The ‘Silk Road Express,’ a new luxury train launched by ‘Train of Glamour,’ offers an unparalleled journey through the rich history and culture of the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop in China. With its five-star amenities, meticulously designed interiors, and immersive experiences, the train promises to redefine luxury railway tourism in the country.
China has extended its visa-free policy until December 31, 2025, for citizens of 12 European nations and Malaysia. The policy allows for visa-free entry for up to 15 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. New Zealand has also been newly included in China’s visa-free entry list. The move is part of China’s efforts to boost inbound tourism and business amid economic recovery post-COVID-19. The Chinese government is committed to fostering new visa-free agreements and enhancing tourism infrastructure to support cross-border travel and boost economic development through increased tourism.
Qatar Tourism showcased its latest attractions and investment opportunities at ITB China 2024, held in Shanghai from May 27th to 29th. The event attracted top professionals from the global travel market, providing a platform for Qatar to enhance its presence and encourage tourism and investment. Qatar Tourism led a delegation of 16 partners from the hospitality and travel sectors, highlighting the country’s commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and attracting investors.
China has announced the extension of the visa-free travel period for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, effective immediately. This move is expected to significantly enhance tourism, boost bilateral cooperation, and deepen diplomatic ties between the two countries.
At ITB China 2024, Maldives Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal emphasized the strong relationship between the Maldives and China, with China being the leading market for Maldivian tourism. Minister Faisal highlighted the need to enhance connectivity with more direct flights from China and plans to broaden the tourism sector beyond luxury resorts. The Maldives aims to boost the MICE sector and promote community-based tourism for an immersive cultural experience. ITB China, a premier travel trade exhibition, provides an opportunity for the Maldives to showcase its latest tourism offerings and strengthen its partnership with China.
The PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Tourism Board, and seven private sector partners successfully showcased Nepal’s tourism at the 32nd Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) in China, attracting over 40,000 attendees. Nepal received several prestigious awards, including the Gold Award for “Overall Performance” and “Best Partner” Award from the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute. Key figures from the Nepal Tourism Board engaged in a panel discussion on sustainable tourism offerings for Chinese visitors during climate change. Industry representatives expressed optimism about the prospects of Nepal’s tourism in the Chinese market, highlighting the need for increased promotion and digital presence.
China has implemented a new visa-free policy for foreign tour groups arriving by cruise ships, allowing them to stay for up to 15 days. This initiative aims to revitalize the country’s inbound travel market, which has faced challenges in recent years. The policy permits hassle-free entry and exploration of coastal provinces and Beijing for tour groups managed by domestic travel agencies.
China’s transportation and tourism sectors witnessed a surge during the May Day holiday. Over 1.35 billion passenger trips were made, indicating a robust momentum in the Chinese economy. Domestic tourism thrived, with rural destinations gaining popularity. The consumer market also saw growth with increased retail and catering sales. The holiday period showcased the resilience and potential of China’s economy.
