The focus is shifting beyond traditional sightseeing to immersive journeys that combine heritage, gastronomy, shopping and contemporary urban culture. On the Indian side, Chinese leisure travellers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. While the Taj Mahal remains a bucket-list attraction, there is growing interest in India’s diverse cultural offerings — from Rajasthan’s palace stays and handicrafts to Kerala’s wellness retreats and Himalayan scenic escapes. Shopping, jewellery, textiles, tea experiences and regional cuisine are emerging as key spending areas, benefiting local businesses and artisans. The revival of leisure circuits is particularly significant for local economies. Chinese tourists have historically been high-spending travellers, contributing not only to hotel occupancy and attractions, but also to retail, dining and cultural entertainment sectors. Their gradual return promises multiplier effects across tourism value chains. As airlines expand capacity and tour operators introduce innovative products, leisure tourism is becoming an important complement to spiritual travel. Together, these expanding cultural circuits are strengthening people-to-people connections — transforming tourism into a practical and symbolic bridge between India and China in a new phase of engagement. For India and China, the gradual normalisation of ties is partly motivated by the current geopolitical situation that has transformed global trade equations. China remains India’s largest source of merchandise imports. India-China bilateral trade touched a record high of $155.6 billion in 2025, registering year-on-year growth of more than 12 per cent
China Airlines enhances loyalty programme with Plusgrade
China Airlines, in collaboration with Plusgrade, has launched new loyalty currency retailing capabilities for its Dynasty Flyer members. This initiative, announced on 11 February 2026, introduces the ability for members to buy, gift, and reinstate miles, offering greater flexibility and value in their frequent flyer programme. The partnership, powered by Points, Plusgrade's loyalty business unit, marks the first time these features are available to Dynasty Flyer members. The new offerings aim to provide China Airlines' customers with more control over their travel rewards, enhancing the overall member experience. Ken Harris, CEO of Plusgrade, stated, "This launch with China Airlines marks a big moment for our continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Members in this region are some of the most engaged in the world when it comes to loyalty, and this partnership delivers exactly what they want—more flexibility, more utility, and more ways to get value from their rewards." The features now available to members include the ability to purchase miles directly, gift miles to friends and family, and reactivate expired miles. This expansion reflects a growing demand for personalised and flexible reward options in the Asia-Pacific region, which continues to be a significant growth area for loyalty programmes. This launch signifies a major milestone in the evolution of the Dynasty Flyer programme and underscores Plusgrade's ongoing momentum in the Asia-Pacific loyalty space, following recent collaborations with other prominent carriers in the region This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Trip.com data: Russian bookings to China surge 471%
According to Trip.com platform data, inbound travel continued to build momentum during China’s Spring Festival period. Bookings from Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Russia ranking among the top sources. Notably, bookings by Russian travelers surged 471% year over year, while bookings by South Korean travelers increased 95%. Data from Fliggy also showed that over the past two weeks, Spring Festival flight bookings by international travelers rose more than 400% compared with the same period last year. Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Chengdu emerged as the most popular first-entry cities. Qunar reported a similar trend. To date, flight bookings by foreign travelers to China during the Spring Festival have increased by nearly 30% year over year. Popular destinations include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xiamen, Harbin, Haikou, Chongqing, and Shenyang. The data also suggests that international travelers are not only choosing major cities, but are increasingly exploring “hidden gem” smaller destinations. During the Spring Festival, the number of foreign visitors flying to Lanzhou and Hohhot increased more than fourfold year over year, while Guilin, Jinan, Yuncheng, and Yantai more than doubled. Trip.com analysts noted that “spending the Spring Festival in China” is becoming a new global trend. At its core is the deeper integration of cultural IP and inbound tourism: the uniqueness and immersive appeal of Spring Festival traditions are emerging as a key draw for international visitors, injecting sustained momentum into the high-quality growth of inbound tourism. VIEW ENGLISH VERSION
China and ASEAN unite for Spring Festival celebration
In a vibrant celebration of cultural unity, China and ASEAN commemorated the Chinese Spring Festival at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on 5 February. This event coincides with the 35th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and the Year of the Horse, symbolising a shared vision of harmony and prosperity. The gathering, supported by the Mission of the People's Republic of China to ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat, was hosted by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region's Information Office. Over 250 guests, including envoys from ASEAN countries and representatives from nations such as Russia, the UK, and Australia, attended the event. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, highlighted the Spring Festival's evolution into a global celebration, underscoring its cultural significance. "ASEAN will continue its commitment to fostering a community proud of its identity," he stated. Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, emphasised the festival's role in strengthening China-ASEAN ties, noting Guangxi's pivotal role in this partnership. The event featured performances showcasing the cultural richness of both China and ASEAN, including traditional dances and music. A notable highlight was the China-ASEAN Spring Festival Short Video Exhibition Week, which invited global audiences to celebrate the festival online. The celebration also included cultural exhibitions and markets, offering guests immersive experiences in traditional arts and AI technology. The festivities extended to pop-up events in Jakarta, enhancing the city's Spring Festival atmosphere. This cultural exchange not only celebrated the festival but also reinforced the enduring friendship between China and ASEAN This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
China grants 30-day visa-free entry for UK citizens
During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China last week, Beijing agreed to ease relevant rules, allowing UK citizens to enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. By the end of 2025, China had already extended its unilateral visa-free policy for countries including France through the end of 2026. At the time, the UK had not yet been included in China’s “visa-free circle,” and the Chinese embassy and consulates in the UK had continued to process five- or ten-year multiple-entry visas for eligible British citizens traveling for business, tourism, or family visits. In fact, the recovery of air routes and passenger flows predates the visa waiver announcement and has long been one of the most direct indicators of improving bilateral ties. Between January 19 and March 23, 2026, China Southern Airlines increased the frequency of its direct Guangzhou–London service from one daily flight to eight flights per week, operating the route with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. From the supply side, China–UK passenger routes have now entered a relatively steady phase of recovery. Data show that in the first three quarters of 2025, nearly 12,000 direct flights operated between China and the UK, with round-trip passenger traffic rising 4.0% year on year. Across 23 direct routes linking Chinese cities with the UK, total passenger volume reached 3.0286 million. Load factors on major hub routes have stabilized at around 86%, while secondary hub routes recorded an average load factor of 70.3%. The recovery in air capacity has quickly translated into momentum in the tourism market. VisitBritain forecasts that Chinese arrivals to the UK will reach 667,000 in 2026, representing a 28% increase from the estimated level in 2025, and are expected to generate approximately £1.3 billion (about RMB 12.17 billion) in tourism revenue for the UK economy. Read Chinese version
India, China, and Southeast Asia drive air travel growth
Representative Image Asia is set to become the powerhouse of global aviation growth, with India, China, and Southeast Asia predicted to dominate eight of the world's ten fastest-growing air travel markets from 2024 to 2044. This projection comes from a whitepaper released by Alton Aviation Consultancy ahead of the 2026 Singapore Airshow. The report reveals that international traffic in the Asia-Pacific region surged by 8.0% in 2025, surpassing the global Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) growth of 6.8%. Since 2015, airlines in the region have introduced over 600 new routes, enhancing connectivity to underserved destinations. India emerges as a key player, driven by strong economic fundamentals and a burgeoning middle class. Whilst China maintains its dominant position, Southeast Asia, led by Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, is also gaining momentum. Mabel Kwan, Managing Director at Alton's Singapore office, noted, “Asia’s air travel story is no longer just about China. The growth we’re seeing in South and Southeast Asia is broad-based.” The whitepaper also highlights the potential of unserved routes, with longer-range narrowbody aircraft enabling new point-to-point services between secondary cities. Additionally, Asia-Pacific now accounts for approximately 40% of global air cargo demand, underscoring the region's pivotal role in global supply chains. Airline consolidation is on the rise as carriers adapt to cost pressures and competitive challenges. Adam Cowburn, another Managing Director at Alton, remarked, “Consolidation has become a strategic necessity for many airlines in Asia.” Governments and airport operators are responding by advancing infrastructure programmes and adopting next-generation technologies to enhance capacity and efficiency, supporting the region's continued aviation growth This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
China grants visa-free entry to British visitors
China has announced a significant change in its travel policy, allowing British citizens to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days. This development is expected to enhance both leisure and business travel between the UK and China, which has already seen a strong recovery over the past two years due to improved flight connectivity and growing commercial relationships. Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, expressed her support for the decision, stating, "We warmly welcome China's decision to grant British citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Today's announcement is a significant milestone that will undoubtedly accelerate this momentum across both leisure and business travel." The Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK's leading network of travel businesses, advocates for seamless travel as a means of fostering cultural exchange and economic growth. Lo Bue-Said advised travellers to book through local Advantage travel agents to ensure compliance with travel requirements and to secure the best deals on flights and accommodation. This policy change is poised to make China more accessible to British travellers, potentially increasing tourism and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. With Advantage Travel Partnership's extensive network, British visitors can expect expert guidance and support in navigating their travel plans under the new visa-free rules. ``` This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
China travel slowdown weighs on Japan as Chinese spending and arrivals slide
The decline in Chinese travel and spending to Japan is beginning to weigh on the Japanese market. Against the backdrop of a travel caution advisory for Japan issued by the Chinese government, China’s three major airlines—Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines—along with several others including Shandong Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, on the 26 again issued notices on special ticket handling for Japan-related routes. For tickets that meet the applicable conditions, free refund and rebooking policies have been extended until October 24 this year. More recently released data from Japanese industry associations have provided a clearer picture of the situation. The Japan Department Stores Association (Chuo Ward, Tokyo) said on January 23 that in December 2025, both the number of Chinese customers and sales to Chinese shoppers at department stores nationwide fell by 40% year on year. Data released the same day showed that total nationwide department store sales in December 2025 (on a same-store basis) declined 1.1% year on year to JPY 654.2 billion, marking the first drop in four months. The number of tax-free shoppers fell 16.7% to 500,000, while tax-free sales decreased 17.1% to JPY 51.9 billion(about USD 340 million). Sales to domestic Japanese customers rose 0.6%. According to statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Chinese visitors to Japan in December 2025 totaled 330,400, down 45.3% year on year. The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau said on January 26 that the number of mainland Chinese visitors to Osaka Prefecture in December 2025 fell 45% year on year to an estimated 176,000. As Chinese visitors—previously a key driver of inbound growth—are expected to continue declining, attracting travelers from Europe, the United States and other regions is becoming increasingly important. Statistics from Kansai Airports show that the number of China-related flight movements at Kansai International Airport in December 2025 declined 40% year on year. Demand dropped particularly sharply on routes from regional Chinese cities, which typically carry a higher share of group travelers. Given Kansai’s geographic proximity to China, mainland Chinese visitors have historically accounted for a higher share of foreign tourists than in the Tokyo metropolitan area. During the 2010s, mainland Chinese group tours—often associated with large-scale shopping sprees—formed the core of inbound tourism to Osaka. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the recovery of mainland Chinese visitors has lagged, while inbound demand has become more diversified, with more travelers from South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States. According to the Japan Tourism Agency’s accommodation travel statistics, mainland Chinese travelers accounted for 25.3% of all foreign overnight stays in Osaka Prefecture in October 2025, down 16.2 percentage points from October 2019. While the share remains higher than Tokyo’s 14.8%, Osaka’s reliance on mainland Chinese visitors has clearly shifted. Read Chinese version
Another foreign airline ramps up new China routes
Starting January 22, Cambodia Angkor Air plans to launch the Nanjing–Phnom Penh route, operating three flights per week with A320 aircraft. This will be Nanjing’s first direct flight to Phnom Penh. For many travelers from Nanjing, getting to Phnom Penh previously usually means connecting via Guangzhou or Kunming, with total travel time often stretching to 10 hours or more, much of it spent transfers and waiting. The operating carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA), is Cambodia’s flag carrier, and it also undertakes charter flights for the royal family and the prime minister. In the 2025/2026 winter–spring season, CAA will expand its China-related network to eight routes, including: Phnom Penh–Zhengzhou, Phnom Penh–Hong Kong, Phnom Penh–Guangzhou, Phnom Penh–Shenzhen, Phnom Penh–Fuzhou, Phnom Penh–Nanning, Sihanoukville–Shenzhen, and Fuzhou–Tokyo. This is no longer simply “testing” the China market. Instead, China is being positioned as a core source market and an integral part of the airline’s network hub strategy. Beyond route expansion, Cambodia Angkor Air has also confirmed that it will begin operating China-made C909 aircraft on commercial flights starting in 2026. Previously, CAA signed a memorandum of understanding with COMAC to purchase 20 C909 aircraft, including 10 firm orders and 10 options. As flight connectivity continues to increase, Cambodia is also sending clearer signals on tourism policy. The Cambodian government has announced a pilot visa-free policy for Chinese citizens from June to October 2026. On the day the policy was announced, search volumes for “Cambodia” on OTA platforms rose 20% day-on-day.
Philippines seeks more arrivals from North America, China, India, & MidEast
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) plans to expand its promotions budget for several key and emerging markets in 2026, including the United States, South Korea, Canada, China, India and the Middle East. Tourism secretary Christina Frasco said the DOT intends to fully recover the South Korean market, which slipped to 1.34 million last year from 1.45 million in 2024. She added that the DOT will also capitalise on the US as one of the country’s most reliable markets to pull the arrival numbers for 2026. With regard to Canada, the DOT is optimistic that the new connections through Air Canada would bring in more Canadian tourists into the country. 2025 in a nutshell The Philippines recorded 6.4 million foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos in 2025, generating an estimated PHP694 billion in tourism receipts. Of this number, South Korea remains the top market, followed by the US with 1.32 million visitors, Japan with 469,521, Australia with 359,646, and Canada with 333,136. China ranked sixth with 237,101 while India ranked 11th with 104,994 visitors from January to December 2025. Into the east Looking ahead, the DOT will also ramp up promotional activity in China as the Philippines eases its visa policy for Chinese nationals, allowing them visa-entry of up to 14 days in the country. Frasco remarked: “China has been challenging, to say the least. So, for China specifically, we’re working with our Beijing and Shanghai offices plus the private sector. We will have a very specific targeted campaign in certain cities even as we work with the airlines to recover the pre-pandemic flights.” It was noted that inbound flights to the Philippines from China are only up to 50 percent of their pre-pandemic totals, so the new visa policy stands to be of good help. Likewise, the Philippines sees promising growth from the Middle East, particularly from the United Arab Emirates market whose leisure travelers coming into the country have increased significantly over the past year. UAE flag carrier Emirates is also requesting increased slots from the UAE to Manila as well as the retention or expansion of their Cebu and Clark flights.
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