A wearable exoskeleton device, dubbed "robotic legs," recently debuted at Enshi Grand Canyon Scenic Area in China's Hubei province, gaining widespread attention. Some tourists who have tested the device described it as making hiking feel like “floating.” According to Enshi Tourism officials, the exoskeleton weighs just 1.8 kg and can operate continuously for 3-5 hours. The planned rental fee is ¥30-40 (US$ 4.5-5.5) per hour, with an introductory offer of 9.9 yuan for specific long stairway routes. The scenic area is still fine-tuning the deployment locations and pricing model.
Tourism in 2024: 5.62 Billion Domestic Trips, a 14.8% Increase
On February 28, China’s National Bureau of Statistics released the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin, reporting a total of 5.62 billion domestic trips, a 14.8% increase from the previous year. Domestic tourism expenditure reached 5.75 trillion yuan, up 17.1%. Inbound tourism saw 131.9 million visits, a 60.8% increase, including 26.9 million foreign visitors and 105 million travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Inbound tourists spent $94.2 billion, marking a 77.8% growth. Additionally, 20.12 million foreign travelers entered China visa-free, an increase of 112.3%. Mainland residents made 145.89 million outbound trips, including 140.15 million for personal travel and 97.12 million trips to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
2025 Dubai Tourism Promotion Event Held in Shanghai and Beijing
Recently, Hua Cheng International Travel Group collaborated with the Dubai Tourism Board to host the "Explore Dubai: Infinite Possibilities" tourism product promotion event in Shanghai and Beijing. Over 200 travel industry professionals attended, showcasing Dubai’s latest tourism resources and innovative experiences, injecting fresh momentum into Dubai’s first-quarter 2025 tourism market.
Washington, D.C. Tourism Bureau & Caissa Travel Sign Strategic Partnership
On February 28, the Washington, D.C. Tourism Bureau, the official destination marketing organization of the U.S. capital, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Caissa Travel, a major Chinese tourism service provider. The three-year partnership aims to promote Washington, D.C.’s tourism resources in the Chinese market through joint marketing initiatives. The collaboration will focus on sports events, outdoor adventures, educational tours, photography trips, eco-tourism, and sustainable travel. These efforts will specifically target group tours, customized trips, and independent travelers, further enhancing Washington, D.C.'s presence in China's outbound tourism market.
Hainan Airlines Plans to Launch Beijing-Tel Aviv Direct Flight
Hainan Airlines has announced plans to launch a direct flight from Beijing to Tel Aviv, Israel, starting April 10, 2025. The route will be operated by a Boeing 787, with two weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Resume Direct Flights to Moscow on April 8
On February 26, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport confirmed that it will resume direct passenger flights between Chongqing and Moscow on April 8, providing an efficient air route for travelers and business exchanges between China and Russia.
Cathay Pacific to Launch Hong Kong-Dallas Direct Flight
Cathay Pacific has announced that it will launch a direct flight from Hong Kong to Dallas-Fort Worth starting April 24, 2025. The route will operate four times per week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) and will be flown by an Airbus A350-1000. With a flight duration of approximately 17 hours, this will be one of the longest routes in Cathay Pacific’s network. This marks Cathay Pacific’s first new U.S. route since the pandemic. The airline has already resumed most of its pre-pandemic U.S. destinations, except Seattle-Tacoma and Washington Dulles, which currently have no plans for resumption.
South Africa Welcomes First Chinese Tour Group Under TTOS "Trusted Travel Agency Program"
On February 12, South Africa's Home Affairs Ministry launched the TTOS "Trusted Travel Agency Program." Within ten days, the program welcomed its first Chinese tour group. On February 22, a group of 15 Chinese tourists landed at Cape Town International Airport and received a warm welcome from South African government officials, including Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, and Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.
Serbia Receives Over 156,000 Chinese Tourists in 2024, a 70% Increase
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić highlighted the country’s booming tourism industry, with annual visitor numbers rising from 2 million to 4.4 million in the past decade and tourism revenue nearly quadrupling. According to Serbia's National Statistical Office, Chinese tourist arrivals exceeded 156,000 in 2024, marking a 70% year-on-year growth.
Washington, D.C. Tourism Board Signs Strategic Partnership with Trip.com
The Washington, D.C. Tourism Board has signed a three-year strategic cooperation agreement with Trip.com Group in Shanghai. This partnership will focus on promoting Washington, D.C. in China, Japan, and South Korea through joint marketing campaigns. The initiative aims to highlight niche travel experiences, major events, and music festivals in Washington, D.C. on Trip.com’s global platforms.
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