Air China, in partnership with the China National Tourist Office, has organized a familiarization trip for US travel agents to showcase China’s top tourist destinations and boost inbound tourism. The tour, which includes visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and a Yangtze River cruise, highlights the country’s safety, culinary experiences, and luxurious accommodations.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, actively participated in the PATA Travel Mart 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing India’s diverse tourism offerings to the global travel industry. This strategic move aims to strengthen India’s position as a premier travel destination and attract more international visitors.
Poland’s tourism industry is thriving with a significant increase in overnight tourists, particularly from Germany, Ukraine, and the UK. Meanwhile, China’s tourism sector is rebounding after COVID-19, driven by eased restrictions and a growing middle class, with a surge in demand for travel products and services.
China’s tourism industry is experiencing a surge in popularity thanks to its expanded visa-free travel policies. The country has seen a significant increase in foreign tourists, driven by the introduction of 15-day visa-free stays for certain countries, extended transit visas, and new cruise ship policies. Popular destinations include the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, Shanghai Film Park, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This boom has led to a surge in bookings for flights, hotels, and tours, benefiting the tourism industry.
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.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to collaborate on promoting Thailand’s tourism industry. The partnership aims to amplify both inbound and domestic tourism by highlighting lesser-known destinations and promoting sustainable practices. Through this agreement, Traveloka will work with TAT on joint marketing campaigns, sustainable tourism projects, and the exchange of travel insights.
China’s leading travel platform, Trip.com, has reported an impressive 26% growth in its first-quarter net profit, driven by a surge in domestic and international travel. The company’s focus on inbound tourism and the implementation of visa waivers for European travelers have contributed significantly to this growth.
In a move to foster closer ties with Europe, China has decided to extend its visa-exemption policy for citizens of 12 European countries until December 31, 2025. This follows the successful implementation of a pilot program launched in December 2021, which saw a significant increase in inbound tourism from Europe. The extension is expected to further boost travel and deepen economic and cultural exchange between China and Europe.
Shanghai emerged as a top choice for inbound tourism during the recent May Day holiday. The “free half-day tour” initiative by Trip.com saw a remarkable 130 percent increase in bookings, aiming to enhance visitor experiences and showcase China positively. Popular inbound flight destinations included Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, highlighting their global appeal. The “Visit Shanghai” initiative, promoted in 14 languages, strategically showcased Shanghai’s urban tourism allure. The city hosted events like the 2024 Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour, Shanghai Auto Culture Festival, and Shanghai Coffee Week, attracting visitors globally. Shanghai’s cultural landscape was enriched with over 200 offline displays, 1,000 educational activities, and 10,000 public events. The city’s tourism authority reported a 3.77 percent increase in visitors, reflecting its growing popularity as a premier tourist destination.
During the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, Emirates Airlines expressed interest in establishing a flight route from Dubai to Lucknow. This potential development aims to increase tourism between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uttar Pradesh, India. Uttar Pradesh is promoting its religious and spiritual tourism destinations, along with other niche markets, to attract a wide range of international tourists.
