Club Med parent explores sale of luxury resort; China advised to end mandatory facial recognition in hotels | Daily Brief
03/06/2024|7:29:57 PM|ChinaTravelNews

Texas company claims to have new evidence in search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370

A Texas-based company, Ocean Infinity, is claiming to have scientific evidence of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370’s final resting place. Ocean Infinity has proposed a “no-cure, no-fee” search, meaning the client is only required to pay for the services if the company secures a positive outcome. Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, a Boeing 777 with 227 passengers and 12 crew aboard heading to Beijing on March 8, 2024, vanished from air traffic control radars while flying over South China Sea.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson says China continues facilitating international visits to China

China welcomes more foreigners to visit the country and will remain committed to providing them with a safe, comfortable and convenient travel environment, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has launched new measures including shortening visa application forms, exempting some applicants from fingerprinting and extending a unilateral visa-free policy to France, Germany and some other countries on a trial basis, said Mao.

China advised to end mandatory facial recognition in hotels to boost privacy, tourism

The use of facial recognition technology in China has permeated various sectors, with most tourist accommodations now requiring guests to undergo facial recognition scans upon check-in. Amid growing concerns over privacy and data security for travelers, a proposal has been put forward to China's top political advisory body, urging the cessation of mandatory facial recognition for hotel registrations. 

Trip.com Group showcases new consumer trends and AI innovations at ITB Berlin 2024

Trip.com Group is gearing up to make waves at ITB Berlin 2024 held from 5-7 March in Berlin. This marks the company's second appearance at the prestigious international event, where it aims to provide an insider's view into its latest technological innovations and cast a spotlight on the transformative consumer trends shaping the future of travel.

Fosun explores sale of Atlantis Sanya luxury resort

Fosun International, the parent group of Fosun Tourism and Club Med, is exploring the sale of its luxury resort, Atlantis, located in southern China on Hainan island. The potential sale of Atlantis Sanya, reflects Fosun's strategy to scale back its presence in the tourism sector.

China to extend visa-free travel to Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister announced during a government meeting that China would grant Georgian citizens a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. While the exact date of the agreement signing is yet to be determined, this move signifies a substantial advancement in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Greece expects more Chinese visitors with extra direct air links

Greece is ready to welcome more Chinese visitors in 2024, with an increase in the number of direct air links between Athens and Beijing and Shanghai as of April 1. "The Chinese market is very important to us. It was one of the fastest-growing markets before the pandemic. We believe we can exceed the pre-pandemic level of arrivals," said the Greek National Tourism Organization's general director Sofia Lazaridou at a press conference on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka welcomes 218,350 tourists in February, with Russian arrivals topping the list

Sri Lanka witnessed a 102.3 percent increase in tourist arrivals during February 2024 compared to the same period last year, welcoming a total of 218,350 visitors. Such an increase was led by the arrival of Russian tourists, which totaled 32,030, thus surpassing India’s 30,027 arrivals. China secured fifth place with 14,836 visitors.