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Silk Road Revival: Loong Air expands Xi’an-Samarkand flights amid Uzbekistan’s tourism boom
Loong Air is set to increase the frequency of its flights between Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in China, and Samarkand International Airport, Uzbekistan’s gateway to its historic Silk Road city. Starting today, flights will operate three times a week, departing every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday at 13:35 local time from Samarkand. This development marks a significant step in Uzbekistan’s tourism and aviation strategy, aimed at positioning the country as a premier destination for international travelers. The route expansion reflects the strong demand for air connectivity between Uzbekistan and China, one of the fastest-recovering markets post-pandemic. Accelerating Tourism Growth Samarkand International Airport continues to set benchmarks in passenger growth. In the first ten months of 2024 alone, the airport recorded a staggering 41% increase in passenger traffic, surpassing the total for 2023, itself a record year. Recognized as the second fastest-growing airport in Europe and Central Asia by ACI Europe, the airport exemplifies Uzbekistan's broader ambitions in tourism and aviation development. “Uzbekistan's aviation route network is growing rapidly following the Government’s initiatives to stimulate tourism,” said Ulugbek Shamsikulov, CEO of Air Marakanda. “With 17 airlines operating flights to 18 destinations from Samarkand Airport, we are witnessing an unprecedented demand for direct air services. Samarkand, with its rich cultural heritage, is positioned as a hub for travelers exploring Central Asia.” Strengthening China-Uzbekistan Connectivity The expanded Xi'an-Samarkand route underscores the growing ties between China and Uzbekistan, bolstered by trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. The first direct flight from China to Uzbekistan was introduced in October 2023 by China Southern Airlines, connecting Urumqi and Samarkand. The new Loong Air service further enhances accessibility, reflecting the pent-up demand for travel between the two nations. “China is an important partner for Uzbekistan in tourism and trade,” Shamsikulov added. “This expansion by Loong Air demonstrates the tremendous growth potential of the Chinese market. It is part of a larger vision to leverage Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure and cultural assets to attract international visitors.” Investing in World-Class Infrastructure Samarkand International Airport’s new terminal, which opened in 2022, has been instrumental in supporting the city’s tourism ambitions. The terminal is part of a comprehensive investment in modern facilities designed to enhance the visitor experience. “Our success in 2024 has been driven by airlines launching new routes and adding capacity to existing services,” Shamsikulov said. “We remain committed to developing air connectivity with regional and global markets, unlocking the potential of Samarkand as a tourism, cultural, and business hub.”
Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an set to open in 2026
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and esteemed Chinese development firm, Spring Garden Company Limited, a subsidiary of Vanzhong Group, have announced plans for the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an. “Xi’an is a dynamic destination known for its history, culture and incredible growth grounded in the city’s flourishing tourism and technology sectors,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are thrilled to continue expanding Four Seasons footprint in China alongside our partners at Vanzhong Group. This exceptional new hotel will offer guests a luxury respite in the bustling city of Xi’an that effortlessly meets the needs of today’s business and leisure travellers.” Once a former imperial capital of China and start of the ancient Silk Road, the rich history and culture of Xi’an can now be seen through its UNESCO World Heritage-protected temples, pagodas and relics. As one of China’s most industrialized cities and now dubbed the “Digital Silk Road” as a result, Xi’an’s impressive plans for growth can be attributed to the concentrated focus on specialized technology by the extensive list of domestic and Fortune 500 companies that have established operations in the city. “A resort-style hotel set within a thriving city-centre will be the first of its kind for Xi’an and its visitors,” says Wuliang Li, Chairman, Vanzhong Group. “In a city with such a rich history and leading commerce ecosystem, welcoming Four Seasons and their curated luxury hospitality offering to Xi’an will serve to further ignite the bright future that lies ahead.” Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an has an anticipated opening date in 2026. Distinguished by an expansive landscape within an otherwise high-rise and bustling metropolitan setting, the new-build Hotel will feature 250 luxurious guestrooms and suites as part of a mixed-use development project. Local guests and international travellers alike will enjoy a collection of fine dining options that include two restaurants, a lobby bar and a rooftop bar overlooking Muta Temple Relics Park. Several private dining rooms, two ballrooms as well as flexible meeting and event spaces will be available to suit the needs of gatherings big and small. For those looking to refresh and relax, the Hotel will feature a well-appointed spa, salon, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as open-air space dedicated to exercise and Tai chi. Younger guests can explore and play in the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program. An abundance of historic exploration awaits the millions of travellers visiting Xi’an each year. Future Four Seasons guests will be able to immerse themselves in the city’s well-preserved imperial museums, the majestic ancient city wall and the renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum. Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an will be adjacent to Muta Temple Relics Park which is celebrated for the famous Muta Temple that once occupied the land (603 A.D.) during the prosperous Sui and Tang Dynasties. Tang Dynasty Wall Relics Park is also a short walk from the Hotel where preserved relics proudly celebrate Tang culture, poems, music and calligraphy throughout. Four Seasons Hotel Xi’an will be located approximately 45 minutes by car from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport where there are flights from countless international and domestic destinations. The Hotel will also be accessible via high-speed rail and train for those travelling from destinations within China.
ITB China joins hands with World Culture and Tourism Forum in Xi’an
ITB China, the B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, has become a strategic partner of the 2019 World Culture and Tourism Forum to be held on 22-25 October in Xi'an, China. Under the theme ‘Integrating Culture and Tourism to Build an Intelligent Future’, more than 1,000 industry experts will explore new marketing ideas for inbound tourism, destinations and attractions, while promoting the East-meets-West culture and thinking in the mission of developing global tourism for a new era. The conference will be hosted by Xi'an Municipal People’s Government and Ctrip Group. ITB China is organising a senior delegation of international and Chinese travel industry representatives to visit the forum and enjoy four days of exploring new marketing ideas for inbound tourism in China. Hand-picked senior buyers from the established ITB Berlin Buyers Circle will attend the forum this year, representing the international tourism industry. "Facilitate Chinese tourism." The majority of the buyers are coming from Europa and Asia, covering the MICE, corporate and leisure travel sectors. David Axiotis, general manager of ITB China said: “Our international buyers have a high degree of purchasing power that will benefit the Chinese markets. They will help to facilitate the Chinese tourism industry to grow bigger and stronger. The partnership between Xi'an and ITB China will further promote the city’s amazing culture and tourist offerings beyond China and thus increase Xian’s ties with international travel professionals." “Being one of the ‘Culture Cities of East Asia’ in 2019, Xi'an has accelerated its evolution into an international metropolis with its rich history and diverse culture backed by cultural confidence and consciousness,” noted Xu Mingfei, deputy mayor of Xi’an People’s Government. During the four-day conference, participants will also discuss topics about ‘Smart Strategies for Destination Marketing’, ‘The Sharing Accommodation Disrupts Global Economy’ and ‘The Metamorphosis of Culture and Tourism Industry’, while networking with other industry peers or exploring the ancient city of Xi’an.
Artyzen Hospitality Group brings a new luxury hotel to Xi’an
Shun Tak Holdings Ltd subsidiary Artyzen Hospitality Group (AHG) announced a management agreement with Xi'an Yang's Real Estate Development Co Ltd (Xi'an Yang's Real Estate) today, 10th February. The agreement will lead to the opening of the first Artyzen Hotels and Resorts luxury lifestyle hotel in Xi'an, China. This marks AHG's debut in China's ancient capital and the continuation of its purposeful growth strategy. Artyzen Xi'an will join 17 other Artyzen properties across the Asia Pacific region to promote the development of the cultural tourism economy. Shun Tak Group Hospitality division president and executive director Rogier Verhoeven said: "As the inaugural city of the national 'one belt and one road' initiative, Xi'an's significance as a historical centre and a hub for innovation makes it an ideal location for Artyzen Hotels and Resorts. We are committed and confident that this project will become Xi'an's landmark cultural tourism destination." AHG vice-president in China Sunny Li likewise remarked: "We are delighted to partner with Xi'an Yang's Real Estate and contribute to the growth of Xi'an's hospitality sector. We are looking forward to creating an immersive guest experience celebrating Xi'ans unique cultural heritage and its modern charm." Xi’an Yang’s Real Estate chair Yang Zengtian added: “This collaboration with AHG represents a significant step toward our vision of creating a gateway showcasing Xi'an's rich culture and technological innovation while enhancing tourism and strengthening the local community." Impressively and expertly designed Set to open in the first quarter of 2028, the Artyzen Xi’an will have approximately 280 guest rooms that blend elegant style with contemporary aesthetics. Located in the heart of the central business district within the Xi'an Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, the hotel is near the Xi'an Grand Theatre. Designed by Wang Shu, China's first Pritzker Prize-winning architect and an urban planning consultant for the Xi'an municipal government, this theatre is also China's first newly built large-scale theatre to utilise an immersive sound system. Its groundbreaking acoustic design creates an extraordinary three-dimensional audio-visual experience. Artyzen Xi'an will collaborate with surrounding cultural facilities to form a cultural tourism ecosystem, celebrating Xi'an's rich heritage as the starting point of the Overland Silk Road and its contemporary innovative vitality.
Contiki launches four new Asian trip packages
Youth travel brand Contiki announced its latest trip launch in Asia, offering four packages to the region’s trending destinations. The four new packages are the Borneo Adventure, Philippines Island Hopping East, China Adventure, and the Eternal India Express. According to Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong: “Expanding our range of trips in Asia has been on the top of our agenda for a couple of years now. Keeping in mind the cost-of-living crisis, we've focussed on making these trips budget-friendly for our young travellers. We've also lowered our base prices, and our upcoming Cyber Sale will also give young travellers the chance to book their trip for the most affordable price.” Where the wild things are More young travellers now want to visit destinations where they can see wildlife in their natural habitat and where they are taken care of ethically. In a recent survey conducted by Contiki, 29 percent of travellers aged 18-35 said that they actively seek out sustainable travel experiences from sustainable brands. By visiting sanctuaries for endangered animals like Orangutans and Sun Bears, the trip also contributes to the advancement of UN Sustainability Goal Number 15: Life on Land. First time in Malaysia The brand's very first trip to the Malaysian part of Borneo will be a treat for wildlife lovers, as travellers will have the chance to see unique wildlife only found in that part of the planet. The nine-day trip visits the famous Bako National Park and spends a day on the Selingan Turtle Island where travellers can witness the rare sight of turtles laying eggs on the beach. The trip also includes a cruise over Kinabatangan River for even more wildlife watching. Lovin’ the Philippines After its launch in early 2024, Contiki's Philippines Island Hopping has already locked an unprecedentedly high number of bookings. Taking this demand into consideration, the brand has now announced another trip that visits four new islands in the eastern part of the Philippines. Additionally, travellers who want to cover both the eastern and western parts of the Philippines, can now choose to book the 22-day Ultimate Philippines Island Hopping trip for the full experience. Kicking off in Cebu City, travellers will have the chance to see dolphins in the wild, and even witness a sardine run on a snorkelling adventure. Travellers will also get to dine on an authentic Filipino eight-course meal in Bohol. The trip includes flights and boat transfers between islands. Into China and India Contiki has reintroduced its previously popular trip, China Adventure. The 12-day trip is a great option for travellers who find it difficult to navigate the country due to language barriers and its vast size, and hence prefer a planned group tour. Travellers will get the chance to tour Beijing with a local guide, see Xi'An's terracotta warriors, sample street eats, visit a panda sanctuary and, of course, see the Great Wall of China. Contiki's new trip, Eternal India Express is a great option for travellers who want to tick off India's hotspots on a budget, and in just over a week. The trip visits Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ranthambore. Travellers will get entry tickets to the Taj Mahal, go on a tiger safari in Ranthambore, and even tour Old Delhi's streets on a tuk tuk.
Hainan Airlines releases flight schedule for winter 2024 / spring 2025
Hainan Airlines announced that it will implement its winter and spring flight plan beginning 27th October, adding new routes and increasing flights to meet the needs of holiday travellers. The airline also announced its plans to introduce a new range of innovative products and services, as well as making travel more convenient for passengers in the coming seasons. For winter 2024 / spring 2025, Hainan Airlines plans to operate up to 500 domestic routes covering 80 cities. It will also add 40 new routes to its domestic network. New destinations Among the routes for addition to the network are flights going to and from Haikou, Changsha, Lanzhou, Urumqi, among other places. The airline will also increase the frequency of popular flights, including Haikou-Changsha / Xi'an / Nanchang, Beijing Capital-Sanya / Shanghai Pudong / Xi'an, Sanya-Nanchang / Jinan / Zhengzhou. In terms of international routes, Hainan Airlines aims to fly over 50 international and regional round-trip passenger routes departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou, Chongqing, Xi'an, Changsha, Taiyuan, Dalian, and Guangzhou to more than 30 countries and regions, further meeting the entry and exit needs of passengers. In addition, the airline will add international routes such as Shenzhen-Madrid, Haikou-Seoul, Beijing-Vladivostok, and increase the frequency of flights on popular international routes such as Haikou-Bangkok / Singapore and Chongqing-Paris. Catering to different passenger needs During the upcoming season, Hainan Airlines’ focus will be on the core public and business markets. That said, the airline plans to create special route products such as "Boutique Express" and "Free Trade Port Express", covering routes in and out of Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Haikou, and Sanya. The airline also seeks to create a better and more efficient travel experience for passengers by optimising flight scheduling, upgrading cabin and ground services, and integrating convenient travel rights. In addition, Hainan Airlines will continue to launch reservation products such as "Free Flight" and "Enjoy the Sea Flight", as well as customer care products such as "Exclusive for Students" and "Exclusive Preferential Services for Passengers with Outstanding Contributions" to give back to the support and love of the majority of passengers.
Recent travel boom shows China’s openness and appeal to foreign travellers
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked that a recent increase in foreign travellers to the country showcases its openness and appeal. According to data released by several online travel platforms following Golden Week, the weeklong observance of National Day, the number of travel orders by foreign tourists to China grew by around 60 percent year-on-year. At the same time, a number of Chinese cities have grown in popularity as tourist destinations. become popular destinations. Relevant authorities cite recently rolled out facilitation measures for foreign travellers making their way to China. The benefits of mutual visa exemption During a media briefing on Tuesday, 8th October, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 24 countries, offers visa-free entry policy for 16 countries, and extends 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 54 countries. Mao said: "It's increasingly easier and more enjoyable for foreign tourists to visit China. [We] will open wider to the world and make cross-border travel easier. We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, enjoy the beautiful landscape and experience the charm of the country.” What different cities are doing The spokesperson added that the central government has issued a new travel brochure titled Welcome to Beijing: Essential Tips for New Arrivals. The material offers a bird's-eye view of all kinds of services and information. To make things easier for foreign nationals, Shanghai equipped its taxis and subway stations with payment devices that accept foreign bank cards. Eight other cities, including Chengdu and Xi'an, have launched new measures on a pilot basis to make payment easier for foreigners in China.
Hainan Airlines’ maiden Haikou-Seattle flight successful
Hainan Airlines successfully flew the initial flight of its Haikou-Chongqing-Seattle route on the morning of 26th September from the Haikou Meilan International Airport, officially launching its first international route from Haikou to the United States. As Hainan Airlines' 13th international and regional route out of Haikou, the route is expected to play a positive role in promoting economic development and cultural exchanges between Haikou and Seattle. It is also hoped that the new route will help promote the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port, and provide more support and convenience for exchanges between the people of China and the United States. A weekly route Officials plan to operate a single round-trip Haikou-Chongqing-Seattle flight a week, with flights scheduled every Thursday. The outbound flight takes off from Haikou Meilan International Airport at 07:05 Beijing time, arrives in Chongqing at 08:55 , stops in Chongqing, takes off from Chongqing at 11:20 , and arrives at Seattle Tacoma International Airport at 09:00 local time. The total flight time is expected to be 16 hours and 55 minutes. Meanwhile, the return flight is scheduled to take off from Seattle Tacoma International Airport at 11:00 local time, arrive in Chongqing at 16:00 Beijing time the next day, stop in Chongqing, take off from Chongqing at 18:30, and arrive at Haikou Meilan International Airport at 20:45. The total flight time is expected to be 18 hours and 45 minutes. Flying to the world At present, Hainan Airlines has resumed, newly opened, or plans to operate more than 50 international and regional round-trip passenger routes departing from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou, Chongqing, Xi'an, Changsha, Taiyuan, Dalian, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, among others. In the future, the airline aims to accelerate the resumption and opening of international and regional routes to meet the evolving travel needs of global passengers.
Hainan Airlines successfully launches new direct route to Tokyo
Hainan Airlines’s first-ever direct Beijing-Tokyo flight landing at Tokyo Haneda Airport successfully took off from Beijing Capital International Airport on the evening of 1st September. This marks the official launch of Hainan Airlines' fourth direct flight to Japan after Beijing-Tokyo (Narita), Beijing-Osaka, and Xi'an-Tokyo (Narita). The opening of the Beijing-Tokyo (Haneda) route provides more convenient travel services for passengers in both places. Hainan Airlines plans to operate three round-trip flights per week on the Beijing-Tokyo (Haneda) international route, with outbound flights scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Likewise, return flights take off on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Outbound flights are scheduled to take off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 21:15 Beijing time and arrive at Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 01:30 local time the next day, with an estimated flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes. Consequently, the return flight is scheduled to take off from Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 03:00 local time and arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport at 5:50 Beijing time , with an estimated flight time of 3 hours and 50 minutes. Reopening routes to the world At present, Hainan Airlines has resumed, just opened, and is currently planning to operate over 50 international and regional round-trip passenger routes departing from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou, Chongqing, Xi'an, Changsha, Taiyuan, Dalian, and Guangzhou. Hainan Airlines expects to continue its accelerated resumption and launch of international and regional flights to further meet the market demand for passengers entering and leaving the country.
Samarkand is the second fastest growing airport since Covid in Europe and Central Asia
Aerial view of the new Samarkand International Airport. Samarkand International Airport (SKD) is the second fastest growing airport in Europe and Central Asia in the last five years and has just recorded its 22nd consecutive monthly increase in passenger numbers. New data released by the European airport industry organisation ACI Europe, show that SKD has grown passenger volumes by 191.6%% since the equivalent pre-Covid pandemic figures of 2019. This represents the second largest growth of any airport measured by ACI Europe, which represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. This was way ahead of the 9% average growth recorded between 2019-2024 across its airports in European / Central Asia, according to ACI Europe, whose airports stretch across Europe plus Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. SKD has also revealed that July was its 22nd consecutive month of growth since October 2022, as volumes grew to 121,157 for the month, from 80,539 in 2023. This came after a record 647,085 passengers passed through the airport in the first six months of the year, up by 47% on the 2023 figure, with an additional 207,421 passengers using the new airport facility that acts as a gateway to Uzbekistan’s ancient and fast-growing city in the heart of the famous Silk Road. Average growth across the wider European region was just 5.8% in H1 when compared to 2023, says ACI Europe. Dmitry Martynenko, Commercial Director of Air Marakanda, says: “We have now achieved 22 consecutive months of passenger growth, driven by demand for domestic and international travel from Samarkand and the surrounding area, and by overseas carriers increasing the number of visitors to our incredible ancient city of Samarkand. Air Marakanda will continue to grow the route network and passenger numbers at Samarkand International Airport over the summer and for the remainder of 2024, as airlines increase capacity and open new city connections with Samarkand.” Martynenko explained: "The Government’s positive open-skies policies, our historic city of Samarkand and our state-of-the-art airport and other tourism facilities, continue to drive passenger growth at Samarkand International Airport. There is much more to come, as overseas visitors recognise the potential of Samarkand. This is a city that now mixes ancient architecture recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage List, with key modern investments including the Silk Road Samarkand tourist centre and other 21st century infrastructure. We are at the beginning of work to attract more visitors to Samarkand, our surrounding region and the wider Uzbekistan, as tourism helps to build new revenue growth in our economy.” Samarkand airport management company Air Marakanda has driven a doubling of passenger numbers in each of the past two years, with more than one million passengers using the new, state-of-the-art airport terminal for a first time in 2023. The total of 1,010,938 passengers beat the 2022 record, of 517,521, by 104.9% and this growth shows no sign of slowing. According to data from ACI Europe, SKD is second-only, in terms of growth, to the Albanian capital of Tirana among medium-size airports since 2019. It increased passenger volumes by 239.3%, while in contrast Babimost in western Poland led the small airport section by growing 176.4%. Istanbul recorded an 18.1% increase to lead the ‘Majors’ airport section, Athens was the fastest growing ‘Mega’ airport with 24.5% more passengers and Sochi, up by 90.8%, was the quickest growing ‘Large’ airport. Samarkand International Airport is classed in the ‘Medium’ size category – for airports with between one-10 million annual passenger numbers – and is now ranked among the top 10 regional airport leaders in the Central Asian region by the World Airport Awards (SKYTRAX) international airport rating. Passenger volumes at SKD are set to grow following the launch of Air Samarkand, the first carrier to base itself at the airport. Alongside an extensive charter flight programme, Air Samarkand commenced scheduled services to Istanbul in March, and last week began twice-weekly return services to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to support religious pilgrims heading to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Air Samarkand is also operating services to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Nha Trang in Vietnam using Airbus A321neo and A330-300 aircraft. The airport recently welcomed Chinese low-cost carrier Loong Air, which began operating flights from Samarkand airport to Xi'an (China). Further international passenger traffic growth has been driven from the cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Istanbul, Moscow and St. Petersburg, which together delivered 612,963 passengers, equivalent to an increase of 56% over 2023. Since the beginning of 2024, Samarkand International Airport’s route network has expanded to 24 domestic and international routes. Of these, Turkistan, Tyumen, Irkutsk, Nizhny Novgorod and Xi'an were other new destinations to be added.
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