On September 5 Tencent, in collaboration with Tongcheng Travel, introduced its new AI virtual assistant "Tongcheng Chengxin" at the Tencent Ecosystem Conference, attracting significant industry attention. Based on Tencent’s Hunyuan large language model, Tongcheng Chengxin is one of the first travel-related AI applications. It helps users plan trips, answer travel questions, and assist with booking travel products through intelligent queries.
South Africa to Implement New Visa Measures to Attract Chinese and Indian Tourists
On September 2, the South African Department of Home Affairs announced new measures to speed up and simplify visa services to attract more Chinese and Indian tourists. The measures aim to provide fast and simplified visa services for tourists from China and India. Under the new measures, approved Chinese and Indian travel agencies can register with the South African Department of Home Affairs. These agencies will be responsible for comprehensive screening of tour group members and assume related responsibilities. The Department's specialized team will quickly process group visa applications submitted by these agencies. The measures will be implemented starting January 2025, with detailed rules to be announced soon.
China Expands Online Visa Application for Multiple Countries
As of August 26, Chinese embassies in Thailand, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Suriname, and other countries have started using an online visa application system. Applicants can select the corresponding country or region on the "China Visa Application Service Center" website, fill out application forms online, and upload materials conveniently.
Lao Airlines Launches Direct Flight from Guangzhou to Pakse
On September 1, Guangzhilv arranged for a group of 30 travelers to take Lao Airlines' new direct flight from Guangzhou to Pakse, marking the first group to use this route. To welcome the inaugural group, special arrangements were made in Laos, including a flower reception, an official dinner, a certificate for the first group, and local gifts.
China Eastern Airlines to Launch Direct Flight to Kazan, Russia
Starting September 28, China Eastern Airlines will begin operating a direct flight from Shanghai Pudong to Kazan International Airport, with plans for three weekly round trips. This will be the first direct flight route between Shanghai and Kazan.
Hainan Airlines' Beijing-Tokyo (Haneda) Route Begins
On September 1, Hainan Airlines' new direct flight HU7919 from Beijing Capital International Airport to Tokyo (Haneda) took off. This marks the fourth direct flight route between China and Japan opened by Hainan Airlines, following routes to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, and Xi'an to Tokyo (Narita). The new route will provide more convenient travel services for passengers between the two cities.
China's First Regular Flight to Armenia Launched
On September 3 at 16:00, China Southern Airlines flight CZ5091 took off from Urumqi International Airport bound for Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia, marking the launch of China's first regular flight to Armenia. With this, China has achieved comprehensive air connectivity with the three Caucasus countries.
United Airlines Resumes Direct Flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles after Four Years On the evening of August 30, United Airlines resumed its direct flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles. This marks the first time in four years that United Airlines has restored this direct route and is currently the only foreign airline operating this service.
Fujian to Launch its First Direct Flight to Vientiane
Starting September 8, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport will open a direct passenger flight route from Quanzhou to Vientiane, Laos. The flights, operated by Lao Airlines, will run once a week on Sundays. This is Fujian province's first direct flight to Vientiane.
Singapore Tourism Board Continues to Strengthen China Market Share
The Singapore Tourism Board’s 2024 Greater China Roadshow kicked off in Beijing on September 3. At the event, the Board announced new brand partnerships and its dedication to further developing Singapore’s tourism resources in China. As of July 2024, the number of Chinese visitors to Singapore had recovered to 84% of the 2019 level, with a notable 24% growth in visitor numbers from June to July, surpassing 2019 levels.
Australia's Northern Territory Launches Largest Chinese New Year Travel Campaign Recently, the Northern Territory Tourism Board launched a major campaign to promote reverse-season travel to Australia during the Chinese New Year. In partnership with five premium travel service providers, the Board will run promotional events in Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai to showcase the unique charm of the Northern Territory, inviting Chinese tourists to experience a warm and authentic Australian Chinese New Year.
Trip.com Group and Destination Canada Release "Canada Fall Self-Drive Travel List" With autumn approaching, Trip.com Group has partnered with Destination Canada, Tourism Ontario, Tourism BC, and Air Canada to launch the "Canada Fall Self-Drive Travel List." This collaboration, supported by platform data, aims to inspire travelers who love road trips and want to explore Canada’s autumn scenery, culture, and cuisine.
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