On December 30, 2024, after the crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 on the 29th, swathes of Chinese tourists to South Korea canceled their travel plans. One Chinese travel agency reportedly received over 40 cancellations on the day of the accident, and by 9:30 AM on the 30th, the number of cancellations had reached 500. Many travel agencies in Korea suspended online advertising and other promotional activities. There was also a significant increase in cancellations for airline bookings, particularly for low-cost carriers like Jeju Air. This is not the first crisis to send chills through Korean travel. Earlier in December, after President Yoon Suk-yeol declared an emergency martial law, political instability and the depreciation of the Korean won led to a shrinkage in consumer spending, already negatively affecting the tourism industry.
Chinese domestic travel volume reaches nears 4.3 billion Q1-Q3 2024
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently announced that the number of domestic trips reached nearly 4.3 billion in the first three quarters of 2024.
Mafengwo's "AI Bot Tour" launches at Qianling Mountain
During the New Year’s holiday, the Chinese city of Guiyang attracted tourists with a flash event that combined both technology and entertainment. Ten AI-powered robot dogs, each with unique designs, made their debut at Guiyang’s Qianling Mountain Park. These AI bots traveled along the main routes of the park, engaging in dance performances, visitor interactions, and voice-based Q&A sessions.
China Southern Airlines’C909 aircraft successfully debuts on Guangzhou to Brunei route
China Southern Airlines flight CZ5509 took off smoothly from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, heading to Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. This marked the first international passenger service operated by China Southern’s C909 aircraft. Not only does this launch the C909’s first international route, but it also sets a new record for the C909’s longest flight range, nearly 2400 kilometers.
China Eastern Airlines to significantly increase Shanghai to Riyadh direct flights
To better serve passengers traveling between China and Saudi Arabia and to promote economic exchange between the two regions, China Eastern Airlines will increase its direct flights between Shanghai and Riyadh starting February 21, 2025, from three to six round-trip flights per week.
Juneyao Airlines Increases Frequency on Shanghai Pudong to Athens Route
Starting April 13, 2025, Juneyao Airlines plans to increase the frequency of its Shanghai Pudong to Athens route from three weekly flights to four. The new flight schedule will include departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
6.7 Million Chinese Tourists Visit Thailand in 2024
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, over 35 million foreign tourists visited Thailand last year, spending more than 1.6 trillion Thai Baht (approximately 340 billion RMB). Among these, Chinese tourists made up the largest group, with 6.7 million visitors. They were followed by tourists from Malaysia (4.93 million), India (2.12 million), South Korea (1.86 million), and Russia (1.72 million).
Korea Tourism Organization x Dianping: "City Play" launches pet-friendly international travel trend
Recently, the Korea Tourism Organization teamed up with Dianping and the “City Play” program to launch the "Cute Pets in Korea" pet-friendly travel initiative. This activity has garnered significant attention, particularly in the pet-friendly outbound tourism sector, which has become a focal point for pet lovers. The campaign offers an incredibly useful guide for traveling to Korea with pets.
Cambodia lowers e-visa fees starting in 2025
On January 1, 2025, Cambodia announced a reduction in the fees for electronic visas. The cost of the Cambodian electronic tourist visa (e-Visa T) will drop from $36 to $30, and the electronic ordinary visa (e-Visa E) will decrease from $42 to $35. The announcement also includes improvements and simplifications in the visa issuance process, with the integration of the e-Visa and e-Immigration system into the Kingdom’s ecosystem, aiming to provide more convenience for travelers entering Cambodia.
Fiji Tourism Board launches 2025 global brand promotion in China
The Fiji Tourism Board has officially launched its 2025 brand marketing campaign in the Chinese market. The campaign aims to showcase Fiji’s unique charm to Chinese tourists by highlighting the country’s joyful atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the local people. The new brand video uses the concept of a passport photo to creatively introduce the campaign, presenting Fiji's unique joyful atmosphere in a lighthearted and humorous way.
Chinese tourists involved in bus accident in Norway: 5 tourists injured
According to the Chinese Embassy in Norway, a long-distance bus carrying 35 people was involved in an accident on December 26 in the Lofoten area of northern Norway. Among the passengers, 15 were Chinese tourists, and 5 sustained minor injuries. The accident occurred near Hadsel in a snowstorm, causing the bus to overturn. Norwegian authorities have already arrived at the scene to provide assistance. The embassy will continue to stay in contact with the Chinese tourists involved and offer necessary help. According to Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, the accident has resulted in at least three deaths and four severe injuries.
Comments