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Tourism Authority of Thailand joins Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) became part of this year’s Harbin Ice and Snow Festival through a photo exhibition and cultural showcase at the Nihao! China: China Ice and Snow Tourism Overseas Promotion Season 2025. The event formally opened yesterday, 5trh January, and will run until Wednesday, 8th January, to commemorate the longstanding friendship between Thailand and China. In her opening remarks at the launch, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “The photo exhibition and cultural performances illustrate Thailand’s charm and serve as a bridge to inspire Chinese travellers, who are integral to our goal of welcoming 39 million international tourists in 2025.” TAT’s involvement at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, which draws in around 40,000 visitors a day, strengthens Thai-China cultural ties while encouraging high-spending Chinese travellers to visit Thailand. Bringing sunny Thai charm to wintry China At the heart of TAT’s presence is the ‘Thai Charm’ Photo Exhibition, an inspiring visual journey showcasing Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and vibrant tourism experiences. Through the lens of the 5 Must Do in Thailand concept, the exhibition captures the essence of Thai hospitality and offers a glimpse into the nation’s diverse travel offerings. The exhibition connects Thai culture with Chinese audiences, emphasising mutual appreciation and inspiring travel plans. Visitors can explore everything from tantalising Thai cuisine and exciting activities to local crafts, hidden gems, and unforgettable performances. The diversity of timeless heritage TAT added a vibrant cultural dimension to the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival 2025 with a series of live performances showcasing Thailand’s diverse heritage. Highlights included a celebration of Thai traditions through greetings, cuisine, and cultural practices; a graceful southern Thai dance featuring delicate movements and melodious music; and a lively central Thai performance traditionally seen in festive processions. The showcase also featured a performance from the Isan tribes of the northeast which blended bamboo percussion with elegant umbrella dances, a jubilant portrayal of mythical beings symbolising unity and happiness, and a grand display of cultural treasures from all regions of Thailand. Aside from these events, TAT has planned a grand Chinese New Year celebration in Bangkok’s Chinatown. This celebration aims to deepen ties between the two nations and attract travellers to explore Thailand throughout the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.
Harbin Ice and Snow World now open to the public
China’s Harbin Ice and Snow World, an all-season frozen attraction featuring an immersive light and shadow experience, is officially ready to welcome visitors. This immersive experience that was recently hailed by Guinness World Records as the world's largest indoor snow and ice theme park melds together some of the world’s most advanced concepts in terms of ice carving and snow building These attractions are bolstered further with relevant technologies and expert craftsmanship. The park covers an area of 23,800 square meters, featuring nine themed areas and 13 interactive experience hubs. Along with ice and snow, attractions within are enhanced by the use of light and sound effects which gives visitors the sensation of experiencing a winter wonderland even at the height of summer. Stepping into an icy pocket world One of the park’s key attractions is the Little Ice and Snow World, a frosty indoor pavilion, featuring ice taken from the Songhua River. Here, artisans carve the ice into fanciful shapes and transform them with edible pigments. Temperature within the pavilion is kept between -8℃ and -12℃, so visitors can enjoy the icy attraction all year round. Through this unique attraction, Harbin has effectively cemented its reputation as China’s capital of ice and snow culture regardless of the season.
39th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
Located in the heartland of Northeast Asia, Harbin enjoys superior natural conditions, a special urban history and unique ice and snow culture. It is an international metropolis where different cultures meet and interact. People here live in harmony and learn from each other and have created a diversified ice and snow culture that is inclusive and harmonious. The city's ice and snow culture traces back 60 years ago, and today, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is the largest and most extraordinary of its kind in the world. Main tourist attractions of the festival include the Ice Lantern Art Fair in Zhaolin Park, Ice and Snow World, Sun Island, Yabuli Ski Resort, Ice and Snow Carnival, Sunac Snow Park, Volga Manor and Polar Park, etc. This winter, Harbin's ice and snow festival focuses on three chapters, namely "Meet in the Ice City", "Ice and Snow Songs" and "Charm of Spring Snow", with the theme of "Celebrating 60 years of ice and snow culture towards a new future". The festival lasts for almost five months from early December to the middle of April next year and involves eight major parts of more than 100 key activities. Diversified ice and snow sports are the most popular outdoor activities in winter for Harbin citizens. Widely hailed as the cradle and "signal lights" of China's winter sports, Harbin is the only city in China that enjoys the reputation of "City of Ice and Snow Sports". Thanks to its exceptional ice and snow resources and a long history of ice and snow culture, it has contributed numerous outstanding athletes to various winter sports events. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, Harbin athletes Ren Ziwei, Zhang Yuting, Sui Wenjing and Han Cong won a total of three gold medals for China, and Harbin was therefore granted the commemorative title of "City of Olympic Champions" by the Chinese Olympic Committee. Colorful ice and snow sports events and popular fitness activities have shown the charm of Harbin's ice and snow culture to the whole world. After the 2022 Winter Olympics, Harbin works to fulfill China's commitment to "engage 300 million people in ice and snow activities" and has announced the goal of building an "international city of ice and snow sports events" in its government work report. The city is ready to embrace a brighter future for its ice and snow culture.
New Chinese passenger airline launches in Harbin
St Sophia's Cathedral in Harbin, Longjiang Air's home city A new passenger airline took to the skies in northeast China on Friday (10 February 2017), Xinhua reports. Longjiang Airlines, which is based in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, commenced operations with the launch of a flight to Zhuhai, in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong province. The route operates via Hefei, the capital of Anhui province. In the coming months, the airline plans to launch more domestic routes from Harbin to cities including Nanjing, Zhengzhou, Haikou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. And in future it also intends to start operating international flights, initially to regional destinations such as Japan and South Korea and eventually to Europe and the US. "We are bullish on the growth potential of the route, as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is about to open, and it takes only 40 minutes to drive from Zhuhai to Hong Kong," Liang Fuhua, CEO of Longjiang Airlines was quoted saying. Longjiang Airlines currently operates a fleet of three Airbus jets, with plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2020.
Chinese tourism ministry reports 126 million travelled for this year’s Qingming Festival
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism reports that 126 million citizens travelled during the three-day Qingming Festival which began on 4th April. According to data gathered, people took the long weekend not only to pay respect to deceased loved ones, but to enjoy the refreshing spring weather before Labour Day when some places grow too warm for comfort. Qingming traveller numbers were up 6.3 percent year-on-year, while tourist spending hit US$7.9 billion, rising by around 6.7 percent. Where people went for the holiday The ministry report also showed that Shanghai and neighbouring areas within the Yangtze Delta were among the hottest destinations for this year. Surprisingly, winter favourite Harbin also saw significant crowds for the Qingming holiday. The National Immigration Administration also pointed out that 6.21 million people entered and/or exited China throughout the holiday, marking an increase of 19.7 percent from last year. Authorities note that the Chinese travel sector remains robust for the second holiday of the year, particularly among older generations and those with families. Millennial and Gen Z singles, however, opted to head overseas for the holiday, particularly to Japan for cherry blossom season, and to visa-free Jeju Island in South Korea whose popularity has soared thanks to the K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Motorsport star Bianca Bustamante is Priority Pass’s new APAC brand advocate
Colinson International’s airport experiences programme Priority Pass announced a collaboration with Elite Motorsport’s Filipino racer Bianca Bustamante today, 5th March. As Priority Pass' newest Asia Pacific brand advocate, the 20-year-old will champion the brand's promise to elevate every journey into something special. The news follows Priority Pass' recent support of the Hong Kong China delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games for which Priority Pass was the official airport lounge partner. Bustamante said of the appointment: "I am proud to be a brand advocate for Priority Pass, a brand that supports my passion for travel and my goal to inspire others to challenge their limits. The nature of the sport means having to travel to different countries and cities. As I prepare for my debut in the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport this year, I'm grateful to now have access to Priority Pass' global network of airport lounges and travel experiences in which I can conserve much-needed energy ahead of my races.” Collinson International’s global chief commercial officer and Asia-Pacific executive chair Todd Hancock added: "Bianca's remarkable achievements at such a young age are testament to her grit, talent, and resilience. Her story embodies Priority Pass' commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards. As she is increasingly required to travel internationally, travel fatigue, and jet lag will pose a threat to her performance. By providing her with access to Priority Pass airport lounges and travel experiences globally, we hope she'll be able to better rest before her flights and arrive feeling more refreshed and focused on achieving her best on the world stage.” Raising the bar for excellence This strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to elevating standards of excellence as Priority Pass is proud to support athletes around the world. In addition to being named as the Official Airport Lounge Partner for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games, Priority Pass is also a partner to the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA.) In this capacity, it provides athletes with comfort and convenience during their travels to help them stay on top of their game. Furthermore, The Collinson Group takes pride in being a founding partner of Coach Core, a UK-based charity focused on empowering young people through sports.
Asian Winter Games help draw in tourists to Longkou
A skiing spree fuelled in part by the ninth Asian Winter Games has led to an influx of travellers to the Chinese ski resort city of Longkou. Thanks to the Winter Games, numerous travellers are keen to try skiing and other winter sports on their own, or to simply enjoy the pleasant weather of the region in late winter and early spring. Prior to the Winter Games, the influx of travellers to Longkou would taper off at the end of the Spring Festival holiday; but now sporting enthusiasts continue to make their way to the eastern Chinese city. Compared with the same period of last year, travelers for the popular ski resort town increased by 30 percent so far in 2025 and its coaches are busy every day. A snowy paradise outside of Harbin Setting out from Ji'nan, capital city of Shandong Province where Longkou is located, it takes travellers less than two hours to travel to Longkou by high-speed trains and experience the joy of skiing in the resort. Without having to go to Harbin, China’s winter wonderland, enthusiasts may now go skiing or frolicking in the snow in Nanshan International Ski Resort. In a bid to satisfy the ardent travelers, Nanshan International Ski Resort engaged an extra batch of coaches during the winter holidays, introduced the resort head, highlighting further efforts in enriching its gears, food and related activities. Likewise, the ski resort and other local skiing venues have employed professional coaches to instruct newcomers, which not only brings new jobs, but also provides better experiences for new skiing learners. When the local skiing economy is in full swing, restaurants surrounding ski resorts in Longkou are also embracing tremendous customer flows. From a niche sport to one loved by many people from near and far, skiing is injecting new impetus into tourism development in Longkou.
Trip.com Group sees longer stays and unique destinations for the Lunar New Year
Trip.com Group released its Lunar New Year travel trends report which revolves around the themes of wisdom, intuition, and transformation reflecting the constantly evolving landscape. With travel back in full swing, Trip.com Group’s report shows how travellers are prioritising longer stays, meaningful experiences and unconventional destinations this year. Most notably, data reveals strong year-on-year growth for cross-border travel, with travellers combining public holidays and annual leave to increase their length of stay. How long will the holiday be for travellers in different countries? In the Chinese mainland, a source market for LNY travel, New Year's Eve is officially recognised as a holiday in 2025, allowing travellers to take just two days of leave for an eleven-day holiday. Korean travellers need to take one day for a nine-day break, while Singaporeans can create a five-day holiday with a single day off. As such, extended stays are a hallmark of this year's LNY. On average, Asia-Pacific travellers will stay up to 10 percent longer this festive period. Where are people going Popular destinations frequented by travellers who celebrate LNY include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Chinese mainland. Data shows a strong pick-up in travellers exploring destinations outside the Asia-Pacific region, with medium and long-haul flights surging, especially among the Malaysia market and South Korean market. Travellers are also seeking new experiences, with a noticeable buzz around off-the-beaten-path destinations this festive season. Lesser-travelled gems such as Giza (Egypt), famous for the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx; San Luis Obispo (USA), known for its wineries and scenic coastline; and Charenton-le-Pont (France), located southeast of central Paris, are catching the eyes of travellers seeking unique experiences beyond the usual tourist trail. This trend extends to popular Asian destinations, with more seeking out lesser-known cities, such as Funabashi, Ibaraki and Okinawa (Japan) and Seremban (Malaysia). Short-haul flights remained a popular option among travellers with shorter national holidays. Malaysia and Thailand topped the charts for this in terms of booking volume growth. Travelling with family takes centre stage Family gatherings are central to Lunar New Year traditions, and this year, families are heading out together for festive fun on the seas and on theme park rides. Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular choice among Chinese mainland and Singaporean consumers, with data highlighting a triple-digit growth compared to last year. Among these, family-friendly rooms have risen by 400 percent, with the most popular ports including Shanghai, Singapore and Dubai, and attractive port destinations being Fukuoka (Japan), Jeju (South Korea) and Phuket (Thailand). Trip.com Group research reveals luxurious amenities and all-inclusive packages are emerging as the biggest motivators for APAC cruise travellers. In a similar trend, child tickets for attractions have also risen by 42 percent in overall bookings this year, with family-oriented attractions like Universal Studios Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland seeing notable increases. These theme park attractions, alongside aquariums and museums, are top choices for families seeking memorable experiences. Millennials are increasingly seeking Instagram-worthy moments at attractions like Mount Fuji and Shibuya Sky, which offers panoramic Tokyo views. Meanwhile, the older generations are prioritising luxury and premium experiences, gravitating towards luxuries such as Studio City Macau casino resort and Niseko's ski resorts. Seeking luxury and value Travellers are adopting a mix of premium and value-driven approaches to maximise their holiday experiences. There has been a strong pickup in bookings for 5- and 4-star hotels, with a rise in average bookings. Malaysian travellers lead this growth with close to a triple-digit surge in 5- and 4-star hotel bookings, followed by Singaporean and Thai travellers. Demand for alternative accommodations has grown significantly, especially in Japan, with traditional Japanese Ryokans, apartments, guesthouses and homestays topping the list for Chinese mainland, Thai and South Korean travellers. Notably, the average traveller's budget has seen double-digit growth, showcasing a willingness to invest in meaningful experiences during this festive season. Business class and first-class flights are trending this LNY, with strong double-digit growth across each segment. Singaporeans favour first-class air travel, with a 400 percent growth compared to last year, followed by South Korean and Chinese mainland travellers, also with strong triple-digit growth. Triple-digit growth for inbound travel to Mainland China Inbound travel bookings to the Chinese mainland have surged by over 200 percent year-on-year, with top bookings made by travellers from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, and the UK. Data shows that popular Chinese travel routes continue to find increased popularity, with searches hitting triple-digit growth. Travel is centred around key major cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, with other lesser-travelled cities like Harbin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Zhuhai, Chongqing, and Hangzhou also making the list. China's increasingly traveller-friendly visa policies are fuelling this growth. Over 30 countries enjoy visa-free travel to the Chinese mainland, with 62 percent Y-o-Y growth in bookings from countries recently included in this policy. South Korea, Japan, Cyprus, Denmark and Croatia are benefiting from this recent policy. Additionally, China's expanded visa-free transit policy, now extending to stays up to 240 hours (10 days) for eligible international travellers, is injecting fresh vitality into its various sectors.
China anticipates travel surge for the Lunar New Year
With the Lunar New Year slated between 28th January and 4th February, several Chinese travel agencies forecast an upward trajectory for both inbound and outbound travel. Based on recent reports, consumer willingness to travel is at an unprecedented high, with both inbound and outbound tourism flourishing and showing a growth trend. China Tourism Academy expert Yang Jingsong pointed out that travel to and from China is anticipated to increase significantly, possibly reaching record levels. Yang added that the surge may be attributed to favourable visa-free policies and the continuous release of pent-up consumer demand. Likewise, the growth in outbound tourism is expected to be more pronounced during the upcoming holidays due to the increasing number of countries with visa exemptions and visa-on-arrival policies, which enhance travel convenience for Chinese travelers. The recovery of international direct flights is another factor contributing to the sustained growth of outbound tourism. Where are Chinese travellers planning to go for the Lunar New Year? According to online travel agency Trip.com, popular outbound travel destinations for Chinese tourists include Japan, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Thailand, Australia, and the UK. The OTA’s research team also noted that short-haul outbound routes to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are particularly popular. Other factors that contribute to the stronger outbound travel include the continuous release of China's consumption potential. Indeed, travel to Southeast Asian countries is expected to be particularly attractive, as the cost of short-distance travel is relatively low. At the same time, China's civil aviation international market is projected to recover to 74.8 percent of its 2019 levels in 2024, with Southeast Asia remaining the most popular region. It is expected that, in 2025, the international civil aviation market will continue to focus on recovery, reaching 88 percent of the 2019 levels. A surge in inbound travel for the Lunar New Year Inbound travel is also expected to show positive growth, primarily driven by China's visa-free policies, with the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers being extended from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours. Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region, per the National Immigration Administration in December. According to Trip.com, the number of travel orders from foreign tourists visiting China is expected to increase by 203 percent year-on-year. The main source countries will include South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. The domestic destinations that foreign tourists are particularly interested in include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Harbin.
Transformative Experience of AI in Business Travel
Travel Daily Media (TDM): How will Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact the future of business travel? Ben Wedlock (BW): The term 'Artificial Intelligence' (AI) is everywhere nowadays, but it’s often misunderstood. At BCD, we’ve used AI behind the scenes in many of our products for years. We’re committed to continuing our investment in AI because it helps our team and customers work smarter and faster. As technology evolves, we’re exploring new ways to integrate AI into our services to improve processes for our agents, clients, and travellers. Business travel is being transformed by technology, and AI is at the forefront of that change. It allows for personalised travel planning, automates bookings with virtual assistants, and provides real-time alerts for any disruptions. This technology not only helps companies save money through cost optimisation and predictive analytics but also simplifies expense reporting, enhances traveller safety with risk management tools, and offers 24/7 customer support. For our front office staff, AI helps create corporate travel policies, manage itineraries efficiently, and even promotes sustainable travel options for eco-conscious travellers. The possibilities are endless. TDM: Is AI in business travel the harbinger of the future or merely another transient buzzword? BW: Today, every industry sees AI as a major disruptor, and the travel industry is no exception. If we look back a decade or more, the internet was initially viewed as a challenge, but now AI has become essential for survival in our field. At BCD Travel, we have harnessed AI’s potential across various areas, and it has proven to be highly effective in our business travel network. Right now, AI is a hot topic in the industry, with mixed reactions from professionals—some are excited to adopt it, while others remain sceptical. However, using AI in business travel solutions helps better meet travellers’ preferences while aligning with company travel policies. AI also provides support for travellers on the road, ensuring they receive assistance beyond just booking. For employers, this technology helps track travellers, ensuring they arrive safely at their destinations. For travellers, AI can find better airfare prices through price comparisons and streamline expense management by automatically filling in fields when receipts are scanned, which saves time and boosts efficiency. Overall, AI is set to revolutionise many aspects of the travel industry. TDM: Can you share some key advancements of AI in business travel? BW: There are many examples today showing how AI can improve experiences, security, efficiency, and well-being across different industries. Although not all organisations are using AI yet, some forecasts suggest that by 2030, about 70% of companies will have adopted this technology. At BCD Travel, we are seeing significant advancements in several key areas. For instance, executives can make better business decisions based on data. Our Advito intelligent business travel solution offers insights into program performance, allowing companies to adjust their strategies for engaging suppliers and travellers in real-time. We also use AI to automate expense management, matching transactions with credit card data, which saves time compared to manual processes. AI helps identify any discrepancies in transaction amounts, including currency exchange fluctuations, ensuring accurate records. Another exciting development is the use of AI-powered chatbots. These chatbots are available 24/7 to answer traveller questions about policies, bookings, and FAQs, freeing up managers to focus on more critical tasks. Finally, travel companies leverage AI for predictive analytics to anticipate market trends. This enhances decision-making regarding travel sourcing, bookings, and contracts. In the hotel industry, travel managers use AI to compare room rates across different platforms, leading to more cost-efficient bookings. Overall, AI is making a significant impact on how we approach business travel and improve our services. TDM: How AI is enabling new technology across the business travel sectors? BW: The adoption of AI is being viewed and measured differently across industries be it IT, banking, pharmaceuticals, consulting, or even services. However, in business travel, teams in these sectors are adopting AI to improve efficiency. They see AI as a tool that complements human work, enhancing skills and streamlining processes through automation. AI is also transforming the travel experience by offering personalized itineraries based on user preferences, budgets, and past trips. It takes factors like weather, events, and traffic into account for smoother travel planning. A perfect example of this would be TripSource, our digital platform that integrates AI to offer a seamless travel management experience. Our other solutions offer real-time translation tools that help travellers communicate during international meetings without needing separate apps. AI-powered chatbots use past data to anticipate travel needs and book accommodations, and transportation automatically, reducing the need for manual input. Travellers have the chance to virtually explore a destination before booking. If this is not enough, our AI bots can even tailor suggestions based on your mood, offering personalised experiences like relaxing activities or team-building events. TDM: What key challenges are presented by AI advancements in business travel? BW: Implementing AI in a business like ours comes with several challenges. First, many business leaders and employees, may not fully understand AI, and some might even see it as a threat to job security, worrying that it will replace human workers. Integrating AI with existing systems can also be tough, especially if I’m dealing with outdated technology. This means companies would have to invest a lot of time, effort, and money into upgrading systems to make everything work together smoothly. Data privacy is another big concern, as AI systems rely on sensitive information, and we need to ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR. The financial investment required for AI can be overwhelming, especially when it's hard to see a clear return on investment (ROI). On top of that, companies will need to keep the AI tools updated to stay competitive, which adds more ongoing costs. Finding skilled professionals who know how to manage and optimize AI is another hurdle. There's also the challenge of getting employees on board with AI, as they may resist it due to fears of job loss or disruption to their daily routines. Training staff to work effectively with AI systems adds even more complexity, as companies need to make sure they have the right skills to collaborate with the new technology. TDM: Could you elucidate the key emerging AI trends in the business travel sector? BW: AI has changed the way we do business travel, making it more personal, efficient, and adaptable. For me, one of the biggest benefits is how AI helps recommend eco-friendly travel options. It allows companies to track and reduce their carbon footprints by suggesting low-emission flights and green hotels. The transformative power of AI is seen in how it can assess real-time risks. It keeps an eye on things like political events and weather, helping businesses keep travellers safe and adjust plans as needed. Plus, with AI in airports and hotels, check-ins and security processes are much faster and smoother. As more companies embrace hybrid work models, AI can even help us decide if travel is really necessary. It can suggest virtual meetings instead of in-person travel, which saves money and reduces travel frequency. Overall, these AI trends are making business travel more personalised, efficient, and sustainable, improving our travel experience while optimising operations.
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