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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 will make Chengdu, the airline’s 19th international destination. This will be the first non-stop service between Chengdu to India. "We are providing the much-needed connectivity between the two destinations." William Boulter, chief commercial officer, IndiGo said, “India is witnessing a much higher growth rate with respect to aviation and currently the India-China route is underserved by Indian carriers. With our plan to operate non-stop daily flights to Chengdu, we are providing the much-needed connectivity between the two destinations. China is a market with immense potential and holds prominent trade, cultural and tourism values. We hope to further strengthen this relation by announcing our entry into China.” Boulter added, “IndiGo will continue to expand its network to meet the requirements of both business and leisure travellers wherever they demand it. It is our constant endeavour to provide more flexibility of choice to our customers as IndiGo continues to offer them on-time, courteous and hassle-free service, and an affordable flying experience.” IndiGo said that it would be opening the sale of tickets for flights on the Delhi-Chengdu route as soon as it secures the requisite regulatory approvals.
Hilton opens first upscale international hotel within Chengdu district
Chengdu, China Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Chengdu Chenghua, a 15-storey, full-service hotel — the first and only upscale international hotel within the district. Owned by Chengdu Sincere Real Estate Co. Ltd and managed by Hilton, the hotel is located within the Second Ring Expressway with close proximity to a major metro station. Hilton Chengdu Chenghua provides convenience for exploring the city's cultural and entertainment attractions such as Taikoo Li, Chunxi Road, Kuanzhai Alley and Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — all within a 30-minute drive. “A key economic growth engine in Southwest China” "Chengdu not only enjoys rich culture and abundant natural resources but is also a key economic growth engine in Southwest China, presenting Hilton with immense opportunity to satisfy growing hospitality demands in the region," said Qian Jin, area president, Greater China and Mongolia, Hilton. "Hilton continues its strategic expansion in Chengdu with the debut of the brand's eighth hotel in this central neighbourhood, standing as a beacon of hospitality as it sets the benchmark for unparalleled comfort and sophistication." Hilton Chengdu Chenghua Hotel features and amenities include 298 guest rooms featuring bathrooms with separate bathtub and rain shower and floor-to-ceiling windows; three restaurants and a lobby bar; a 24-hour fitness centre; and 1,650 square metres of total meeting space. “The first and only upscale international hotel within the district” "Boasting an excellent location and easy access to entertainment and attractions in vibrant Chengdu, Hilton Chengdu Chenghua is the first and only upscale international hotel within the district," said Sean Wooden, vice president of brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. "We are excited to introduce Hilton's flagship brand and its exceptional service to the city, allowing discerning travellers to take advantage of Hilton's leading hospitality wherever they want to be."
Anantara enters untapped market in Chengdu, China
Artist's rendering of the Anantara Jinsha Chengdu Hotel 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 Chengdu Hotel. Currently operating 39 hotels and resorts in 13 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean, Anantara Hotels and Resorts announced its plans to expand the brand’s presence in China this week. Anantara Jinsha Chengdu Hotel will join the group’s existing China portfolio, comprising Anantara Sanya Resort on Hainan Island, Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort in Yunnan, and Anantara Guiyang Resort in Guizhou Province. "Responding to demand in a way that places us firmly as a strong market leader" Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, owner of Anantara Hotels and Resorts, commented: “We are excited to announce the first Anantara in Chengdu, China, in partnership with Chengdu Tai Hang Rui Hong Real Estate Co., Ltd. This addition to our portfolio demonstrates our commitment to growth in up and coming destinations, while foreseeing and responding to demand in a way that places us firmly as a strong market leader in the Asia Pacific, and beyond.” Anantara Sanya Resort on Hainan Island Anantara Jinsha Chengdu Hotel will feature 150 guestrooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant and specialty restaurant, a lobby lounge and bar / tea lounge, a gym and fitness facility, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a spa, children’s club, additional recreational and leisure facilities, along with banqueting and meeting facilities. The hotel is positioned to capitalise on Chengdu’s fast growth, which, at present, offers no upscale and luxury hotels, nor international branded hotels. The new property is expected to be the first luxury and upscale brand in the growing and well-connected part of town, catering to high-end leisure and business travellers. In addition, Anantara Jinsha Chengdu Hotel is less than an hour’s drive from the high-speed Chengdu Railway Station, the Chengdu City Centre and the Chengdu Shangliu International Airport. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, serving as the economic, commercial, financial, transportation and communication centre of southwest China. Ranked as China’s 12th most competitive city, over 150 of the world's 500 largest companies currently have subsidiaries or branch offices in the city.
More than 1300 delegates attend 22nd UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu
13 Sep 17 More than 1300 delegates from over 130 countries attended the opening of the 22nd session of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Chengdu, China this morning. During the next four days, the priorities of the Organization for 2018-2019, the transformation of the UNWTO Code of Ethics for Tourism into an International Convention and the impact of technology on tourism will centre the discussions. On the agenda of the Assembly is also the election of the Secretary General for the next four years. “China is an inspiration to others in terms of its supportive tourism policies and in placing tourism at the centre of its poverty alleviation and national development strategies,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai at the opening of the 22nd session of the General Assembly. “Besides being the fourth most-visited country in the world, with 59 million international arrivals in 2016, China is also the largest domestic tourism market, with 4.4 billion trips made within its borders,” he added. The Secretary-General also recalled the relevance of having this General Assembly, the last of his mandate, under the framework of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. “I feel very proud to have contributed to expanding the capacity of travel and tourism to the progress of the SDGs that guide our common action to 2030. This General Assembly is a unique opportunity to continue advancing together,” he said. Wang Yang, Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China, recalled that, since the inclusion of China in UNWTO in 1983, the tourism sector has grown to represent 10% of the country’s economy. Vice-Premier confirmed that “smart tourism” will guide the development of the sector and highlighted the need to enforce policies to enhance sustainable tourism. The Vice-Premier also mentioned that the inherently sustainable approach to tourism in China resulted from the traditional harmony between man and nature widely present in Chinese culture. In addition, he underlined the relevance of increasing cooperation among countries in the field of tourism, especially in crisis situations such as natural disasters. He further noted that 6 million jobs related to tourism have been created in 2016 in China, particularly for women, people with disabilities and rural communities. “I feel very proud to have contributed to expanding the capacity of travel and tourism to contribute to the SDGs that guide our common action to 2030,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai “UNWTO is irreplaceable for its role of supporting the multiple dimensions of the tourism sector as well as its wide potential,” he added. The UNWTO General Assembly will discuss the Chengdu Declaration on ‘Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals’. The document, in which the potential of the tourism sector is underlined in economic, social and political terms, includes 19 articles that, among others, recommend to governments “to develop an integrated and holistic approach to tourism policy in order to leverage the sector’s positive impact and multiplying effect on people, planet and prosperity (Article 1).” In addition, it proposes “to undertake national assessments on tourism’s contribution and commitment to the SDGs and ensure the inclusion of tourism in interministerial SDG commissions and/or working groups as well as to enhance the contribution of tourism in SDGs national strategies through the set-up of institutional frameworks and mechanisms that allow participation of all stakeholders.” The High-Level Segment discussed ‘Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals’ “To advance, the tourism sector should decouple growth from environmental harm; fight climate change throughout the entire tourism value chain; measure the impacts of travellers every day accurately and regularly, and promote accessibility for all,” stated Rifai. “Furthermore we need to ensure the benefits of the sector reach communities, and prevent negative impacts on their social fabrics by tackling issues such as overcrowding, protect the weak from being exploited in our sector, prevent leakages and address global and tourism-sector security challenges without compromising people’s rights, particularly to freedom of travel and movement,” he added. High level debate on Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals The opening of the 22nd session of the UNWTO General Assembly was followed by a high level session on tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals and Building Partnerships for Development: The Example of the Belt and Road Initiative, conducted by Richard Quest of CNN International. Among the participants were: Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO; Li Jinzao, Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA); His Majesty King Simeon II, Special Ambassador of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development; Sandra Howard, Vice-Minister of Tourism of Colombia; Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Tourism of Azerbaijan; Pascal Lamy, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics; Mohammed Yehia Rashed, Minister of Tourism of Egypt; Lamia Boutaleb, Secretary of State for Tourism of Morocco; Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of Uganda; Benito Bengzon Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning of the Philippines; George Chogovadze, Head of the National Tourism Administration of Georgia; Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO of WTTC; and Ambassador Eric Jakob, Head of the Promotion Activities Directorate, State Secretariat from Switzerland. “Growth and sustainability should go hand-in-hand. Recent protests in cities are the evidence that growth should be sustainable. But growth is not the enemy, as it is the story of humankind. We need to take local communities into account,” said Rifai. The debate on the SDGs was followed by a session dedicated to the Belt and Road Initiative where the discussion focused on the characteristics of this initiative. Among the speakers were: UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai, CNTA Chairman Li Jinzao, Oleg Safonov, Head, Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation, Roland Ratsiraka, Minister of Tourism of Madagascar, Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, John A. E. Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religions Affairs and Lands of Sri Lanka Askar Batalov, Deputy Minister of Culture and Sport of Kazakhstan and István Ujhelyi, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism/Chair Tourism Task Force at the European Parliament. Additional information: More about the 22nd session of the General Assembly Opening Speech of Taleb Rifai, UNWTO’s Secretary General Photos of the official opening of the General Assembly Photos of the General Assembly in UNWTO's Flickr official account Media Resources Contacts: UNWTO Media Officer Rut Gomez Sobrino Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 / rgomez@unwto.org UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 / comm@UNWTO.org
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.
Chinese airlines battle for Brussels, Europe’s capital hub
Starting next month, Air China will launch two new routes: * Beginning March 24, a daily nonstop service between Beijing Capital and Brussels; * Beginning March 26, a three-times-weekly service between Chengdu Tianfu and Brussels. In July 2006, Hainan Airlines launched the Shanghai–Beijing–Brussels route, the first direct service between mainland China and Brussels, and at the time the only nonstop air link between China and Belgium. Targeting the Southwest China market, Hainan Airlines opened the Chongqing–Brussels route on November 22, 2025. This marked another Belgium–China service following its existing Brussels routes to Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. With four routes spanning North China, East China, South China, and Southwest China—the country’s four major economic regions—Hainan Airlines has, after two decades of sustained expansion, established itself as the long-standing dominant carrier on the Brussels route. Other competitors soon followed. In addition to Air China and Hainan Airlines, Juneyao Air also launched its Shanghai–Brussels service in 2024. Why has Brussels become such a strategic battleground for airlines? As the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, Brussels is widely regarded as the “capital of Europe” and serves as a central node for political, economic, and cultural exchanges between China and Europe. Brussels Airport is also one of Star Alliance’s key secondary hubs in Europe. On one side, it offers dense, high-frequency connections to major cities across the European continent. On the other, it serves as a “golden gateway” to Africa, with frequent services to West African cities such as Dakar and Abidjan, as well as strong onward connectivity to major North American destinations including New York and Chicago—making it an efficient transfer hub linking Europe, Africa, and North America. According to Aviation Flow data, the load factor on the Shanghai–Brussels route reached nearly 90% on return flights in July 2025.
Eason Chan and Jacky Cheung win USD 140,000 and USD 70,000 concert incentives in Hainan
On February 2, the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports released a public notice disclosing incentive awards for large-scale concerts by Eason Chan and Jacky Cheung. Details are as follows: According to the notice, in line with relevant provincial regulations, Eason Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” World Tour met the criteria set out in the implementation guidelines. The concert sold tickets to 38,800 attendees, exceeding the required threshold of 30,000, while ticket revenue reached RMB 67.48 million（about USD 9.71 million), well above the minimum requirement of RMB 15 million. As a result, the show qualified for a one-off incentive award of RMB 1 million (about USD 140,000). The notice also stated that the Jacky Cheung “60+ Concert Tour” Haikou stop likewise met the eligibility requirements. The concert recorded 22,900 ticketed attendees, surpassing the required minimum of 20,000, with ticket revenue totaling RMB 43.03 million（about USD 6.19 million), exceeding the threshold of RMB 10 million. Accordingly, the event qualified for a one-time incentive award of RMB 500,000 (about USD 70,000). According to publicly available reports, since 2024, multiple regions across China have introduced support policies for commercial live performances, including concerts. These regions include Shanghai, Hainan, Fujian, Hubei, Guangxi, Chengdu, Taiyuan, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. VIEW ENGLISH VERSION
Travellers embrace long weekends for short getaways
Long weekends in 2026 are becoming prime opportunities for travellers to embark on short, meaningful getaways, according to Tripcom Group. The travel service provider has observed a 34% year-on-year increase in bookings for trips lasting four days or less, with the trend particularly strong in Europe. This shift is largely driven by working adults aged 25 to 49, who account for over half of these bookings. Destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei are popular in Asia, whilst European travellers favour cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, London, and Paris. Domestic travel remains a preference for many, particularly in China, Thailand, and the Philippines, where cities like Chengdu, Bangkok, and Caticlan are top choices. Entertainment tourism is also thriving, with global audiences travelling for events like the Blackpink World Tour in Hong Kong and the SEVENTEEN World Tour in Singapore. Tripcom Group's TripPlanner tool offers personalised itineraries, catering to diverse preferences, from adventurous group trips to quiet solo escapes. Tripcom Group, founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ and HKEX, continues to facilitate informed and cost-effective travel bookings through its platforms, including Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. As long weekends become synonymous with short holidays, the company is well-positioned to support this evolving travel trend. ```
Top 10 busiest airline routes in 2025: China’s trunk routes sneak in
In 2025, nine of the world’s top 10 busiest airline routes are in the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring the immense potential of short- and medium-haul passenger traffic across the region. The crown for the world’s busiest route once again goes to Jeju–Seoul Gimpo in South Korea, with 14.4 million seats planned for 2025—averaging nearly 39,000 seats per day. Intense competition among seven carriers has pushed one-way fares down to as low as USD 44. China’s presence in this global top-tier route list is particularly notable, with two routes making a strong showing: Beijing Capital–Shanghai Hongqiao ranks ninth with 7.5 million seats, while Shanghai Hongqiao–Shenzhen enters the top 10 for the first time with 7.1 million seats, placing tenth. As one of China’s “golden trunk routes,” Beijing Capital–Shanghai Hongqiao maintains its domestic lead, though capacity is down 3% from 2024 and remains 8% below 2019 levels. The rise of Shanghai Hongqiao–Shenzhen, however, particularly notable. The route makes its debut in the global top 10, with capacity up 4% year-on-year in 2025 and 14% above pre-pandemic levels. What attracts passengers most is its standout value for money. Airfares are often lower than high-speed rail tickets on the same corridor, and during certain promotions, all-in fares can drop to around 300 RMB—well below second-class high-speed rail fares. The robust demand reflects the increasingly frequent travel between China’s two economic powerhouses—the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. A blend of business and leisure travel demand has made this route one of China’s fastest-growing domestic corridors. Other major Chinese routes also posted solid performance. Guangzhou Baiyun–Shanghai Hongqiao ranked third with 6.4 million seats, while north-south trunk routes such as Beijing Capital–Shenzhen and Chengdu–Beijing maintained stable capacity. Notably, Chengdu–Shenzhen saw a 12% year-on-year increase, placing it among the top 10 fastest-growing routes.
Dusit ends 2025 with an all-time-high of 24 global hotel signings
Leading Thai hotel and property development firm Dusit International achieved the strongest development performance in its history in 2025, recording an all-time high of 24 hotel signings, significantly strengthening its global pipeline across key growth markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. The milestone comes at a time when many hotel groups are reassessing expansion strategies amid rising development costs and shifting investor expectations. For Dusit, the record year reflects a clear and deliberate approach to growth: one grounded in brand clarity, disciplined execution, and the ability to bring projects to market efficiently to create early and sustainable value for owners. While the number of signings marks a new high point, Dusit’s development strategy continues to prioritise quality over scale alone. A year of significant signings Central to Dusit’s approach is a growing focus on conversions and brownfield developments, which offer faster timelines and earlier returns compared to traditional greenfield projects, while allowing the group to expand its footprint across diverse markets with agility and control. This capability was demonstrated in several projects that were signed and opened in 2025, including Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu, China; dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives; and Tantawan Tented Camp, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Each reflects Dusit’s ability to execute at speed while maintaining brand standards and delivering distinctive guest experiences aligned with local context. At the same time, Dusit’s evolving brand architecture has played a key role in supporting international growth. The recent introduction of Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Collection, and Dusit Hotels has expanded the group’s reach across wellness-led luxury, character-driven high-end stays, and the upper-upscale segment, respectively, allowing Dusit to respond more precisely to the needs of travellers and development partners. Major debuts In Indonesia, the 2025 signing of Kaliwatu Villas & Residences – Dusit Collection, a boutique luxury retreat in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, marked Dusit’s first hotel signing in the country. In Japan, Dusit built on the success of Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo with the signing of its first Dusit Collection property in the country: WE Hotel – Dusit Collection, an intimate lakeside retreat with 55 rooms and three private villas on the shores of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. India also emerged as a major growth market in 2025, with six new properties signed across the Dusit Collection and Dusit Princess brands. The signings span a diverse mix of destinations, from the Himalayan retreats of Solang and Kasol to key urban centres including Kolkata, Raipur, and Bhiwadi, reflecting Dusit’s ambition to build scale across both leisure-led and city markets in the country. The Maldives also remained a key focus, with the signing of Devarana – Dusit Retreat Maldives building on recent momentum in the market, including the signing and opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives and the ongoing success of Dusit Thani Maldives. The luxury retreat will reinforce Dusit’s long-term commitment to the country, serving as a flagship wellness destination that will fully integrate the group’s Devarana Wellness concept. In the Middle East, Dusit continued to expand its regional presence with the signing of Dusit Hotel Al Ahsa, located within the UNESCO-listed Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Dusit’s expansion in the Philippines continued with the signing of ASAI Camaya Coast, a 150-key lifestyle resort hotel at the heart of the 2,000-hectare Camaya Coast destination development in Mariveles, Bataan, alongside Dusit Hotel Greenhills Manila, which will feature 200 guest rooms and world-class facilities across the top ten floors of the 50-storey Primex Tower in San Juan City, Metro Manila. In Thailand, the signing of Dusit Suites Sriracha and the subsequent opening of Tantawan Tented Camp, Chiang Rai further diversified the domestic portfolio. The latter also reflects Dusit’s group-wide sustainability framework, Tree of Life, through its community-based approach and integration of low-impact design, locally rooted experiences, and measurable social impact. Dusit also marked its planned return to Myanmar with the signing of the legendary The Strand Hotel – Dusit Collection, Yangon, alongside the lifestyle-led ASAI Yangon, reinforcing its long-term confidence in the market. Together, these signings have brought Dusit’s active development pipeline to more than 50 properties worldwide, all scheduled to open within the next five years.
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