China still No. 1 international tourism source market in 2020
>> Despite the pandemic, recent research says that China will still be the number one source market for international tourism. According to quantitative research of China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, China will reclaim its top position in 2020 with 18 million Chinese international trips, most of which however happened in January, representing about 10% of the number for 2019.
Travelers from mainland China can be expected to be responsible for more than a million border crossings, with Macao as main destination. A number of other countries in Asia welcome Chinese visitors again, including Thailand, Laos, Japan, Singapore and others. Chinese citizens within the Schengen region in Europe can also travel between European countries.
UK health service covid tests now invalid for China inbound travel
>> The Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom has declared Covid-19 test reports issued by Britain's National Health Service invalid as health certificates for China-bound travelers due to growing number of imported cases from the country. The invalidation of negative NHS test results took effect on Nov 14.
Chinese embassy switches to online travel applications
>> Starting November 22 this year, foreign passengers who are to fly from Uganda to China will apply for Health Declaration Certificate online. This is a new move being taken by the Chinese government to avoid cross-border transmission of COVID-19.
Singapore’s Scoot introduces a localized chatbot for Chinese travelers
>> Singapore-based Scoot introduced a Chinese-language chatbot at a time when the Southeast-Asia city state is lifting border restrictions on visitors from mainland China in the first week of November. It is used primarily in Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The Chinese chatbot has functionalities like searching and booking direct flights, post-ancillary sales, resending itineraries, feedback and more.
Shanghai Disney Resort president on lessons learned in the pandemic
>> Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, shared that he is as optimistic as ever about the global attractions industry’s future. During the pandemic, the company had to prioritize the safety and health of our guests and cast, while still preserving a "magical experience".
>> Shanghai Disney Resort has announced a multi-year partnership with Chinese power bank rental service, Energy Monster. The agreement between the two companies will see the addition of 10 power bank rental stations across the resort.
