China Travel News: April 2024

Tencent has enhanced its digital payment services for international tourists in China, aiming to simplify card linking and expand integration with overseas e-wallets like Paynet. Overseas users can now easily create a WeChat account using their country's phone number and securely link international payment cards to Weixin Pay (Chinese name for WeChat Pay) for convenient transactions at various merchants across mainland China. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB issued outside of mainland China.

Additionally, Tencent has introduced the "Welcome to China, easy pay with Weixin Pay" website to educate overseas users with branding videos, user guides, and relevant information on using Weixin in China.

In April, the aviation sector in China saw several positive developments.

• Hainan Airlines announced the resumption of its service from Seattle to Beijing, starting this month. This route is the shortest flight between the continental United States and mainland China. Additionally, the airlines increased the frequency of flights from Manchester to Shanghai from four per week to daily.
• China Southern Airlines has launched a new Beijing-Macau route and is preparing to introduce 17 international flights to cities such as Amsterdam, London, Doha, Riyadh, and Tehran. The airline aims to have all routes operational by October 26th.
• Juneau Air is set to launch two new routes, with Shanghai to Athens and Manchester to Shanghai services beginning from July 1st.

• At its first owner roadshow of the year in Beijing, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of 24 new hotel projects across Greater China. This expansion spans diverse regions, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Kunming, Datong, Rizhao, and Ningde.
• Tishman Speyer announced a hotel management agreement with Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality to develop and operate Mirage by MGM within AXIOM Tower B at The Springs in Shanghai. The tower, part of a mixed-use development with premium offices, retail, and entertainment, is scheduled for completion in 2025, with Mirage by MGM Shanghai slated to open in 2027. The hotel will feature 205 luxury rooms, event spaces, fitness facilities, and upscale amenities spanning from the ground floor to the 18th floor.

Chinese authorities have implemented new regulations requiring mid- to high-end hotels, rated three stars or above, to accept payments made with foreign bank cards. This initiative simplifies transactions for foreign travelers within China, ensuring a smoother experience during their stay. Additionally, major tourist attractions are encouraged to accept overseas bank cards, improve support for cash payments, and expand foreign exchange services.

Hong Kong is getting ready for the Art Hong Kong Expo, set for May 16 to 19 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Themed around "Digital Cultural Creativity," the expo will encompass five key sections: digital creativity, fashion and design, culture and tourism trades, intangible heritages and crafts, and international artworks. Attendees can look forward to participating in a series of discussions, exhibitions, calligraphy competitions, and promotions spotlighting tourism across different cities. With expanded space and richer content this year, the expo aims to position Hong Kong as a cultural bridge between China and the global community, focusing not only on showcasing Chinese cultural products and artists, but also on fostering connections and attracting foreign artists to China.