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Sands China marks a decade of its Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme
Sands China marked the tenth anniversary of its Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme on Thursday, 17th April, at The Londoner Macao. This landmark event was followed by the 2025 Sands China Local Supplier Open Day, which was attended by 250 local SMEs. This year, the Sands China Local Supplier Open Day connected local SMEs, including Macao enterprises certified by the DSEDT Technology Enterprise Certification Programme, with Sands China procurement representatives, thereby facilitating face-to-face conversations for the potential suppliers to learn about procurement opportunities in various Sands China departments. The event is one in a series of initiatives and events celebrating the 10th anniversary of Sands China's Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme. These include the Rua das Estalagens Team Member Food Fest at The Venetian Macao, Sands Shopping Carnival, Sands Procurement Academy training programme, Sands Supplier Excellence Awards, and Macao Technological Innovation Exploration tour. In addition, Sands China will launch a training programme this year to enhance local SMEs' online marketing capabilities, thereby facilitating digital transformation in their businesses. Through this programme, participants will be equipped with marketing skills for live broadcasting on new media platforms, enriching their knowledge of future trends and the development of live commerce. The company is also fully supporting the "2025 Macau Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition" to be held in August this year, empowering young people to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, while injecting innovative elements into local industries in a bid to contribute to Macau's economic diversification. Sands China Ltd chief executive officer and executive director Grant Chum said: "We are honoured to witness our Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme celebrating its 10-year milestone with this SME Open Day, as it demonstrates our philosophy of supporting the development of local SME suppliers and fostering their prosperity by providing a high-level, effective platform for them to grow. Over the past 10 years, Sands China has proactively launched various initiatives to support local SMEs and we have consistently adjusted our strategies in response to the latest market changes and demands, putting innovative ideas into practice to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. We would like to express our gratitude to the Macao SAR government for its longstanding policy guidance, to the Macao Chamber of Commerce for being our key partner and a crucial bridge between us and local commerce, and to all local SMEs for their active participation and support throughout the years as we all share the impactful achievements of Macao's development." Boosting opportunities for local entrepreneurs Sands China's Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme was created in partnership with the Macao Chamber of Commerce in 2015 to increase procurement opportunities for Macao's SMEs. It targets three types of local businesses: local small and micro suppliers, "Made in Macao" companies and Macao young entrepreneurs. In line with government policies, the programme propels Sands China's longstanding efforts to support the growth and development of local SME suppliers. Sands China set up several categories of procurement booths for the well-attended event: food and beverage, outside services and logistics, marketing, advertising and printing, technology and gaming products and services, hotel operating supplies and furniture, and facilities and construction. This year's Open Day added a booth specially for DSEDT-certified Macao technology enterprises to learn about technology-related procurement opportunities. Additionally, a Sands Procurement Academy booth shared information about the academy's free training programme for SMEs and offered registration on-site. For his part, Macao Chamber of Commerce vice-president Hoi Lok Man said: "SMEs are the economic foundation of Macao. The flourishing development of Macao's local SMEs is one of the city's 'golden accesses' to economic prosperity. Co-launched with Sands China in 2015, the Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme is a testament to our philosophy of supporting the growth and development of local SMEs, making progress together to achieve our mutual goal. Our support to local SMEs mirrors the adage to 'teach a man to fish' and is a microcosm of the solidarity of Macao's business sectors, demonstrating their collaborative spirit of 'growth, success, and shared prosperity.' Our partnership with Sands China has significantly surpassed commercial procurement, in turn becoming an accelerator for Macao's moderate economic diversification. Let today mark a new beginning in our journey, as Sands China continues to effectively promote the programme with support from all sectors of society, further polishing the 'golden business card' of Macao as an international metropolis."
China gets ready for May Day travel period
China is battering down the hatches in anticipation of the eight-day travel rush for the May Day holiday. The rush is expected to run between 29th April and 6th May, and authorities expect passenger flows to peak on Labour Day, 1st May. In a statement released on Tuesday, 15th April, the China State Railway Group Co, Ltd (China Railway) announced that tickets for rail travel for the holidays are now available and that railways throughout the country will be operating under a peak schedule throughout the holiday. China Railway expects to operate at least 12,000 trains a day and hopes to meet the upsurge in demand by adding more passenger trains, operating overnight high-speed trains, and attaching additional carriages to previously scheduled trains. Authorities pointed out that the upcoming holiday will see strong travel demand for family visits, tourism, and spring outings. The lure of overseas travel Interestingly, many Chinese are opting for both short- and medium-haul trips overseas, contributing to the surging demand for more diverse travel experiences. According to a Tuniu Travel report released on Monday, 14th April, group tour bookings are up by 60 percent this year, along with a 29 percent increase in independent travel among tourists from both the mainland, as well as special autonomous regions Hong Kong and Macao. Authorities have noted over 750,000 outbound and inbound flight bookings for the May Day holidays, with reservations for Japan and South Korea up by 28 percent year-on-year. While considerably fewer, there are still those who opt for longer journeys to Europe, particularly to Greece, Italy and Norway.
China reports 15.3 percent increase in passenger trips in Q1-2025
China's immigration authorities report that their agency processed 163 million passenger trips in the first quarter of this year. In the report released by China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Tuesday, 15th April, there was a 15.3 percent increase year-on-year in terms of recorded passenger trips. This total includes 80.27 million trips by Chinese mainland residents, 65.72 million by those from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan island, and 17.44 million by foreign nationals. Islanders are going places It was noted that trips by those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan island increased by 11.2 percent, with an increase of 33.4 percent from the foreign visitors. There was also an increase in terms of cross-border transport, as authorities inspected 8.495 million vehicles covering land, sea, and air; the total was up 15.5 percent year-on-year. NIA spokesperson Lin Yongsheng declared that the administration will steadily expand institutional openness in immigration management, and introduce more effective entry and exit policies, along with new measures to improve border-crossing convenience. Data on foreign travellers Around 60 percent of the foreign visitors to China opted for cross-regional travel, significantly boosting the inbound tourism market. Since the introduction of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the number of international passenger flights has surpassed 100,000, a nearly 10 percent increase from the previous period. Tourist destinations like Huangshan Mountain in East China's Anhui Province, Wuyi Mountain in East China's Fujian Province and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Central China's Hunan Province likewise saw a 21.6 percent year-on-year rise in foreign visitors. As of the end of March, a total of 9.215 million inbound trips were made by foreign visitors through ports nationwide, a 40.2 percent year-on-year increase. Of these, 6.57 million inbound trips were made under visa-free policies, accounting for 71.3 percent of the total. The sharp rise was largely attributed to the implementation of the policy, which has fueled continued growth in inbound tourism.
Kempinski Hotels renews partnership with China’s BTG Hotels Group
Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels (Group) Co., Ltd. (BTG Hotels) recently renewed their long-standing strategic partnership. At present, Kempinski Group has already begun the implementation of a strategic plan that seeks to reclaim and strengthen its market leadership in the global hospitality sector. As part of the renewed partnership, Kempinski and BTG Hotels will focus on Chinese travellers by launching a new brand which will offer a curated selection of rooms, experiences and services to cater to the evolving needs of the local demand. According to Kempinski’s chief product officer Rasha Lababidi: "Given China's strategic importance in our strategy, this new lifestyle brand will just reinforce our long-term commitment to the local market and will help further expand our footprint in the region. Domestic travellers will benefit from the best of both worlds, Kempinski hospitality and service expertise on one hand, distinct products and experiences specially designed for them on the other hand. Together with BTG Hotels, I look forward to bringing this new brand to life." The extension of the partnership between Kempinski Hotels and BTG Hotels demonstrates Kempinski long-term vision to remain a key hospitality player in the region, as part of the transformational change that the brand is going through to develop and position Europe's oldest luxury hospitality group as a dynamic, world-class leader in the luxury travel industry. A long-standing plan of action Under the renewed agreement, Kempinski Group is launching a multi-year investment plan to support the growth of the very successful partnership with BTG Hotels. This plan will focus on four key pillars: Expand the Chinese Heritage Portfolio for the Kempinski brand, enlarging the offering for sophisticated Chinese travellers discovering China and offering authentic Chinese heritage experiences for the international travellers discovering this beautiful country. Launch a new lifestyle hospitality brand to reach 200 hotels in China over the next five years. Leveraging the strength of BTG Hotels, the continuous growth of the Chinese market and Kempinski's expertise in crafting unique experiences, this new brand will enlarge the choice for Chinese customers in China. Continue to strategically support the Bristoria brand portfolio and strengthen the collaboration to expand the global expansion of the NUO brand and establish it as a benchmark in luxury cultural hospitality worldwide. Reinforce the cooperation on membership system integration. This commitment underscores their mutual ambition to lead the way in hospitality and meet the evolving needs of the Chinese market. Shared success According to BTG Hotels chairperson Li Yun: "BTG and Kempinski have achieved tremendous success during the past two decades. China's role on the travel and tourism stage has undergone a major shift in the last quarter century, and Kempinski has been a part of that journey since day one. We look forward to further strengthening the long-term strategy in the region, leveraging the hospitality expertise of Kempinski, and together, continuing to be a driving force in the development of China's hospitality landscape." For her part, Kempinski chief executive Barbara Muckermann remarked: "Kempinski and BTG enjoy a strong partnership and rich history together, as pioneers in luxury hospitality in China. We are very fortunate to have BTG Hotels, the third largest hotel group in the country, as our partner. Our collaboration offers us a unique advantage to continue aggressively expanding in the region. I look forward to the next phase of the collaboration to reinforce our position into the future." Kempinski originally expanded into China in 1992 with the country's first-ever five-star luxury hotel, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center, formerly known as Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center. Following early successes in China, Kempinski and BTG created Key Co in 2001, a joint venture established to operate hotels throughout China, leveraging the hospitality expertise of Kempinski, as the oldest independent luxury hotel company in Europe, and BTG Hotels' reputation as the most prestigious travel and tourism company in China. In 2018, Kempinski and its long-term Chinese partner mutually agreed to prematurely review the joint venture for another 50 years as a sign of confidence from both parties in the partnership and the enduring potential of this market. Today, the joint venture is one of the largest international luxury brand operators in China, operating 22 hotels.
Now fly with TransNusa from Bali, Indonesia to Guangzhou, China
TransNusa has created history yet again and became the first Indonesian airline to launch scheduled flights from Bali, Indonesia to Guangzhou, China. The launch, which took place saw TransNusa’s flight, 8B 969, depart Bali on 13 April 13 at 20.15pm and arrive at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, as scheduled at 01.00am on April 14. This move, being a strategic triumph for the airline, was launched weeks after the launch of the airline’s new scheduled Bali-Perth route on March 20. TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer and aviation veteran, Datuk Bernard Francis said that since TransNusa’s re-launch as a Premium Service Carrier in 2022, the airline has focused on meeting the needs and wants of our passengers. “Our main priority and focus is to create new exciting routes for our passengers and offer seamless and fast travels, whether through direct routes or transits routes.” Datuk Francis added. TransNusa launched its Bali-Guangzhou route at a promotional price that starts from IDR2.388.000, CNY999 and USD149. TransNusa tickets are available for purchase at transnusa.co.id and all other main online travel agent platforms worldwide. Datuk Bernard Francis “With the launch of this new route, we hope to provide tourists from China additional options to travel to the Island of Gods, Bali,” Datuk Francis said, adding that TransNusa will also provide its passengers with options to visit other major tourist destinations from Bali, such as Indonesia’s diving haven, the island of Manado. At the initial stage, from April 13th to May 31st, TransNusa will be operating four flights a week from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, popularly known as the Denpasar International Airport. The TransNusa flight, 8B 969, will depart Bali at 20.15pm and arrive at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 01.00am while TransNusa flight, 8B 968, will depart Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 02.05am and arrive in Bali at 07.40am. The TransNusa flight will depart Bali every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, while flights will depart Guangzhou on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. For this scheduled flight, TransNusa will be utilizing its A320 narrow-body jet airliner, which has 174 seats, to cater for the five-hour scheduled flight. Datuk Francis explained that the airline will increase the frequency of the scheduled Bali-Guangzhou route from four times weekly to daily flights from June 1st onwards.
China’s Juneyao Airlines Co delays Boeing Jet delivery as Tariffs war continues
China’s Juneyao Airlines Co. is delaying delivery of a Boeing Co. widebody aircraft, highlighting how the escalating trade war between Washington and Beijing is driving up the price of big-ticket goods. As informed by a news report from Bloomberg. Juneyao was due to take delivery of the 787-9 Dreamliner, valued at about $120 million, from the US planemaker in about three weeks but will now hold off due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing information that’s private. Beijing has instituted retaliatory tariffs on US-made goods. Juneyao didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Boeing declined to comment. Boeing shares fell in New York after Bloomberg News reported on the delivery delay. The stock declined as much as 2.3%, reversing earlier gains. The Chinese airline joins a growing list of companies on both sides of the dispute suspending the exchange of goods due to the punishing levies. Tesla Inc. has stopped taking orders in China for Model S sedans and Model X sport utility vehicles — both of which are imported from the US. The budding trade war represents the latest setback for Boeing in a market forecast to make up 20% of global aircraft demand over the next two decades. In 2018, nearly a quarter of the US planemaker’s output ended up in China, but it hasn’t announced a major order there for years. For Shanghai-based Juneyao, the postponement risks delaying its international expansion. The airline had planned to increase flights to Europe, including Brussels and Athens, from the summer. Those additional routes were reliant on deliveries of long-range Boeing aircraft. Juneyao has a fleet of more than 100 planes, mainly Airbus SE single-aisle jets and nine Boeing 787s. Source: Bloomberg
China Airlines orders ten Airbus A350-1000s
Taiwanese carrier China Airlines signed a firm order with Airbus for ten A350-1000s, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in December 2024. The new A350-1000s will fly long-haul routes to North America and Europe, and will provide full operational commonality with the airline’s existing A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration and efficiency. Airline chair Kao Shing-Hwang said: “Our investment in the A350-1000 supports our international growth strategy and reflects our commitment to improving the travel experience for our passengers. We are confident that the A350-1000, with its superior range, fuel efficiency and comfort, will play a key role in transforming our long-haul operations.” Airbus executive vice-president of sales for commercial aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business added: “We welcome China Airlines to our fast-growing family of A350-1000 operators. As an early adopter of the A350-900, China Airlines has played a pioneering role in embracing cutting-edge aviation technology. By choosing the A350-1000 Long Range Leader, the world's most advanced long haul aircraft, China Airlines continues to elevate its fleet, bringing superior efficiency and comfort to the forefront of long-haul travel.” China Airlines already operates various Airbus aircraft types on its full service network. The airline already operates a fleet of 15 A350-900s on long haul routes to Europe and the US, as well as on selected services to destinations in Asia and the Pacific. In addition, it operates 15 A321neo and 16 A330s on services in the region. State of the art The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by versions of the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25 percent less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It should be noted that Airbus aims to have all its aircraft up to 100 percent SAF capable by 2030. The A350 Family has received more than 1,360 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 640 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.
Vietjet launches four new Vietnam-China routes
Vietjet has launched four new non-stop services connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou in China. These routes mark a key milestone in Vietjet’s continued expansion in 2025, which also includes other new routes to India, Japan, and Singapore, highlighting the airline’s robust growth and commitment to strengthening international connectivity. The airline is offering a limited-time promotion from now to April 5, 2025, with Eco-class fares starting as low as INR11 plus taxes and fees across all routes. This incredible deal applies to flights scheduled between April 15, 2025, and March 28, 2026 (exclusive of public holidays), with bookings available on www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app. The new Vietnam-China routes include daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as from Hanoi to Guangzhou. Meanwhile, the Hanoi-Beijing route initially operates three times a week before transitioning to daily service from April 27, 2025. Additionally, a new Hanoi-Shanghai service will commence on April 29, 2025, offering daily flights. Vietjet Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Ha said, “Vietjet is excited to launch four new routes from Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou as part of our ongoing strategy to expand our flight network. With this expansion, we will continue to provide affordable and convenient travel options for both locals and tourists, further enhancing connectivity across Asia.” These new routes are part of Vietjet’s broader international expansion from its key Vietnamese hubs in 2025. Since mid-March, the airline has introduced direct flights from Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City, strengthening its operations in India. Additional services from Ho Chi Minh City to Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan will commence in late April, followed by a new route connecting Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and renowned resort town, with Singapore at the end of May.
Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General concludes landmark visit to China
The visit marks a milestone in UN Tourism’s partnership with China, underscoring the shared vision of advancing sustainable tourism and economic progress worldwide. Strengthening Global Tourism Cooperation The visit by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili featured engagements with senior government officials, industry leaders, and international development agencies, further deepening UN Tourism’s collaboration with China. .UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “China stands as one of the world’s true tourism leaders, both as a source market and as a destination in its own right. At both the public and private level, China is leading from the front in the digital transformation of the sector while also supporting it to become a pillar of international sustainable development.” Advancing the Global Development Initiative Throughout the visit, the Secretary-General reiterated UN Tourism’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. In line with President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on global solidarity, UN Tourism remains committed to fostering inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven frameworks that align with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General engaged with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to explore future collaboration on Chinese Government-funded projects that aim to support UN Tourism Member States, focusing on sustainable development and tourism-related initiatives. In all three bilateral meetings with Shanghai, Hainan, and CIDCA, the Secretary-General highlighted the significance of GDI and the Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, both proposed by President Xi Jinping. UN Tourism strongly recognizes GDI’s vital role in promoting inclusive, innovative, and partnership-driven frameworks that support the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General echoed President Xi Jinping’s belief that “solidarity is strength, but division leads nowhere”, emphasizing that global cooperation leads to shared success and sustainable development. Strengthening High-Level Engagements During meetings with senior officials in Shanghai, including Chen Jining, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the commitment to regional tourism development. Discussions emphasized sustainable tourism growth, digital transformation, and investment opportunities, setting a strong foundation for future cooperation. Strategic Partnership with Trip.com Group As well as engaging public sector leaders, the UN Tourism delegation also strengthened ties with the private sector in China, recognizing the key role of enterprise in growing and transforming the sector at every level. A visit to Trip.com Group headquarters marked a significant step toward enhancing collaboration in the travel and tourism sector. Discussions focused on leveraging digital innovation, technology integration, and sustainable travel practices, aligning with UN Tourism’s global goals. Engagements in Hainan Province and Bo’ao Forum for Asia 2025 In Hainan Province, the Secretary-General held productive discussions with the Governor, Vice Governor, and senior officials from the Hainan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. The engagements underscored the importance of fostering partnerships between UN Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. The Secretary-General also participated in the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, highlighting the vital role of tourism in regional economic cooperation and sustainable development. Strengthening Ties with the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) The Secretary-General met with Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF and UN Tourism Ambassador, to discuss ongoing strategic cooperation and preparations for the 2025 Global Tourism Economy Forum. The dialogue reinforced the critical role of tourism in driving global economic growth and collaboration.
IT&CM China and CTW China 2025
Since 2007, as The Leading International MICE Event in China, IT&CM China is co-located with CTW China – China’s Leading Corporate Travel Management Conference. Together, the events deliver a unique proposition as China’s Only Doublebill Event In MICE and Corporate Travel.
ITB China 2025 – Shanghai, 27-29May
ITB China is the leading B2B-Exclusive trade show focused on the Chinese Travel Market. At ITB China in Shanghai, we bring together top and hand-selected buyers from Greater China with industry professionals from all over the world. We provide various networking events and a unique state-of-the-art matchmaking system to enhance networking and maximize business opportunities at our travel expo. Coinciding with our travel fair, the
ITB China 2024 – Shanghai, China
Meet with high diversity of buyers coming from leading travel companies throughout China, and attendees seeking for business opportunities in China. At ITB China we gather top and hand-selected Chinese buyers from leading Chinese travel agencies, with the focus on conducting successful and profitable deals for you, the matchmaking system is a proven way to make the most of the limited time at the exhibition
13th Macao International Travel Expo (MITE)- 25April to 27April 2025
In 2025, the the 13th MITE will adhere to the principle of “Multi-dimensional Cooperation among Macao, Mainland China and International Market” to proactively engage more participation from the international tourism industry, exhibitors, buyers and trade visitors. The MITE will give support to Macao’s “1+4” adequate diversification development and to build Macao into the World Centre for Tourism and Leisure.
ITE Hong Kong 2025 – 12 June (Thu)-15 June (Sun) 2025
The 20th MICE Travel Expo co-locating with the 39th ITE Hong Kong will be held from 12 to 15 June 2025 at Hall 1 of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
2024 PATA Travel Mart Final Call: Last Chance to Join as an Exhibitor!
Join the 47th edition of #PTM2024, one of Asia Pacific's longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. This is your moment to engage with over 260 international organisations from more than 40 destinations across the Asia Pacific region.
HEDNA Bangkok – September 11-12 2023
The agenda will bring a wide array of current topics in our industry to the main stage. You’ll hear from experts in Distribution, Fintech and Payments, Marketplaces, Leading Executives and of course our Hoteliers will be bringing their perspectives to these topics and so much more.
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Win two nights at the AVANI Atrium Bangkok
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