The post Thailand marks 50 years of Sino-Thai diplomacy with Sawasdee Nihao appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) formally launched Sawasdee Nihao, a series of events commemorating 50 years of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations, on Thursday, 29th May, in Bangkok.

The launch featured a Tourism Forum that brought together top officials, including the Thai Prime Minister and Chinese Ambassador, to reinforce shared goals and Thailand’s position as a Quality Destination.

The event concluded with a Welcome Reception showcasing Thai culture, cuisine, and bilateral goodwill.

This initiative serves as a strategic platform to reposition Thailand’s tourism image in the Chinese market, strengthen partnerships, and drive demand through targeted engagement aligned with the evolving preferences of Chinese travellers.

During the launch, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared: “Sawasdee Nihao marks the start of a deeper Thai–Chinese partnership. For 50 years, tourism has connected our people with warmth and friendship. It lays the foundation for a sustainable bridge where every visitor enjoys joy, ease, and safety in a truly De-stressed Tourist Destination. Today, China and Thailand come together to celebrate this journey as one close and warm family.”

A long-standing commitment to quality tourism

As one of five grand concepts under the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, Sawasdee Nihao reflects Thailand’s commitment to quality tourism and enriching seamless travel experiences. 

The initiative includes infrastructure upgrades, streamlined immigration, and the “5 Must Do in Thailand” campaign—designed to appeal across travel segments including leisure, luxury, wellness, sports, and multi-generational tourism.

Thailand is also positioning itself as a hub for world-class events from international sports competitions to music festivals and cultural showcases.

By doing so, the country leverages its soft power to create immersive, high-value visitor experiences. 

All efforts are guided by the Sustainable Tourism Goals, ensuring tourism supports balanced economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural inclusivity.

Value over volume

For his part, Thai tourism minister Sorawong Thienthong remarked: “The Thai government is committed to ‘Value over Volume’, fostering strategic trust, two-way exchange, and a resilient partnership ecosystem. Through Sawasdee Nihao, Thailand sends a clear message of readiness, hospitality, and long-term vision. This initiative not only honours five decades of  Thai–Chinese friendship but also sets the stage for a new chapter of sustainable, high-impact tourism between the two nations.”

A proactive effort under TAT’s Quick Win strategy, Sawasdee Nihao employs an integrated Push–Pull model: bringing Chinese tour operators, airlines, media, and KOLs to experience Thailand firsthand (Push), and enabling them to share their experiences with audiences back home (Pull). 

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The post Air India enters 4 new interline partnerships appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air India announced it has entered interline partnerships with four major airlines from emerging markets, significantly enhancing connectivity to Europe, particularly the Baltic region and parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The partnerships will provide Air India guests seamless travel options to 16 more destinations across 6 countries in these regions, while providing easier access to India to the passengers of the respective partner airlines.

Air India signed these interline agreements with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi.

The new partnerships further strengthen Air India’s position as a global connector, enabling a passenger to travel across continents with a single-ticket itinerary that combines Air India flights with those of its partner airlines as well as coordinated baggage allowance & handling.

Convenient one-stop connectivity through the 4 partner airlines:

• airBaltic:Provides access to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania) via Air India’s European gateways at Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, Milan-Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, or Dubai.

• Bulgaria Air: Provides access to Sofia via Air India’s gateways at London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, and Tel Aviv, supporting travel to the vibrant Eastern European city. Air India guests can also take further onward connections from Sofia to other Bulgarian cities of Varna and Burgas. 

• Cyprus Airways:Provides access to Larnaca (Cyprus) via Air India’s European gateways at Paris, Milan, and Dubai, opening one of the Mediterranean’s key cultural and economic hubs for Indian travellers. 

• Uzbekistan Airways:Provides access to Tashkent from Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa-Mopa (GOX), as well as further onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan.

Conversely, Air India will provide convenient access to more than 30 Indian cities to the customers of its four artner airlines, including but not limited to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi.

“These four new interline partnerships significantly enhance Air India’s global reach and open seamless pathways to vibrant cities across some of the most important emerging markets of today,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “Our partnerships with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, bring more travel options and smoother journeys for our growing base of customers worldwide as well as reinforce India’s rising status as a key global aviation hub.”

 

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The post Jumeirah properties get set to mark Global Wellness Day appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

With Global Wellness Day slated for 14th June, international luxury hospitality firm Jumeirah invites guests to reconnect with themselves, their surroundings, and the spirit of place through a meaningful journey of wellbeing at Talise Spa destinations around the world.

Spanning ten countries and 15 destinations, Jumeirah’s Global Wellness Day programme brings together thoughtful experiences rooted in nature and culture, each one designed to restore presence and balance. 

From blessings in Bali and breathwork in London to turtle rehabilitation tours in Dubai, every activation reflects the rhythm of its setting. 

This year’s theme, #ReconnectMagenta, calls on communities to reawaken their connection to self, to others, and to the planet, a vision that sits at the heart of Talise’s approach to wellbeing.

At Jumeirah, Talise is more than a spa destination, but more of a life philosophy: one that encourages presence, connection, and conscious living. 

With this in mind, Talise Spa locations across the globe are set to offer a variety of localised modalities developed with the overall wellbeing of guests in mind.

Wellness in the UAE: Nourishment and nature

In Dubai, guests at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab are invited to begin their day with sunrise yoga, a nourishing breakfast, and a Valmont skincare masterclass, before unwinding in Talise Spa’s wellness facilities followed by behind-the-scenes experience of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP).

Here, they will learn about the team’s marine conservation efforts, including the chance to feed the turtles and enjoy a private aquarium tour, before unwinding in the Talise Spa’s wellness facilities.

Meanwhile, at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the focus shifts to emotional wellness with somatic yoga, breathwork, and a keynote on the gut-mind connection by wellness and longevity nutrition expert Silvena Rowe, alongside opportunities to explore wellbeing technology. 

Over at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, guests can enjoy a morning yoga and energising cold plunges at Janat Al Bahar events lawn followed by well-being booth experiences at the Safinah Ballroom which offers healthy bites and treats, wellness consultations, hand and percussion gun massages, kids yoga, and family-fun activities, while Madinat Jumeirah reconnects guests with nature through guided ecology walks, sunset yoga and sound healing under the stars. 

In Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island presents a holistic programme of beachside yoga and meditation, a healthy breakfast bar, personalised Technogym AI check-up, and sound healing sessions.

The Gulf: Where health and beauty go hand in hand

Guests at Jumeirah Muscat Bay in Oman can try mindful meditation, a stretch and mobility class, and a guided nature hike followed by sunset beach yoga. 

Further afield, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain offers immersive sound healing, followed by a hands-on workshop to craft personalised body scrubs or hair masks and concludes with a guided massage class to understand the physiological benefits of massage techniques. 

Meanwhile, in Kuwait, Jumeirah Messilah Beach invites guests to try a soothing Pilates session led by a psychologist and fitness expert, followed by journaling by the beach.

Europe and the UK: The art of restoring personal balance

In Italy, Jumeirah Capri Palace invites guests to restore balance with poolside yoga followed by the signature Leg School Therapy by Professor Francesco Canonaco. 

Exclusive to Capri Medical Spa, this renowned treatment is designed to boost circulation, enhance skin tone, and promote full-body wellness while addressing cellulite, varicose veins, and stretch marks. 

Over in Spain at Jumeirah Mallorca, the day begins with a grounding Hatha yoga sun salutation and meditation against the backdrop of panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the majestic UNESCO Heritage Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range. 

Meanwhile, in London, Jumeirah Carlton Tower offers a sensory workshop led by GROUND, featuring breathwork, aromatherapy and guided meditation, followed by an energising Sanctum workout overlooking Cadogan Gardens.

Asia: Traditional methods meet contemporary modalities

In Indonesia, Jumeirah Bali invites guests to enjoy a serene wellness experience with beachside blessing rituals, Tarot Readings, Yin-Yang, Hatha and Pranayama yoga sessions, an educational talk with TAO on traditional Chinese medicine for longevity, and a chance to explore the benefits of herbal tea. 

In the Maldives, guests at Jumeirah Olhahali Island can take part in a sunrise run, guided spa rituals, sunset yoga and voice alchemy sound journeys. 

For visitors to Jumeirah Guangzhou or Jumeirah Nanjing in China, a fusion of modern and traditional practices awaits from Eight Trigrams Boxing and collagen treatments to morning meditation and yoga.

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The post IndiGo codeshares with Garuda Indonesia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IndiGo and Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier of Indonesia, signed a bilateral codeshare agreement offering enhanced network to their respective customers. This partnership aims to enable seamless travel for customers between India and Indonesia, through Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Bali, on a single booking with through checked-in baggage.

As part of this codeshare arrangement, IndiGo customers get access to 17 new destinations across Indonesia, while travellers on Garuda Indonesia can fly to seven destinations in India. Customers will benefit from a single ticket booking experience, reducing travel complexities, and enhancing overall convenience.

Abhijit DasGupta, Senior Vice President – Network Planning & Revenue Management, IndiGo said: “We are delighted to announce this codeshare partnership with Garuda Indonesia, further solidifying our commitment to offering enhanced connectivity and a wide range of options to our customers. This enables our customers to conveniently book their itineraries and seamlessly travel across various parts of Indonesia on the joint network of IndiGo and Garuda Indonesia.”

Garuda Indonesia’s Commercial Director, Ade R Susardi welcomed the partnership and said that this partnership is hoped to further strengthen the airline’s flight network, as well as provide added value to all passengers of both airlines, especially in the ease of accessibility of air travel between India and Indonesia.

“India is one of the potential markets for Garuda Indonesia. Through this collaboration with Indigo, which is one of the largest airlines in India, it is hoped that it will be able to support the Government’s efforts in optimizing tourist visits to Indonesia as well as expanding Garuda Indonesia’s international flight network, especially in the South Asia region,” said Ade.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare is expected to come into effect starting July, with sales starting in June.

 

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The post Preferred Travel Group names Philipp Weghmann Chief Development Officer and President of Beyond Green appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Preferred Travel Group, the family-owned company that operates global travel brands and programmes including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, and PTG Consulting, is pleased to announce the appointment of Philipp Weghmann as Chief Development Officer. In this newly created executive position, Weghmann will lead company-wide development initiatives to accelerate strategic growth and innovation. He will also serve as President of Beyond Green, reflecting Preferred’s deepened commitment to expanding the brand’s presence and impact around the world.

In this dual role, Weghmann will oversee the group’s global development efforts, working closely with departmental and regional leadership teams to identify strategic opportunities for brand expansion and portfolio alignment. His leadership will also extend across the company’s IQA (Integrated Quality Assurance) and Alliance Partner programmes, ensuring consistency and excellence across services and brands.

“As we look to the future of our company, this new leadership role is a pivotal step in reinforcing our long-term vision for thoughtful growth and purpose-driven hospitality,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO, Preferred Travel Group. “Philipp brings a deep understanding of our brand DNA, a proven global track record, and a passion for people and planet that aligns well with our ambitions across all business verticals. We are thrilled to welcome him back to our executive team.”

A seasoned and visionary hospitality leader, Weghmann brings over 20 years of industry experience and a unique blend of luxury brand expertise and global development acumen. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Luxury Collection at Marriott International, where he oversaw global brand strategy, marketing, partnerships, guest experience, and brand standards for a portfolio of more than 120 hotels in over 35 countries. During his tenure, the brand achieved significant growth milestones and launched high-profile properties in markets such as Kyoto, Seoul, Vail, Madrid, Istanbul and Munich.

Prior to his tenure at Marriott, Weghmann held several leadership roles at Preferred Travel Group, beginning as Regional Director for the Iberian Peninsula & Mediterranean in 2006. He later served as Area Managing Director for Latin America & the Caribbean and ultimately as Executive Vice President – Europe. His contributions were widely recognised, including being named one of HSMAI Europe’s “Top 20 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality & Travel” in 2018.

 

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The post Asia mulls the growing importance of halal tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

While halal travel is commonly something equated with the Middle East, travel professionals need to be aware that it also applies to other parts of the world, particularly South and Southeast Asia which both have sizeable Muslim populations.

Indeed, an Al-Jazeera report from February of this year shows that the halal / Muslim-friendly tourism market is expected to grow to US$410.9 billion by 2032, nearly twice the total seen at the end of 2023.

Crescent Rating, the leading global authority on halal travel, also pointed out that the number of Muslims travelling globally regardless of whether for business or leisure could hit 230 million by 2028.

This rise, of course, is dependent on how rapidly different nations can launch and implement key initiatives to attract Muslim travellers, particularly amenities that take their religious practices into consideration on top of their dietary requirements.

East Asia, in particular, needs to step up its game, given the rising number of Muslim travellers making their way to China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Travel Daily Media was recently able to sit down with Crescent Ratings’ head of business development and events Daniswara Nugroho who shared his findings and insights on how East Asia can make travel more appealing to visitors from Islamic Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Working with East Asian hospitality providers

Nugroho explained to us that Crescent Rating recently worked with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in order to build up their Muslim-friendly service ecosystem from the ground up, an initiative which was spearheaded by the HKTB itself.

As he recalls: “We did a seminar with their stakeholders, mostly the hoteliers, as well as main venues, attractions, and shopping malls throughout Hong Kong. We shared critical touchpoints with them regarding the needs of Muslim travellers.”

Those in attendance at that talk were introduced with the Crescent Rating system which is used to evaluate establishments based on how Muslim-friendly they are.

Nugroho said: “Along the way, we managed to rate 16 establishments in Hong Kong, and we noted that some of them have made improvements in their offerings, especially when it comes to halal food and the availability water in washrooms; some have even added bidets to their toilets.”

However, Nugroho also pointed out that the adoption of more Muslim-friendly practices has been slow in both the Macau SAR and Mainland China.

Indeed, it may still take some time for hotels and other establishments in Macau to come to the same level of halal-preparedness as their counterparts in Hong Kong.

With regard to hospitality providers in the Chinese Mainland, Nugroho said: “We haven’t been able to penetrate the Chinese market because, so far, we don’t have a local partner or counterpart we could actually work with. But we are working on getting to the tourism boards in the country.”

Interestingly, while China has had ethnic Muslim areas like the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang in the northwestern part of the country, it has been a challenge even for organisations like Crescent Rating to gain traction in the country.

On cruises and measures in other parts of the region

In recent months, regional cruises have begun to become more popular among Asian travellers, especially following the brand refresh for Star and Dream Cruises in March of this year.

When asked if regional cruise lines were beginning to adopt halal-centric practices, Nugroho replied with a resounding yes.

Nugroho explained: “We’ve worked with Resorts World Cruises [the previous brand identity for StarCruises] in Singapore, and we’ve actually rated them based on how Muslim-friendly they are. To date, one of their cruises is already Muslim-friendly.”

Indeed, some vessels like StarCruises’ Star Voyager are already equipped with facilities like halal kitchens that offer menus specific to a Muslim clientele; during our coverage of the Star Voyager’s maiden voyage in March, we noted that specific dishes were offered to such guests at the appropriate times for both iftar at sunset and suhoor before dawn.

Nugroho added: “ We are currently (3:46) launching another cruise in Antarctica with Albatros Expeditions, and we’re going to set plans early next year with them. It’s going to be Muslim-friendly, so it means that they have bidets for washing, as well as halal food. And, yes: they will also have a prayer room.”

Beyond the cruise sector, the proliferation of halal-friendly amenities is already being seen in countries like the Philippines which has its own Muslim population in its southern provinces, and where hotel management companies like Megaworld have already made significant inroads towards inclusivity.

Naturally, such amenities are already available in nations that are predominantly Muslim like Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with hotels and attractions offering wash areas, prayer rooms, religion-compliant menus, and even regular calls to prayer within their premises.

However, Nugroho said that there is still much work to be done: tourism-heavy nations like Thailand and Vietnam still lack much of the necessities required by Muslim travellers, but organisations like Crescent Rating are already in talks with relevant authorities to ensure that the right measures will be set in place some time in the future.

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The post The Ascott Limited fast-tracks expansion for The Crest Collection appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

CapitaLand Investment’s hospitality arm The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is accelerating the global expansion of its European-born luxury brand The Crest Collection in response to growing demand from luxury travellers for distinctive, heritage-rich stays. 

Over the past six months, the brand has gained strong momentum across East Asia and the Middle East, adding over 1,200 units from four new signings and one opening. 

The portfolio now comprises 16 properties with over 2,700 units, both operational and in the pipeline, across 11 countries and 13 cities. 

As a key brand within the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) programme, The Crest Collection enhances the diversity of the ASR portfolio, offering members a broader range of luxury options and more opportunities to experience heritage-inspired stays around the world.

A growing number of luxurious properties

Among the newest additions in East Asia is SEN/KA TOKYO by The Crest Collection, set to open in the second half of 2029, marking the brand’s debut in Japan. 

Also contributing to growth in the region are two developments in China: Hong Yuan Hotel by The Crest Collection, which opened in Haikou, Hainan Province, at the end of last year, and a property slated to open by mid-2026 in Wuhan’s Donghu New Technology Development Zone, commonly known as Optics Valley. 

In the Middle East, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection, the brand’s first resort and its debut in the United Arab Emirates, will open in early 2027, to be followed by the brand’s first property in Saudi Arabia, opening in Riyadh in 2028.

This expansion into East Asia and the Middle East builds on the brand’s growing traction in Southeast Asia. 

La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection, set to open in mid-2025, will become the brand’s fourth property in the region, following the 2023 debut of The Grand Mansion Menteng by The Crest Collection in Indonesia, The George Penang by The Crest Collection in Malaysia, and The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore. 

Meanwhile, the brand’s seven other operational and pipeline properties are located across Europe, where The Crest Collection was first established in 2016.

A rising interest in luxury accommodations

Ascott’s chief growth officer Serena Lim opines that interest in luxury stays is increasing within Asia and the Middle East, driven by travellers seeking meaningful connections to the region’s rich culture and heritage. 

Lim said: “The Crest Collection meets this aspiration with its ‘A Story Behind Every Door’ brand promise, delivering culturally immersive experiences enriched by each property’s distinctive identity, while enabling owners to tap into the strength of Ascott’s global commercial ecosystem.” 

Lim added that The Crest Collection is highly conversion-friendly, adapting seamlessly across serviced residences, hotels, resorts and other accommodation types. 

As she puts it: “While recent signings highlight new builds such as the brand’s first resort, its adaptability also makes it ideal for property conversions that enable swift time-to-market. By tailoring solutions to the unique demands of each location, our market-driven approach empowers us to respond to evolving traveller expectations with agility and deliver sustained value for owners.”

This acceleration of expansion is timely, given how the global luxury travel sector is projected to grow from US$1.4 trillion in 2024 to US$2.2 trillion by 2030, driven not just by affluence among the wealthy but also by younger travellers who are willing to pay top dollar for meaningful experiences. 

With luxury travellers drawn to destinations that excite, along with surprising environments and experiences that speak to their individuality, it is clear that the true essence of luxury lies in celebrating unique stories rather than uniformity.

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The post Collinson International is the official headline sponsor of IMM Asia 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global airport experience solutions provider Collinson International has been announced as the official headline sponsor for the upcoming IMM Asia 2025.

At the region’s premier travel media networking event, Collinson International will showcase its market-leading insights on travel trends, as well as its global reach and innovation in airport experiences, customer engagement solutions to the media industry.  

TravMedia founder and CEO Nick Wayland said: “TravMedia is thrilled to welcome Collinson International as our headline sponsor for IMM Asia 2025. As the company behind Priority Pass and a leader in delivering world-class travel experiences and customer engagement solutions, Collinson International is the ideal partner to help inspire and connect international travel brands with leading travel media in Asia Pacific.”

As the owner and operator of Priority Pass, Collinson International collaborates with over 1,500 leading brands in the financial services, travel and hospitality sectors worldwide. 

Through these partnerships, Collinson International delivers valuable customer engagement solutions and enables their clients’ customers to enjoy memorable travel experiences through its network of over 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences, including dining, retail, sleep, and spa in 145 countries, helping to elevate every journey into something special.

Bringing together the region’s best

Scheduled for 14th October at Suntec Singapore, IMM Asia will bring together more than 120 international travel and tourism brands for one-on-one meetings with 150+ top-tier travel journalists, editors, and influencers from Greater China, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, India, and Australia.

The event will also feature dedicated networking sessions, the TravMedia Awards Asia which honours excellence in travel writing, PR, and content creation.

Likewise, the closing cocktail function is all set to foster valuable connections between media and industry professionals.

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The post Fliggy releases travel insights for this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Alibaba Group’s online travel services platform Fliggy just released insights into travel trends for the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

This latest report reveals a sustained demand for high-quality travel experiences throughout the Chinese mainland, as well as the country’s special autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

Data shows that bookings for customised domestic tours are up by over 50 percent year-on-year (YoY), while domestic hotel packages combining accommodation with entertainment and dining options grew by 20 percent.

Likewise, travellers were spending more in the leadup to the holiday, with average expenses on tickets, camping experiences, and chartered tours rising by 8.8 percent compared to last year’s holiday period.

In for stays and cultural immersion

This year, many travelers opted for visits to theme parks or resorts with family and friends.

As a result, ticket sales for major attractions and theme parks on the first day of the holiday increased by 25 percent YoY, while comprehensive packages that included dining and entertainment experienced a remarkable 140 percent surge in bookings.

With southern China entering its rainy season, the hot and humid weather led many travelers to enjoy hotel-based retreats. 

Properties enhanced their offerings with traditional festival activities, such as making zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), handcrafting five-color bracelets, and creating aromatic sachets, attracting guests seeking cultural experiences. 

Among all accommodation types, luxury resorts and boutique homestays recorded particularly strong booking growth during the holiday period.

This year saw the increased popularity of closer destinations

During the three-day holiday, travelers favored short-distance road trips and nearby getaways.

According to Fliggy data, domestic car rental bookings jumped by approximately 30 percent YoY, with flexible pickup and return options proving particularly popular. 

Top self-drive destinations included Urumqi, Chengdu, Sanya, Haikou, and Beijing.

On the other hand, the most popular domestic destinations included Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Wuhan.

Meanwhile, emerging locations such as Beitun (Xinjiang), Jincheng (Shanxi), Qiongzhong (Hainan), Qingyuan (Guangdong), Wuwei (Gansu), Nujiang (Yunnan), Dezhou (Shandong), Fangchenggang (Guangxi), and Kaifeng (Henan) showed the fastest booking growth, alluring travelers with their unique cultural and natural attractions in less crowded environments. 

For outbound travel, the most sought-after destinations included Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, France, Indonesia, and the United States, with short-haul flights (under four hours) being particularly popular. 

Notably, countries such as Poland, Iceland, Finland, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Laos, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, and Georgia experienced substantial growth in bookings, drawing travelers with their pleasant climates and distinctive cultural offerings.

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