Ant Group boosts transaction limits for international travelers using Alipay
In response to China‘s new policies to facilitate international visits, Ant Group is raising the single-transaction limit for international travelers using its cross-border payment services from USD 1000 to USD 5000; and the annual cumulative transaction limit from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000. The new policies apply to Ant’s twin cross-border mobile payment solutions. International travelers may download the Alipay app and bind their international cards, or use their home wallets to pay like a local thanks to Alipay+, the cross-border payment solution offered by Ant International.
Hong Kong, Macao, Chinese mainland could launch multi-stop, culture-themed travel
The Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (SARs) could consider organizing a joint "multi-stop" combination with "Chinese culture-themed" travel products from Chinese mainland cities, while taking advantage of the SARs' roles as global hubs and transit points to boost inbound tourism market, Pansy Ho Chiu-king, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and group executive chairwoman and managing director of Shun Tak Holdings, told the Global Times during the two sessions.
Hong Kong to reinstate 3% hotel tax in 2025
Hong Kong’s finance chief Paul Chan said the 3% hotel tax will return on January 1, 2025. Most visitors say the levy will not deter them from flying to Hong Kong, but others in the sector are concerned it is coming too soon after city reopens from Covid.
Taiwan seeks more tourists from Indonesia
Taiwan is looking to Indonesia as an increasingly important source of tourists as it strives to diversify the sector now that visitors from mainland China have dramatically declined after years of political tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
US Congressman calls for restoration of Chinese tourism access as NMI economy stagnates
Tourism in the Northern Mariana Islands had been an important source of income until the coronavirus pandemic put tourism on hold, especially with the large number of Chinese tourists. Amid the economic stagnation of the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan has advocated the restoration of the right of Chinese tourists to enter the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI).
Maglev hyperloop train challenges air travel supremacy with record speeds
China’s T-Flight maglev hyperloop train breaks the world speed record at 387 mph, promising a future where high-speed rail could outpace airplanes, transforming global travel and connectivity. The T-Flight, engineered by the state-owned CASIC, represents a significant leap forward in maglev (magnetic levitation) technology. The recent test in China eclipsed the former record held by Japan’s L0 Series SCMaglev, which peaked at 375 mph (603 km/h).
DidaTravel partners with Visit Oman to boost tourism from China
DidaTravel, a technology-focused international travel distribution enterprise, announced its recent collaboration with Visit Oman – the Official Tourism Organization of Oman. This partnership aims to leverage DidaTravel’s expansive network of over 25,000 travel trade partners in China to boost Oman’s visibility as a premier travel destination.
Shandong charms US visitors with cultural delights
Shandong province, a cradle of Chinese civilization in East China, is rolling out the welcome mat for US tourists, eager to showcase its rich cultural heritage and tourism scene. At a promotional event held at the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco on Thursday, visitors were enthralled by the intangible cultural heritage of Shandong.
