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China’s first batch of space tickets on sale at 1.5 million RMB

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On October 23, Deep Blue Aerospace, a private Chinese aerospace company, announced the presale of two seats for a suborbital flight scheduled for 2027, each priced at 1.5 million RMB. The first batch included two space travel tickets, priced at 1.5 million RMB (US$210,000) each, available for a special offer of 1 million RMB on the "Making Friends" livestream on Taobao. Both tickets sold out shortly after going live at 6:20 p.m.


According to Deep Blue Aerospace CEO Huo Liang, a significant part of space tourism costs arises from rocket launches. In the long term, as reusable orbital rocket technology matures and becomes operational, rocket launch costs will drastically decrease. Deep Blue Aerospace is focused on the reusable rocket field and leads domestically with its "Nebula-1" rocket, China’s first reusable orbital rocket. With the further development of reusable rocket technology, ticket prices could soon fall to tens of thousands of RMB.


Viking Cruises partners with Yue Sai to explore the “She Economy”


Viking Cruises and Chinese high-end beauty brand Yue Sai recently announced a strategic partnership on Viking’s luxury cruise, "Zhaoshang Idun," with a "Ride the Wind and Waves" event celebrating women aged 50 and above. The brands aim to meet the needs of mature female consumers by combining luxury cruises with refined skincare experiences, promoting wellness and exploration for women over 50.



MSC Cruises’ Asian flagship "MSC Splendida" returns to Shanghai in 2025


MSC Cruises will relaunch its Asian flagship, the MSC Splendida, in Shanghai on January 16, 2025, offering 25 themed cruises year-round. Highlights include cross-cultural experiences like comedy shows, traditional Chinese hanfu dress photoshoots, LEGO workshops, Guinness World Record challenges, and Pigeon Baby-themed rooms, with holiday cruises tailored to various customer groups including children, multi-generational families, and couples.


Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals up 30% this year


According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, foreign arrivals reached 27.8 million as of October 20, a 30% year-on-year increase. Chinese tourists lead with 5.6 million, followed by 4 million from Malaysia and 1.6 million from India.


1.12 million Chinese tourists visit the U.S. by August


As of August 31, Chinese tourists visiting the U.S. reached 1.12 million, exceeding 2023 totals. China is now the 8th largest market for the U.S., with predictions for it to become a top 5 market globally. By 2025, Chinese tourist numbers are expected to return to 2019 levels. Brand USA recently launched the global version of its "Travel America Expert Training" program in China, offering practical tools to help travel professionals better design and market U.S. travel products.


German National Tourist Board unveils AI-powered digital influencer "Emma"


The German National Tourist Board recently launched its first AI-powered influencer, "Emma," designed to promote German tourism 24/7 across digital channels. As a virtual brand ambassador, Emma aims to attract global travelers by offering interactive and personalized insights into German travel experiences, central to the board’s digital strategy.



VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates visits China


VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates recently visited Beijing and Shanghai to promote the U.K. as a top destination for Chinese tourists, encouraging them to explore beyond major hubs. A joint workshop with Tourism Ireland in Shanghai attracted 35 Chinese travel buyers, with support from British Airways, to showcase regional British and Northern Irish tourism products. Yates engaged with Chinese tourism representatives, discussing the latest trends in Chinese outbound travel and the impact of digital booking tools on attracting high-spending tourists.


Tongcheng Travel ranks among China’s top 500 private enterprises


On October 12, the 2024 China Private Enterprise 500 Conference and the National Top Private Enterprises Conference were held in Lanzhou, where the "2024 China Private Enterprise 500" and "Top 100 Private Service Enterprises" lists were released. Tongcheng Travel Group, with its full-industry chain layout strategy and growing sustainable development capacity, made it onto both lists in 2024, ranking 103rd among the "China Private Enterprise 500" and 25th among the "Top 100 Private Service Enterprises." This represents a notable increase from its 2023 rankings of 270th and 63rd, respectively.


Domestic tourism reaches 4.237 billion visits in the first three quarters of 2024


According to domestic tourism sample survey statistics, the first three quarters of 2024 saw 4.237 billion domestic visits, an increase of 563 million compared to the previous year, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 15.3%. Among these, urban residents accounted for 3.27 billion visits, up 14.9%, while rural residents made 967 million visits, a rise of 16.8%.

Breaking it down by quarter: the first quarter saw 1.419 billion visits, up 16.7%; the second quarter recorded 1.306 billion visits, up 11.8%; and the third quarter saw 1.512 billion visits, with an increase of 17.2%.


Domestic tourists’ total spending reached 4.35 trillion RMB (US$609.7 billion) in the first three quarters, an increase of 660 billion RMB, or 17.9% year-on-year. Urban residents spent 3.71 trillion RMB, up 17.1%, while rural residents spent 640 billion RMB, a rise of 22.5%.



11.11 Shopping Festival approaches, Zhongxin Travel implements all-channel strategy


China's annual 11.11 Shopping Festival is approaching, and many travel agencies are preparing to participate. Zhongxin Travel reported that it is adopting an all-channel, multi-pronged approach this year, introducing different marketing products tailored to the online and offline consumer habits of various demographics. The approach aims to balance quality and price to offer consumers exceptional value.


During the “Double Eleven” period, Zhongxin Travel is increasing its frequency of broadcasts on Douyin, with multiple hosts and time slots daily, making it easier for younger audiences with online shopping habits to consult and place orders. Zhongxin Travel’s Douyin channel achieved over 3 million RMB in transactions last week, with a cumulative viewership of over 360,000, up by approximately 22%. As the event progresses, Zhongxin Travel expects even greater results from its Douyin channel.


Guangzhou to Adelaide direct flight relaunches


In September, China Southern Airlines officially announced the resumption of its direct flight from Guangzhou to Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, starting December 11, 2024.



Qunar launches industry’s first interactive digital host


On October 23, Qunar announced the launch of "Lingfeng," the first interactive AI host in the online travel industry. The digital host is available 24/7, providing detailed descriptions of hotel facilities, highlights, and features. Users can enter a livestream with Lingfeng from a hotel details page and ask questions in real time. Qunar plans to expand the use of the digital host to more hotel livestreams, interactive services, and customer service training.


New UK visa application center opens in Guangzhou


On October 22, a new UK Visa Application Center officially began operations in Guangzhou. Over the past 12 months, the UK issued over 637,000 visas to Chinese citizens, marking a 69% increase from the previous year.


LianLian Global partners with WeChat Pay to boost Thailand’s tourism


LianLian Global recently announced a partnership with WeChat Pay to leverage both parties’ service strengths and market resources to address ticketing issues for Bangkok’s Grand Palace and other popular destinations in Thailand.


Fliggy signs new agreement with Saudi Tourism Authority


Fliggy and the Saudi Tourism Authority have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on tourism product innovation, destination marketing and promotion, and smart tourism services in Saudi Arabia.



Fliggy upgrades airport transfer service standards


On October 25, Fliggy announced enhancements to its airport transfer service, establishing six standards covering cancellation policies, fee scope, driver punctuality, and route selection. Passengers booking with vendors marked "安心行" (Safe Travel) will enjoy these guarantees for a worry-free experience. Four of the six standards are new and designed to address persistent customer pain points.


Beijing Daxing Airport’s new flight season: 978 Daily Flights


Starting October 27, the Civil Aviation Administration of China will implement its 2024 Winter-Spring flight schedule. Beijing Daxing International Airport (Daxing Airport) announced on October 24 that it will schedule an average of 978 flights per day, with 892 domestic passenger flights, 72 international and regional flights, and 14 cargo flights.

During the new flight season, Daxing Airport will introduce new international routes while maintaining overall stability in the international and regional coverage.


Saudi Arabian Airlines has launched a new route from Daxing to Dammam on October 28, Singapore Airlines will start a Daxing-Singapore route on November 11 with daily round trips, China Southern Airlines will open flights from Daxing to Sydney and Melbourne in December, and Royal Air Maroc plans to resume flights from Daxing to Casablanca with three weekly flights starting in January 2025.


Chengdu to launch direct flight to Vienna


Starting December 1, Hainan Airlines will resume its direct flights from Chengdu to Vienna, offering three round-trip flights weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.


Hangzhou Airport adds new route to Tashkent, Uzbekistan


In the new flight season, Zhejiang’s airports will see an expansion with new and increased routes, bringing the weekly flight total to approximately 13,000 flights, with a daily average of nearly 1,900 flights. Hangzhou Airport alone will handle nearly 900 flights daily. Among the new routes, Hangzhou Airport is adding a direct international flight to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, set to begin on November 17. Operated by Uzbekistan Airways, Flight HY503 will depart Tashkent at 12:40 PM local time and arrive in Hangzhou at 10:00 PM. The return Flight HY504 will depart Hangzhou at 11:30 PM, arriving in Tashkent at 4:10 AM the next day.



Finnair to increase China flights for 2025 summer season


Finnair has announced it will increase its Shanghai flights to four per week for the 2025 summer season (March 30 – October 25, 2025), catering to rising demand.


Saudi Arabian Airlines to launch direct Beijing-Dammam Route


Saudi Arabian Airlines launches a new direct route from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Dammam on October 28, with two weekly flights.

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