BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- One year ago, China started implementing a landmark trial policy, offering unilateral visa exemptions for more countries, among a variety of measures to welcome international visitors. Data from various entry-exit stations across China indicate a significant increase in international arrivals since the policy was adopted last year.On December 1, 2023, China began implementing unilateral visa-free entry trials for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. The policies were later expanded several times to more countries.Since the end of last year, China has implemented visa exemption policies for 38 countries. The easing of visa policies has facilitated travel to China and enhanced international exchange as foreign visitors are flocking to China to explore business and experience the country's rich history and attractive views.Mohan's entry-exit frontier inspection station on the China-Laos border reported over 5,500 tourist entries and exits from the above mentioned six countries this year as of Saturday, representing a year-on-year increase of 294.28 percent. Among these, 2,300 were visa-free arrivals, making up 77.24 percent of total arrivals. Malaysia, France and Germany topped the list of nationalities, with tourism and family visits cited as the primary reasons for travel, according to the inspection station.The entry-exit border inspection station in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, announced on Sunday that it has seen over 300,000 foreign arrivals through the port so far this year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 84.8 percent. Notably, more than 94,000 of these arrivals were visa-free entrants, accounting for over 31.3 percent of all foreign arrivals - a growth of more than 15 times compared with the previous year.In Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, over 480,000 foreign arrivals were recorded through the Shenzhen airport as of Friday this year, marking a 123 percent increase. More than 180,000 of these visitors benefited from the visa-free policy - six times more than last year's figures. Travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and Germany were the most represented nationalities.As of Saturday, the number of travelers entering and exiting through Shanghai's Pudong International Airport has more than doubled compared with the previous year, with nearly 29 million trips recorded, including over 9 million trips made by foreign travelers. This represents a year-on-year increase of 100 percent and 170 percent, respectively. Since November, ports in Beijing have averaged over 7,000 foreign arrivals daily, with 43 percent of these entrants coming visa-free. The surge in foreign tourist arrivals came after Chinese authorities have been expanding the scope of the nation's visa-free policy.In a latest development, China has decided to expand its visa-free arrangement to include nine more countries, applying to ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on November 22.In addition, Lin said China has decided to further optimize its visa-free policy, and will include exchanges and visit purposes into the visa-free entry scope, and extend the period of visa-free stays allowed from the current 15 days to 30 days.Starting from November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the 38 countries within its visa-free arrangement, including the aforementioned newly added nine countries, can enter China without a need to apply for a visa for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and visits and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days, Lin added."The implementation of visa-free policies has significantly boosted the inbound tourism market, further demonstrating that China's doors to the world are opening wider," Jiang Yiyi, a vice president of the School of Leisure Sports and Tourism at Beijing Sport University, told the Global Times on Sunday.Through traveling in China, international visitors can genuinely experience China's development, witness not only the country's natural landscapes and historical culture but also personally engage with its modern achievements. This approach allows for a more concrete, comprehensive, and in-depth understanding of China on the global stage, Jiang said.China Travel boomsAs China's visa-free travel policy continues to expand and facilitate easier exchanges between people, the allure of "China Travel" becomes stronger. Francisco Lopez, a tourist from Spain, shared his experiences with the Global Times on Sunday, highlighting the ease of his trip to China made possible by the country's visa-free policy and other supporting measures. During this trip, he visited Beijing, Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Guilin in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Shanghai. Among these destinations, Guilin stood out as his favorite due to its stunning natural beauty. "We rented bikes and explored the countryside, which was enjoyable," he said. "This trip helped me understand Chinese culture and history better.''Lopez decided to visit China after his mother traveled here in June. "The visa-free policy is very good and convenient for us. A lot of people were taking photos with us. It was nice," he said. During his trip Lopez also experienced the convenience of China's e-payment system. "We didn't have cash and didn't exchange any money. We used Alipay everywhere, and it worked perfectly," he said.To meet the needs of foreign tourists, various regions and tourist destinations in China are enhancing the tourism experience. A worker from the Wulingyuan scenic area in Zhangjiajie of central China's Hunan Province told the Global Times on Sunday that the visa-free policy has significantly boosted the tourism market, with a notable increase in the number of foreign visitors."There is a shift in tourists, with more coming from Southeast Asia and Europe thanks to the implementation of visa-free policies," the employee, surnamed Zhang, said.In the first three quarters of this year, Zhangjiajie city received over 1.29 million inbound tourists, a year-on-year increase of 255.47 percent. The city achieved inbound tourism revenue of $358.54 million, marking a year-on-year growth of 307.61 percent, according to official data.An employee at the ticket office of the Yuntai Mountain scenic spot in Jiaozuo, central China's Henan Province, also noted an increase in foreign visitors this year, most of whom are independent travelers. "The scenic area accommodates bilingual standards in its supporting facilities," the staffer told the Global Times on Sunday.China has also taken measures to improve services such as easing the use of mobile payment for foreigners, implementing reservation-free entry policies at scenic spots, and offering multiple languages and payment methods to assist international travelers in purchasing tickets effortlessly, Xinhua News Agency reported.International arrivals have surged with the support of these measures. In the third quarter of 2024, China logged nearly 8.2 million inbound trips made by foreigners, up 48.8 percent year on year. Among these, about 4.9 million entered visa-free, a remarkable rise of 78.6 percent from the same period last year.International business people are seeing more opportunities in China. From January to September, 42,000 foreign-funded companies were established in the country, an increase of 11.4 percent year-on-year.
Exceptional Service and Enriching Experiences Await at this Prime Beachfront Setting, with World-Class Facilities and Thoughtful Design Reflecting the Area's Authentic Local Heritage BANGKOK, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott Hotels®, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, marking its debut in Khao Lak, one of Thailand's most beautiful beachfront destinations. Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa - Beachfront One Bedroom Villa Situated in a prime location on Thailand's stunning southwest coast, Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is just steps from the unspoiled Bang-Lut Beach and the azure Andaman Sea. The resort is surrounded by a wealth of natural wonders, including long stretches of golden sand, idyllic offshore islands, lush jungles and waterfalls. This breathtaking coastal destination offers easy access to world-class diving spots like the Similan and Surin Islands, with stunning underwater landscapes and nearby attractions like Phang Nga Bay viewpoint, leisurely kayak rides along the Khlong Sang Ne waterway, and Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. Phuket International Airport is just 90 minutes' drive away. "Southern Thailand continues to entice the world's travelers with its enchanting blend of natural beauty, local culture and heartfelt hospitality," said Brad Edman, Market Vice President – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International. "We are delighted to announce the introduction of Marriott Hotels to Khao Lak, our third Marriott Hotels location in Southern Thailand, creating a new option for families, couples and groups of friends or colleagues, complementing our portfolio of Marriott Bonvoy resorts in Khao Lak." Crafted by P49 Design, the innovative architecture studio, Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is an elegant, low-rise retreat with a modern design concept based on the local coastal heritage and sea-faring trade that has shaped this captivating coastal region over the centuries. The resort boasts stunning sea views and breathtaking sunset vistas, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Khao Lak. The Greatroom is the heart and soul of the resort – Marriott Hotels' take on the traditional lobby space, with a leisure twist. It is a collective hub, that transitions seamlessly from day to night, where people come together to socialize and meet-up between activities. A sophisticated yet welcoming space to relax and refresh, guests are instantly welcomed into its energetic atmosphere. Adorned with diverse textures, time-honored arts & crafts, warm hues and traditional motifs, the stylish Greatroom & Bar offers a menu of familiar favorites through Marriott Hotels' elevated and locally-inspired lens, setting the stage for memorable daytimes and evenings. The modern and locally-inspired design narrative flows throughout the resort's 283 rooms, suites and villas, ranging from 50 to 124 square meters in size and equipped with private balconies, naturally-lit interiors, refreshing bathrooms and premium amenities. Many of the ground floor rooms and suites offer direct access to the resort's lagoon pools, while a selection of family suites and pool villas provide plenty of space for life's most important occasions, from fun-filled vacations to romantic honeymoons. Diners can discover a tapestry of flavors at a choice of seven restaurants and bars, including Goji Kitchen + Bar, the all-day dining venue designed to be a vibrant culinary marketplace, Thai Curry Sala, which specializes in Southern Thai delights, Lido Beach Restaurant & Lounge, which offers a taste of the Italian Mediterranean, and Panasia Grill, the fire-grilled top floor venue where guests can grill their own fresh seafood and meats, set against the backdrop of endless ocean vistas. Other venues include the tempting Thai Baking Company, and a tranquil Pool Bar. Guests of all ages can indulge in a world of relaxation and adventure at the resort, with a choice of pools, a water playground and kid's club, beachfront activities including yoga and more. For a deeper relaxation experience, Quan Spa awaits with six serene treatment rooms inspired by the elegance of Andaman pearls, featuring the signature Jade Stone therapy. Guests can also enjoy the 24/7 fitness center or explore the local area by bicycle. Catering to leisure and business travelers alike, Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa features the flexible 531-square meter Andaman Grand Ballroom, which can host major events and destination weddings, five Similan Rooms that can be adapted for any size of meeting, and an intimate boardroom. For truly spectacular celebrations, the sandy beach and verdant lawn can be transformed into sparkling alfresco venues. "We are delighted to welcome guests to Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, which introduces the brand's timeless standards of wonderful hospitality to this Southern Thai paradise. With our prime beachfront location, breathtaking vistas, and world-class facilities for all ages, our resort sets the scene for unforgettable vacations and enriching experiences that connect travelers with the spirit of their destination." said Debdyuti (Dev) Dasgupta, the resort's General Manager. Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To be among the first guests to experience the charm of this new beachfront gem in Khao Lak, please visit www.marriott.com/hktmk. About Marriott Bonvoy® Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. About Marriott Hotels® With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality – placing people first is the brand's living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, with modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, leading the industry with innovations including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that embrace style, design, and technology. For more information, please visit www.marriotthotels.com, and stay connected on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter, and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. Media Contact Saadhvi Mehra Director Brand PR Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China saadhvi.mehra@marriott.com
Meticulously crafted colourful topiaries of beloved Disney and Pixar characters come to Singapore for the first time at the iconic horticultural attraction SINGAPORE, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 6,000 preserved plants across 40 species, carefully selected for their diverse colours and rich textures, bring Disney and Pixar characters to vivid life as colourful topiaries in Disney Garden of Wonder. The diverse botanical palette used includes sea holly, moss, baby's breath, roses, and more. Another 30,000 live and preserved plants were used to craft the detailed surrounding landscapes. The Little Mermaid topiary at Disney Garden of Wonder, featuring (from left) Flounder, Ariel and Sebastian made out of preserved plants in a diversity of colours and textures. The floral spectacle, which took 17,000 painstaking manhours to put together by hand, makes its Singapore debut, as Disney Garden of Wonder was launched at Gardens by the Bay's Floral Fantasy. The show will run until 31 March 2025. Organised in collaboration with Disney and supported by Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Garden of Wonder sees Disney and Pixar characters such as Mickey Mouse and Friends, Snow White, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., and more transformed into delightful horticultural displays. For example, to create Ariel from The Little Mermaid's trademark red locks, Amaranthus caudatus, known for its striking, cascading tendrils that mimic the flow of hair underwater, was used. Her tail was crafted with Ruscus hypoglossum, a plant chosen for its glossy, blue-green sheen that represents the scaly texture of a mermaid's tail. Meanwhile, her seashell top was made of blue-magenta hydrangeas, which lend a rich, textured appearance with their large, rounded flower clusters. The eight topiary sets of Disney Garden of Wonder, each spotlighting different characters, are: Mickey Mouse: this 3m-tall sculpture can be found welcoming visitors to Disney Garden of Wonder, located outside Floral Fantasy Steamboat Willie Winnie the Pooh Snow White Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian from The Little Mermaid Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Carl Fredricksen, Russell, Dug and Kevin from Up Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the Aliens from Toy Story Donald Duck meets Chilli Crab in a vibrant display at the Flavours of Singapore zone, celebrating local culinary delights with a Disney twist. There is also a Flavours of Singapore zone, which celebrates Singapore's culinary scene by playfully reimagining Disney characters with local food delights in vibrant floral displays. Keep a look out for: Donald Duck with Chilli Crab Chilli crab, a spicy signature local dish, makes the perfect match for the feisty and lovable Donald Duck in this display. Stitch with Durian What happens when a mischievous alien comes face-to-face with a durian? This display imagines the galactic troublemaker, Stitch, crash landing into a durian stall and taking a bold bite out of the spiky king of fruits! Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, with Ice Kachang Pull up a chair and take a seat with Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck! In this traditional shophouse display, the best pals are pictured chilling out with a bowl of ice kachang that is as sweet as their lifelong friendship! As a bonus for Disney fans, discover Hidden Mickeys that will appear on the rain curtains in Floral Fantasy. Gardens by the Bay Assistant CEO May Yeo said, "Many of us grew up with Disney and Pixar stories, and whether it is Mickey Mouse, Snow White, or Buzz Lightyear and Woody, these beloved characters have established a place in our hearts. This festive season, Gardens by the Bay is holding Disney Garden of Wonder in Singapore for the first time – where timeless characters are presented as colourful, charming topiaries in a stunning showcase that combines floral artistry with Disney magic. The intricate beauty of the topiaries, coupled with the familiarity of these fan-favourite characters, will appeal to both families and individuals across generations." Visitors can round off their experience at the Floral Fantasy gift shop, which has been transformed with a new Disney-inspired look and various fun activities. Disney has teamed up with local brands for a wide selection of floral, Disney-themed merchandise, launching exclusively at Disney Garden of Wonder, including: Disney-themed cookies in an assortment of flavours such as Milo Dinosaur and Lychee Rose from Annabella Patisserie, that come in collectible tins and pouches with floral Disney designs Mickey-shaped pork Bak Kwa in tins with limited edition Mickey and Minnie designs, from Fragrance Plush toys, bags, water bottles, keychains, fans and more accessories inspired by Disney characters and more collections to come. The Floral Fantasy gift shop is accessible to the public without tickets to Disney Garden of Wonder. In addition, for the first time ever, Disney icons Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are unveiling brand-new outfits inspired by Singapore's unique charm. Drawing inspiration from the Garden City, their stunning new ensembles feature elements referencing Singapore's National Flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, adding a delightful local touch to their iconic appearances. Fans and families will have the exciting opportunity to meet and greet the special Disney friends dressed in their new Singapore-inspired designs on select dates in 2025. More details will be shared on Gardens by the Bay's website. Disney Garden of Wonder at Gardens by the Bay's Floral FantasyDate: 1 December 2024 to 31 March 2025Time: 10am to 9pm (last entry at 8.30pm)Venue: Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay, SingaporeDetails: Tickets are priced at SGD 24 for adults and SGD 16 for children or senior citizens, and include a round-trip shuttle service between Bayfront Plaza (location of Floral Fantasy) and Flower Dome.Getting here: Take the MRT to Bayfront station, or drop off at Bayfront Plaza carpark via taxi or ride-hailing service. More information available here. Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/disneygardenofwonder for more details. Hi-res images can be downloaded here. About Gardens by the Bay An integral part of Singapore's "City in Nature" vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore's downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012. Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens' extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programmes have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life. Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 100 million visitors and garnered numerous international accolades including the eighth top attraction in the world in Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2024, Best Theme Attraction at TTG Travel Awards 2022 and 2023, and Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms. For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
SINGAPORE, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever wonder where Santa gets his inspiration from? Digital travel platform Agoda shares five enchanting Christmas markets across Asia where Santa might just be spotted this holiday season. Christmas markets are a cornerstone of holiday festivities, creating a lively atmosphere filled with lights, decorations, and a variety of seasonal delights. They provide a fantastic opportunity for travelers to dive into local traditions while soaking up the Christmas spirit. Agoda highlights a selection of markets where the magic of the festive season really comes alive. Hiroto Ooka, Associate Vice President North Asia at Agoda said: "Who knew Santa might be taking notes from Asia's vibrant Christmas markets? At Agoda, we love how these festive gatherings blend holiday cheer with local culture, creating a magical experience for travelers. Whether it's the twinkling lights of Tokyo or the bustling stalls of Hong Kong, there's a little something for everyone to unwrap this season!" The highlighted Christmas markets in Asia this festive season are: Hong Kong: Hong Kong WinterFest (November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025) Hong Kong WinterFest is a popular Christmas market, held from late November to early January at the Central Harbourfront. It transforms Hong Kong into a festive wonderland. Visitors can enjoy among other things a giant Christmas tree, festive goods, dazzling light displays, and live performances. This event offers a joyful atmosphere perfect for families and visitors looking to experience the holiday spirit. Japan: Tokyo Christmas Market (November 23 – December 25, 2024) The Tokyo Christmas Market in Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of Japan's most popular festive events, inspired by traditional European markets. It features dazzling lights, decorations, live performances, and traditional Christmas treats, with a 14-meter Christmas tree shipped all the way from Germany as its centerpiece. Philippines: Greenhills Christmas Night Market (November 8 - December 31, 2024) The Greenhills Christmas Night Market in San Juan, Metro Manila, is a festive staple open from late November to December. Located at Greenhills Shopping Center, it offers stalls selling clothing, accessories, toys, home decor, and diverse food options. Adorned with Christmas lights and live entertainment, it provides a joyful holiday atmosphere for both shopping and dining. South Korea: Lotte Christmas Market at Jamsil World Mall (November 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025) This magical event transforms Jamsil World Mall into a European-style Christmas village, complete with a towering Christmas tree, charming decorations, and a variety of festive activities. Explore cozy stalls offering unique gifts, indulge in delicious holiday treats, and enjoy thrilling rides and performances. Singapore: Christmas Wonderland (November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025) Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is Singapore's premier holiday event. The market features stunning light displays and festive decorations, with a European-style market offering gourmet food stalls and artisanal crafts. Unique to Singapore, visitors can enjoy tropical-themed Christmas attractions, experience carnival games and rides, and live performances in a lush, garden setting. Agoda's extensive offerings make it easy to plan your holiday adventure. With over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, travelers can seamlessly combine accommodations, flights, and experiences to create their perfect Christmas getaway. For more information on accommodations and travel options, visit www.agoda.com, or download the Agoda app.
The UNGC ESG 20 Report highlights Trip.com Group's role in advancing sustainable travel, with its 'Country Retreats' project as a model The Group's commitment to sustainability extends across its offerings, from lower-carbon transportation options to accommodation SINGAPORE, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group has taken significant strides in promoting sustainable travel through its innovative and responsible initiatives. Recently, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) featured the company's 'Country Retreats' project in its latest ESG 20 Report. The initiative highlighted the alignment of Trip.com Group to UNGC's sustainability principles, showcasing a positive correlation between Trip.com Group's 'Local Focus, Global Vision' strategy and its commitment to sustainable travel practices. Trip.com Group's Country Retreats – A Model for Sustainable Tourism Trip.com Group's 'Country Retreats' project, launched in 2021, is an initiative that aims to create a model of villages and homestays for rural revitalisation. It has created enormous employment and economic benefits for local regions, such as creating jobs and supporting local industries across the value chain. Trip.com Group’s flagship Country Retreat in Jinzhai, Anhui province To date, thirty-two such retreats are now operational, resulting in a 122% surge in local B&B revenue. Additionally, locals employed by these retreats have gained an average annual income boost of over USD 5,500. The retreats have also achieved a 30.8% annual reduction in carbon emissions—equating to 80,000 kilograms—by incorporating energy-saving transformations, such as utilising a wastewater recycling system and installing photovoltaic panels. This approach aligns with the UNGC Principles in committing to responsible business practices. It also contributes to many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending poverty (SDG1), fostering affordable and clean energy (SDG7), promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), building sustainable cities and communities (SDG11) and so on. The initiative exemplifies the Group's 'Local Focus, Global Vision' strategy, which combines local expertise with global operations, allowing the company to meet customer needs through local initiatives, while maintaining a clear, global perspective for sustainable growth and partnerships. Travellers Increasingly Prioritise Local Communities in Sustainable Travel The success of the 'Country Retreats' comes amid travellers' increasing appetite for trips that prioritise local economies, preserve cultural authenticity and enhance environmental protection. This observation is reflected in Trip.com Group's latest Sustainable Travel Consumer Report. Among the most-cited motivations for practising sustainable travel, environmental protection ranked first (47.3%), followed by cultural heritage preservation (38.2%), positive economic impact (32.5%) and societal factors (24.7%). This highlights a broader trend where travellers not only aim to reduce their environmental footprint but also actively seek to benefit the communities they visit, ensuring that tourism's positive effects are felt locally. Trip.com Group’s sustainability report reveals that while awareness is rising among travellers, a gap remains between awareness and action The report also indicates travellers' growing desire to actively practise sustainable travel, with 54.7% surveyed looking for more sustainable options when booking online. Staying in eco-friendly accommodations was also the second most favoured form of practising sustainability. Moreover, 32.5% of respondents believe that sustainable travel involves supporting local businesses and communities, underscoring a growing awareness of tourism's economic impact. Holistic View of Sustainability Over the years, Trip.com Group has actively integrated sustainability into its operations and offerings, from flights and accommodations to car rentals and corporate travel services. It joined the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) and is working towards carbon neutrality by 2050. The Group also plans to introduce over 10,000 lower-carbon travel products, encouraging over 100 million travellers to adopt sustainable choices. Recently, the Group expanded its sustainability efforts in accommodations through a strategic partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and its flagship brand Trip.com. This partnership allows Trip.com to label hotels that minimise their environmental impact and meet GSTC certification criteria for sustainability. This provides travellers key information to make informed choices easily when selecting accommodation options. Recognising that corporate travellers wish to reduce their environmental impact, Trip.Biz, the Group's corporate travel division, offers lower-carbon transportation, including flights, trains, and car rentals. It also provides businesses with tools, such as accounts and budget quotas, to help track and manage their carbon emissions. Guided by its sustainability ethos, Trip.com Group aims to create a transformative sustainable travel ecosystem that not only preserves the planet, but also empowers communities worldwide. (END) About Trip.com Group Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world". Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com. Follow us on: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
TOKYO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sumida-Ryogoku area of Tokyo, famous as the home of sumo, Japan's national sport, is home to many famous historical sites that give a glimpse into the country's history. In the Ryogoku area, you can experience being a ninja at Ekoin Temple, a temple famous for being the place where sumo wrestling was held about 200 years ago. This tour allows you to learn the martial arts of the ninja, who were used for intelligence activities during the Edo period when samurai roamed about with swords. Tourism Media Services spoke to the organisers to find out more about the tour. ■Tell me the highlights of the tour Ekoin is a temple that was founded about 360 years ago. The tour is conducted by the Musashi clan, descendants of ninjas from the Edo period, and is a highlight of the experience at this authentic ancient temple. The Musashi clan's ancestors were ninja from the Iga area. They served the Tokugawa family for 265 years, including under Tokugawa Ieyasu, the most powerful samurai of the Edo period, and performed intelligence missions such as guarding and secretly serving the Tokugawa family. Genuine ninjutsu taught by a real ninja. The theme is "Shinobi damashii (Words that express the spirit of the ninja)" and there are no intense ninjutsu moves that involve flying or rolling, so it's easy to participate. The experience menu includes meditation and dance, ninja talk, explanation of ninja tools, walking technique, training in a grove, breathing techniques, photography, etc. The experience lasts for about 2 hours from 1:30 pm. You can also look forward to the clan's dance performance, and after the experience, you will be able to take a commemorative photo. If you wish, you can also try tasting "Hyoryo-gan", which was a ninja's energy food. We hope you will join the tour and try it for yourself. ■Book this tour from: https://search.mwt.co.jp/mdom/detail/BZDB03NIJA91.htmlContact information:The website is in Japanese, but you can contact them in English by Email.Venue:2-8-10 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan (https://ekoin.or.jp/) ■About Tourism Media Service:An online news platform specializing in the tourism industry. It provides the latest news on regional development and travel information, as well as feature articles on topics such as trends and observations, contributed by over 100 experts, every day. ■CONTACT: For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact:Meitetsu World Travel Inc. Shinjuku Branchi (in Tokyo)Email: koichi.ito@mwt.co.jpTEL: +81-3-3343-0631Contact person: Koichi Ito
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Amusement Parks and Tourist Attractions
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