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China's summer travel boom boosts civil aviation industry's rapid recovery

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      China

      China

      China's summer travel boom boosts civil aviation industry's rapid recovery

      2024-08-14 17:28 Last Updated At:08-15 01:47

      China has witnessed surging demand for air travel during the ongoing summer holiday season, with more direct flight routes being launched to facilitate passenger travel, indicating a rapid recovery of the civil aviation industry in a post-pandemic era.

      Data from multiple online travel platforms show that Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea are the most popular overseas destinations for Chinese tourists this summer, and the prices of air tickets for some international routes are even lower than domestic air ticket prices.

      Take Shanghai as an example. The prices of direct flights from Shanghai to Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur and other cities in August are around 800 yuan (about 112 U.S. dollars) each, including tax, which are significantly lower than those for domestic routes of similar distances.

      According to data from Air Travel, the average price of international economy class air tickets including tax in the summer of 2024 is about 18 percent lower compared with 2023.

      "We see that international air ticket prices have fallen so far this summer, and the main reason is actually the resumption of more international flight routes. In terms of the departure sites, some non-first-tier cities such as Hefei, Changsha, and Wenzhou have had direct international flights," said Xiao Peng, a researcher at Qunar Big Data Research Institute.

      Data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China show that the number of international passenger flights has exceeded 6,300 per week, an increase of nearly 10 percent since the end of June. The number of international routes has further increased. In July, multiple new international routes including the Chongqing-Penang rout, the Yantai-Kuala Lumpur route, saw their first flights.

      Meanwhile, additional international routes were launched from traditional tourist cities in China such as Huangshan, Zhangjiajie and Sanya, attracting throngs of foreign tourists during the summer vacation.

      Apart from inbound tourist visits, the number of domestic tourist travels has also shown steady growth so far this summer, driven by family travel, educational tours, summer retreats and graduation trips.

      China's summer travel boom boosts civil aviation industry's rapid recovery

      China's summer travel boom boosts civil aviation industry's rapid recovery

      A promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Spring Festival Gala has gained widespread attention in Guatemala, Honduras, and Pakistan, offering locals a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture and generating excitement for the event's upcoming live virtual broadcast.

      The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been an annual tradition since 1983, airing live on Chinese New Year's Eve.

      In Guatemala, the promo video for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala began airing on Sunday at major shopping centers across the capital, Guatemala City. This marks the second consecutive year that the promo has been showcased in the country.

      Displayed on large screens both indoors and outdoors, the video captured the attention of shoppers and passersby in busy commercial districts, sparking interest in Chinese culture.

      "I think it's great that technology is being used to help us learn more about China through social media," said David Aguilar, a resident. "For those of us interested in Chinese culture, no matter how far away we are, we always seek to stay connected to this rich cultural heritage, especially the traditions that have been passed down through history."

      Fabian Lopez, another resident, expressed his excitement about the program: "Through the promos, I've learned how the celebration takes place. The culture is fascinating, and it's wonderful that we can connect via the internet to watch the entire celebration. I'm really looking forward to it and will be sure not to miss any of the broadcast. This year marks the Year of the Snake, if I'm not mistaken, and as for me, I was born in the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac."

      The video has captured the attention of many who have never watched the program before, with many now eagerly looking forward to the live virtual broadcast of the Gala.

      "Honestly, I've never watched the Spring Festival Gala before, but after seeing the promos, it looks absolutely beautiful. It's a great way to learn about Chinese culture through the arts, dance, and even elements of comedy and magic. I think it's wonderful that they share their history through such a spectacular show," shared Alejandro Calderon, another local resident.

      David Gallo, another resident, remarked on the impact of cultural exchange: "It's truly impressive to arrive in Guatemala and connect with Chinese culture through the promotional videos. It's a gratifying experience that offers us a fresh perspective on the world from Latin America."

      Meanwhile, in neighboring Honduras, the promotional video has been playing continuously in major commercial districts and transportation hubs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula since Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year it has been displayed in the country.

      "My best wishes to China. I hope you have a wonderful year, continue to unite forces, and keep your beautiful culture alive. A big hug," said Yani Paola Gonzalez, a Honduran citizen.

      Fellow Honduran Deyanira Romero offered her new year's wishes to the Chinese people: "I wish the people of China a happy new year, filled with love, prosperity, and peace."

      In Pakistan, the promotional video has also been featured at several events celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival.

      On Saturday, the Pakistan Overseas Chinese Association, along with other local organizations, hosted the China-Pakistan Children's Spring Festival Gala in Islamabad, where the video was shown. The event also celebrated the successful UNESCO heritage listing of the Spring Festival, with hopes for a new chapter in China-Pakistan relations.

      "This year, China's Spring Festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, turning it into a global celebration. We hope that events like this will help more Pakistani people, especially children, learn about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions," said Ma Bin, president of the Pakistan Chinese Education Association and organizer of the children's gala.

      In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video was also displayed at the entrance to the country's only light rail, the Orange Line Metro, attracting passengers to pause and watch.

      CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo captivates audiences in Guatemala, Honduras, Pakistan

      CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo captivates audiences in Guatemala, Honduras, Pakistan

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