Tag Archives: China

Global surge & weaker yen bring record 37mn visitors to Japan in 2024

A record number of visitors flocked to Japan in 2024, owing to increased post-pandemic worldwide tourism movement and a weakening yen.

Foreign travellers increased by 47% to a record 36.9 million last year, driven by tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, and China, according to data issued by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on Wednesday. The previous high was 31.9 million tourists in 2019, just before Covid-19 halted foreign travel.

According to the most recent data, the country is well on track to surpass 60 million foreign tourists by 2030. This is owing, in part, to Japan’s reputation as a far more cheap tourism destination, while being one of the world’s most developed economies. As the yen fell to a 37-year low last year, incoming visitors found it much more cheap to dine, travel, and spend at luxury stores.

The number of international visitors visiting Japan also set a new record for a single month in December, thanks in part to increasing regional connections connecting South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, according to the JNTO. The weak yen has also hampered outbound travel, with the number of Japanese travelling overseas remaining at 13 million in 2024, 35% lower than in 2019. (Source: First Post)

Hainan Airlines selects Sabre’s fare optimization technology to maximise revenue

Sabre Corporation has signed a new long-term agreement with Hainan Airlines. The carrier, which is one of the largest in China, will use Sabre’s Fares Manager and Contract Manager to efficiently manage and optimize international fares, helping to ensure competitiveness in the global market.

As a prominent Chinese airline, which has been awarded the SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline for 13 consecutive years since 2011, Hainan Airlines is expanding its international footprint. Sabre’s advanced technology will play a pivotal role in supporting these growth plans by enhancing the airline’s ability to monitor and adjust fares dynamically to maximize revenue opportunities.

“As we resume routes and launch new ones, having the right fare structure across our global network is crucial to our growth strategy,” said Zhu Li, General Manager of the International Department, Hainan Airlines Marketing Committee. “We’re pleased to expand our partnership with Sabre, whose advanced technology solutions are supporting our growth strategy and helping us to effectively manage and optimize our fares. This collaboration is a key component of our commitment to providing competitive and high-quality value to our passengers worldwide.”

Hainan Airlines flies routes across China and the world. Established in 1993, it has recently taken delivery of new aircraft and added new routes to its network. Fares Manager will bring integrated end-to-end automation and intelligence to its pricing strategy across new, existing, and resumed routes.

“We’re delighted to strengthen our relationship with Hainan Airlines with this new agreement,” said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel Solutions, Airline Sales. “This partnership will enable Hainan Airlines to navigate the complexities of global fare structures with greater agility and precision, reinforcing our commitment to driving innovation and success through leading technology for our airline customers.”

Thailand bounces back with 35mn arrivals in 2024

Thailand saw foreign tourist arrivals jump 26% last year after the government eased entry rules and waived visas for Chinese, the largest group of visitors to the country.

An estimated 35.5 million tourists visited Thailand last year, up from 28.2 million in 2023, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. They spent about THB 1.67 trillion, up 34% from a year ago, local media reported.

While the tally missed the ministry’s target of welcoming 36.7 million tourists, it was close to the Bank of Thailand’s prediction of 36 million. The country had set a record for tourist arrivals and revenue generation a year before the pandemic in 2019, with almost 40 million visitors and USD 60 billion in tourism revenue.

The government expects the recovery in tourism to sustain this year following relaxation in visa rules for a number of countries and longer stays per visit. The third season of hit television series “The White Lotus” — set to air in early 2025 and featuring Thai luxury hotels — is expected to draw in more visitors with the legalisation of same-sex marriage being an added attraction for LGBTQ travellers.

The government expects arrivals to jump to a record 40 million this year and along with about 200 million domestic trips to generate 2.8 trillion baht in revenue. The sector accounts for about 12% of the country’s gross domestic product – although some estimates put it as high as 20% – and nearly a fifth of jobs.

Chinese tourist arrivals totalled 6.7 million last year, about 60% of the pre-pandemic record of 11.1 million in 2019. The two countries signed a permanent visa waiver accord last year to encourage more cross-border travels.
Tourist arrivals from Thailand’s other major destinations such as Europe, India and Russia have already exceeded the pre-Covid levels, according to official data. (Source: Bangkok Post)

China dimisses flu outbreak concerns, safe to travel

 

China has downplayed reports of a severe flu outbreak overwhelming hospitals, stating that respiratory illnesses this winter are less severe compared to last year. The Foreign Ministry assured that it is safe for foreigners to travel to the country despite circulating videos showing overcrowded hospitals. Spokesperson Mao Ning noted that respiratory infections typically peak in the northern hemisphere during winter.

Addressing concerns over influenza A and other respiratory diseases, Mao stated the diseases have spread on a smaller scale this year. The Chinese government has issued prevention guidelines through the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration to address the seasonal surge in cases. Officials emphasised that the government prioritises the health of citizens and travellers alike.

Reports of the outbreak have gained traction in countries like India and Indonesia. However, health experts in China clarified that such outbreaks are annual occurrences during the winter season. Severe cold weather across the country in recent months has contributed to the rise in respiratory infections.

Chinese authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring public health and safety. While social media videos continue to show crowded medical facilities, officials maintain that the situation is under control. The government emphasized that international travellers should feel safe visiting China during this time.

India and China are key markets in Asia that require tourism exchange.

China extends reduced visa fee of INR 2,900 for Indians till Dec 31, 2025

In a significant move to facilitate foreigners travelling to China, the Chinese Embassy in India announced the extension of reduced visa fees until December 31, 2025, the Embassy said in a statement.

The single entry visa fee for visitors is INR 2,900, and INR 4,400 for double entry, continuing previous cost-cutting measures put in place last year.

For six months of multiple entries, the fee is 5,900 and for 12 months or above multiple entries, the fee is INR 8,800.
For group visas and official group visas, each applicant has to pay INR 1,800.

The notification came as India and China developed a broad consensus on the Line of Actual control.
The statement by Ministry of Defense, as part of its year-end review, said that India and China are on the road to restoring the ground situation in some areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“India and China achieved a broad consensus to restore the ground situation in certain areas along the LAC. Both countries have been holding talks at diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC. As a result, a broad consensus was developed based on equal and mutual security,” the statement said. (Source; IANS)

China and Singapore are two busy sectors for business and leisure travel.

West Air to start Lhasa – Chongqing – Singapore flights on Dec 25

From December 25, 2024, West Air will launch the Lhasa ⇌ Chongqing ⇌ Singapore international route. The opening of this route will promote cultural exchanges between western China and Singapore. It is also the first international route to be added since the official renaming of Lhasa Gongga International Airport.

The route will be operated by an Airbus A319 with three round-trip flights per week. The outbound flight number is PN6425, operating on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing from Lhasa at 17:40, arriving in Chongqing at 20:30, departing from Chongqing at 22:50 (23:00 on Mondays), and arriving in Singapore at 03:55 the next day.

The return flight number is PN6426, operating on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing from Singapore at 04:55, arriving in Chongqing at 09:40, departing from Chongqing at 12:20, and arriving in Lhasa at 15:20.

To celebrate the launch, West Air will introduce special  fares:

• Lhasa ⇌ Singapore round-trip tickets as low as RMB 1,888 (tax included)
• Chongqing ⇌ Singapore round-trip tickets as low as RMB 1,499 (tax included)

Promotions will also be available on West Air’s official website (www.westair.cn) and TikTok live streams. One-way fares to Singapore start at RMB 350 (excluding tax), and fares from Singapore start at SGD 70 (excluding tax). (Offers are subject to availability. Prices may change; please refer to official updates.)

West Air is also offering a range of travel-friendly policies:
• 10% discounts for tickets purchased 7 days in advance for small group travellers.
• Additional 20KG baggage allowance for international students and immediate family members (available via call center 95373 or at the counter).
• “Baggage Beneficial Offer” product, providing a 30KG free baggage limit.
• Preferential fares for connecting flights through intermodal transport with Hainan Airlines and other domestic partners.