The China National Tourism Office notes that several routes between the two countries have been restored since November

Those with a stake in sending tourists to China are welcoming the expansion of air service between this country and the Asian nation, with the curtailing of that service during the height of Covid having dramatically  hindered travel to the Asian nation.

The China National Tourism Office notes that several routes between the two countries have been restored since November, while others have been added, paving the way for what the CNTO says will be a “robust recovery” in tourism.

The CNTO held a mid-December Toronto event that hosted airline representatives, tour operators and travel agents, all of whom stated that the growing air service in turn leads to reduced airfares, a major incentive to travel.

Ning Wu, Canadian director for the China National Tourist Office, said greater air options are “paving the way for a robust recovery and prosperity in tourism” between this country and her homeland.

“As 2023 brought us the challenges of recovery, 2024 presents us with fresh opportunities, a chance to soar higher, just like the flights we’re here to discuss,” Wu told her audience, while adding that the China-Canada market holds “tremendous potential” for both countries.

Before the pandemic, China was Canada’s second-largest source of overseas tourists, with over 700,000 visitors annually, Wu said. Chinese tourists contributed significantly to Canada’s economy, spending on average over $3,000 per trip.

“On the flip side, China’s appeal to Canadian travellers remains undeniable,” she added. “Now, with travel demand rebounding, there’s an exciting opportunity for us to rebuild and reimagine this vital market…By the first three quarters of 2024, international tourist arrivals in China are 22.8 million. The number of international tourists received by Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen has recovered to an average of over 75% compared to the same period in 2019. Some enterprises’ reception of inbound tourists has recovered to 60 to 70% of the levels seen in 2019.

“While the number of inbound visitors and tourism expenses are steadily increasing, the satisfaction of foreign tourists is also on the rise. China is actively working to enhance the travel experience for international visitors. Initiatives such as improving payment systems, streamlining visa applications, and implementing 144-hour visa-free transit policy are clear indicators of China’s commitment to welcoming tourists from around the world.”

The visa-free transit policy has seen 41 ports in 19 Chinese provinces having implemented either 72 or 144-hour visa-free transit policies for citizens from 54 countries, including Canada.

“Meanwhile, it is recommended to pay attention to and utilize regional visa-free entry policy, such as the Hainan 30-day visa-free policy for 59 countries, 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai Port,” Wu continued. “Recently, the China Railway rolled out an online identity verification service for foreign passport holders, further optimizing travel services for foreign travellers. With the support and promotion from the government, it is believed that more measures will be worked out to facilitate travel and promote people-to-people exchanges.”

Wu also said airfares have “visibly decreased, giving travellers more convenient and cost-effective options.”

Alex Li of China Southern Airlines — which resumed its three weekly Toronto-Guangzhou flights in November — said his carrier is “confident that the resumption of flights will be a success and will contribute to the continued growth of the airline and the travel industry as a whole.”

Li praised his airline for “maintaining an impeccable safety record,” and noted the B777s it uses on the Toronto route have 3 classes of service.’

The airline is committed to building “two comprehensive international aviation hubs” in Guangzhou and Beijing, and now has 908 planes, he reported.

Li  added that China Southern Airlines has won numerous awards for its service, including from SKYTRAX, a weighty name in the aviation industry.

He also said the airline is committed to sustainability, citing the likes of it being the first domestic airline to independently develop the Aviation Oil e-Cloud big data management system, enabling it to achieve “industry-leading energy utilization efficiency.”

Meanwhile, Harold Ho of Royal Scenic said demand for travel to China hasn’t fully recovered but he’s optimistic.

“We look forward to more traffic during the upcoming Christmas-New Year’s period,” he said.

Lisa Lau of Okushu Tours said the increased air service is “good news for us,” with her company’s clients having more options and falling airfares expected.

Lau added it isn’t only those bound for China who will benefit from increased China air service, but also those whose travel will take them through China en route to other Asian countries.

The event was also told by Diana Winters of tour operator Exoticca that the “interest in China has been absolutely phenomenal.”

China has attractions that are “absolutely fantastic in terms of the cultural products,” Winters added.