Corporate Traveller’s global managing director on China’s reopening
The relaxing of China’s travel restrictions has sent waves through the Aussie travel industry, with agents, airlines and tourism operators receiving a wealth of interest from their clients.
Tom Walley, global managing director of Flight Centre Travel Group’s flagship SME division Corporate Traveller, has reflected on this update from a business travel perspective, highlighting the potential impact this could have on the Aussie tourism industry and what needs to happen to capitalise on this opportunity.
“China is Australia’s largest two-way trading partner in goods and services, accounting for nearly one third (31 per cent) of our trade with the world – the reopening of borders and the relaxing of COVID testing into China is a landmark way to start the year for businesses big and small,” Walley said.
“The travel industry, corporates and tourists alike have been crying out for the world’s second largest economy to reopen to the world, and businesses now have a real opportunity to reset and grow those relationships that have been essentially cut off in-person for the last two years.
“Looking at our internal data, we saw a tremendous spike in flight searches to China on the day it was announced that borders would reopen (27 December 2022) and since then, searches have been consistently more than 40 per cent higher than before Christmas.
“There’s no doubt the demand is there and we’re now starting to see that flow through into actual bookings – it’s early days and there will undoubtedly be some hesitancy around COVID numbers in China – but as we’ve seen throughout this pandemic, people are willing to travel in all circumstances.
“The next stage is for airlines to bring capacity back and we’re expecting this to ramp up in the first quarter with the likes of Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern all returning to our shores. This will likely put downward pressure on airfares to China, and beyond, later in the year,” Walley concluded.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
china Chinese tourism corporate traveller flight centre flight centre travel group tom walley tourismLatest News
Red Cat Adventures all in on fight to save the Great Barrier Reef
Looks like a satisfying gig, too bad we didn't take the marine biology class in year 12.
Qatar Airways returns to Malta with four weekly flights this summer
And you could watch the scary big yellow bear at Hamad Airport, as you pass through.
Raffles Sentosa Singapore opens for booking enquiries
We had a quick look around Raffles Singapore when there recently, and look forward to the next gen venue.
New TransNusa Bali to Perth flights from $169
...and you get to take on up to 30kg of carry-on. Hopefully that includes a board and a fishing rod.
Severe weather leads to flight cancellations at Sydney Airport
Warm and dry is the best option for today, stay safe readers.
PONANT releases new Luxury Voyages Collection brochure
We hear some use the broken ice to add to the evening cocktails.
A plane every three weeks as Qantas readies for major expansion in 2025 and beyond
The Flying Roo just lost out to its rival across the ditch, but it's not all bad news... New planes are on the way!
UPDATED: Japan FF deals drop after Qantas rejects claims about availability
Things come to those who wait, or search diligently every day for deals. Over to you.
Carnival Cruise Line sets sail for Asia in a first for Australian-based ships
Having just experienced our first Asian cruise, we feel that this might just be the tonic for a short OS getaway.
Bhutan one step closer to establishing ‘mindfulness city’
We too practice mindfulness, but fear it does not hold a flame to the approach in Bhutan.
Travel rated second worst offender for ‘misleading pricing’, but change is coming
To put us in the same category as credit card companies is just plain offensive!
Chimu Adventures’ Chile incentive offers ultimate famil to South America
These famils are legendary, we've seen the pictures, mostly blurry ones, but there is evidence.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita shuts down ahead of extensive renovation
This comes on the back of a 'Retire to Mauritius' campaign. Maybe your client wants to try before they buy?
Revealed: Full list of 2025 CLIA awards nominees ahead of sold-out event
Are scalpers circling, given it's a sold-out awards night?
Luxury Atlantis Resort heads to the Pacific after Hawaii land parcel purchase
It's a long way off, so you may want to start saving your Pacific pesos now, or set aside some super.
Rydges Armidale opens Ottoman and The Cellar in New England
Given the AUD, maybe it's time to spend a bit of still valued coin on regional tourism.
Fiji Airports’ 10-year plan to position nation as premier regional hub
Aviation in the South Pacific is heating up, as is the water temperature. Related? Depends who you ask...
Qantas Frequent Flyers alerted to email scam
Given the talk around using your points, no doubt this one will catch a few unwary FFs. Beware!
Silversea sets sail on its 2025 World Cruise
Experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, Silversea, has set sail on its 2025 World Cruise, Controtempo, taking guests to 59 destinations over 136 days. The cruise set sail from Tokyo on 13 January and arrives in New York on 29 May 2025. Guests will experience many of the most iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems in […]
Dusit International announces two new hotels in the Philippines
Thailand hotel and property development company Dusit International has strengthened its presence in the Philippines with two new hotels in Mindanao, set to open in late 2029. The company, represented in the Philippines by Dusit Thani Philippines Inc., has signed hotel management agreements with IDC Prime. IDC Prime is a wholly owned subsidiary of Italpinas […]
Crystal Serenity World Cruise to cover 29 countries over four continents
I'm just stepping out and may be some time, six months or so but I'll bring back a souvenir from all 83 destinations.
Melbourne Airport international terminal update but questions remain over transport links
Relief to the Melburnians who have gone as far as slamming the city's dining when posting their thoughts on socials.
Registration opens for Viking’s popular regional Australia information sessions
We expect someone will need a strong G&T and a good lie down after this extensive roadshow.
Where travellers are going to avoid sting of weak Aussie dollar
We heard Americans describe our currency as monopoly money recently. Naively we thought they just meant the colours...
Intrepid offers epic freebie for agents who sell 15 trips before December
Explore the world by helping other people to explore the world. Nice!
Marriott International opens The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in Causeway Bay
After a recent stay in an Autograph Collection Hotel in Singapore, we look forward to a quirky Hongkers offering.
How Elon Musk’s Space junk is delaying Qantas flights from South Africa
Does this have anything to do with Qantas not using Musk's Starlink? Or Albo having a dig?
Las Vegas adds US$1b to Marina Bay Sands Singapore expansion project
If it's not already the dominant feature of the landscape, then this development going to confirm it.
Air New Zealand offers a behind the scenes look at 2024
The year saw 3.8 million cookies be served on board. Something to look forward to next time you skip across the ditch.
Why experience gifts were all the rage this Christmas
To clarify, only good experiences count as a gift.
Danielle Galloway: Envoyage is ‘just getting started with’ shopfront openings
Great news for window cleaners as Envoyage hints at more shopfront openings.
What’s new on the Gold Coast – from farm stays to Wizard of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road, well it is the Gold Coast after all!
Elite Havens adds luxury new villa to its portfolio
Elite Havens, a premier luxury villa rental and management provider, has added a new villa to its existing portfolio of over 250 villas now available for rent in Phuket, Thailand. The Surin Seaview Villa is a three-storey hillside retreat nestled on the hills of Phuket’s beautiful west coast and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman […]
Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia
As the Lunar New Year approaches, various destinations around Asia have announced the different celebrations they have lined up. Fire show, live band, instrumentalists, and bartenders flair show The Anam Group’s two beachfront resorts in Cam Ranh and Mui Ne will celebrate the most significant time in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet, with a broad spectrum […]
The Australian Tourism Exchange heads to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April
The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 April to 1 May 2025. Tourism Australia requires all sellers attending the event to submit a front panel graphic with one image representing their business for marketing purposes at ATE25, while Destination NSW requires sellers to submit a […]
New acting CEO of Destination NSW appointed
Karen Jones has commenced her role as Acting CEO of Destination NSW, taking the reins for an interim period of approximately six months. During this time, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport will recruit for a permanent CEO. Jones brings over 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. Most […]