On September 26, 2024, local time, Cypriot President Christodoulides met with Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, during the UN General Assembly in New York. Wang stated that China has decided to implement a visa-free policy for Cypriot citizens, which will help strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen mutual understanding. Both sides should work together to safeguard the United Nations-centered international system and cooperate in multilateral settings to defend true multilateralism and international fairness and justice.
On the same day, Wang Yi met with Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen during the UN General Assembly in New York. Wang also stated that China has decided to implement a visa-free policy for Danish citizens, while expressing hope that Denmark will introduce more convenient measures for Chinese citizens traveling to Denmark.
China’s first Shanghai-Venice direct flight takes off – 13 hours non-stop, 3 flights per week
At 00:57 on September 26, China Eastern Airlines flight MU785 “Shanghai-Venice” took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, carrying nearly 230 passengers to the renowned tourist destination of Venice, Italy. This is the first regular direct flight route between China and Venice. The flight numbers for the route are MU785/786, with three weekly round-trip flights scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and a flight duration of approximately 13 hours.
GZL Travel Service signs memorandum of cooperation with Tourism New South Wales, Australia
On September 13, GZL Travel Service, a subsidiary of the Lingnan Group, signed a memorandum of cooperation with Tourism New South Wales (NSW Tourism). The two parties will collaborate to develop tourism products featuring Sydney and NSW's local culture, customs, festivals, and core tourism resources. This will include themed travel routes, private family tours, and customized independent travel. Leveraging GZL Travel's extensive national network, the collaboration aims to enhance market engagement in various cities across China through marketing campaigns, themed events, industry exhibitions, and professional training sessions, enriching tourists' choices for visiting Sydney and NSW.
Daily cross-border travelers expected to reach 1.75 million during National Day holidays
China's National Immigration Administration has predicted that during the National Day holiday period, the daily average number of cross-border travelers would reach 1.75 million, an 18.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The data suggests that the peak in cross-border travel will occur mainly on October 1 and 6. International airport ports, such as Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, and Chengdu Tianfu Airport, are expected to see steady increases in daily passenger flow. The daily averages are projected at 43,000, 83,000, 45,000, and 17,000 passengers respectively. Border crossings near Hong Kong and Macau will continue to experience high traffic, with Zhuhai Gongbei, Qingmao, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and Hengqin ports expecting daily averages of 320,000, 104,000, 81,000, and 75,000 passengers. Additionally, Shenzhen’s Luohu, Futian, Shenzhen Bay, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail West Kowloon Station ports are expected to see daily averages of 199,000, 173,000, 118,000, and 89,000 passengers, respectively.
Trip.com launches global driver and tour guide recruitment platform
On September 18, Trip.com's global platform for in-destination guide and driver booking officially opened recruitment for new members. The first phase of recruitment will involve signing up service providers from both domestic and international cities, including Chengdu, Xi'an, Kunming, Shenzhen, Hohhot, London, Paris, Milan, Sydney, and Christchurch. Individuals interested in working as drivers, guides, or in related tourism roles can select their preferred city and apply through a designated supplier, submitting their ID, driver's license, and other relevant documents. The supplier and platform will then review and complete the recruitment process.
"Air Silk Road" expands again – first Xi’an-Milan direct flight route launched
On September 26 at 14:40, flight MU5013 "Xi'an-Milan," carrying 208 passengers, successfully took off from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, bound for Milan Malpensa International Airport. This is the first direct flight between Xi’an and Milan and marks the launch of the first regular direct flight route connecting the largest air hub in Northwest China with Italy’s second-largest city, Milan. The Xi'an to Milan route will operate round-trip flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Hainan Airlines launches Haikou ⇌ Chongqing ⇌ Seattle international route
On September 26 at 07:13, Hainan Airlines flight HU445 from Haikou ⇌ Chongqing ⇌ Seattle successfully took off from Haikou Meilan International Airport, marking the official launch of Hainan's first international route to the United States. The Haikou ⇌ Chongqing ⇌ Seattle international route is scheduled to operate one round-trip flight per week, with service every Thursday.
Hainan Airlines to launch Beijing–Vladivostok international route
Hainan Airlines is set to open a direct flight route from Beijing to Vladivostok on October 20. The new Beijing–Vladivostok route will operate three round-trip flights per week, scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Lanzhou–Shanghai Pudong–Nagoya international route officially resumes
On September 21, the "Lanzhou–Shanghai Pudong–Nagoya" international flight resumed, taking off from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport. This restoration provides more travel options for passengers from Gansu Province and strengthens the province's international air network.
Air Serbia to launch Guangzhou–Belgrade direct flight on September 30
Air Serbia recently announced progress in its China market expansion. Following the success of its Tianjin route in 2022, Air Serbia plans to launch a direct flight from Guangzhou to Belgrade on September 30. The airline is also preparing to open a Shanghai Pudong route in the near future.
First Chinese cross-border tourist train arrives in Vientiane, Laos
On September 26, China's first cross-border tourist train, the "Starlight Lancang-Mekong," arrived in Vientiane, Laos. A grand reception was held at Vientiane railway station, with representatives from the Lao Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Laos-China Railway Company, and local tourism professionals. Guests arriving on the inaugural train were warmly greeted with traditional Lao performances and flower garlands.
Hurtigruten Expeditions holds brand promotion events in three major Chinese cities
Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world's largest adventure cruise company, recently held a series of Super Brand Day events in Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. These events showcased the company’s responsible travel ethos, which emphasizes respect for wildlife, nature, and local communities. The events attracted many industry professionals, culminating in a VIP dinner for key partners and government tourism agencies.
Azerbaijan Tourism Board hosts roadshows to promote tourism in China
From September 18 to 24, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board held a series of promotional events in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing. Representatives from 13 Azerbaijani hotels and travel agencies engaged with over 300 Chinese tourism industry professionals to showcase Azerbaijan’s tourism offerings. This initiative is part of Azerbaijan’s efforts to attract more Chinese tourists, following the country’s one-year visa-free policy for Chinese citizens that started on July 20. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, emphasized their confidence in the Chinese tourism market, noting that from January to August, more than 26,800 Chinese tourists visited Azerbaijan—double the figure from the same period in 2023. The country's visa-free policy allows Chinese citizens with valid passports to enter Azerbaijan without a visa for up to three visits within a year, with each stay not exceeding 30 days.
AlUla Tourism Board successfully holds roadshow in China
The AlUla Tourism Board recently held its annual roadshow event in Shanghai and Shenzhen. The roadshow aimed to promote AlUla’s unique tourism offerings and forge deeper connections with high-end Chinese tour operators. This event also marked a key part of the board's global tourism campaign, highlighting AlUla's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and development as a premier travel destination.
Morocco National Tourism Office hosts Beijing promotional event
The Morocco National Tourism Office recently held a promotional event in Beijing to showcase the country's rich tourism resources and cultural attractions. The event aimed to boost interest among Chinese travelers as outbound travel from China continues to grow. Morocco has seen a steady increase in Chinese tourists in recent years, and the country views the Chinese market as having great potential. Starting in January 2025, direct flights between Beijing and Casablanca will resume. Additionally, Morocco's tourism office has launched official WeChat and Xiaohongshu accounts to engage with Chinese tourists. An online learning platform has also been established to help Chinese travel service providers better understand Morocco’s tourism offerings.
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