Roundup

HK AIR TRAFFIC

The Airport Authority Hong Kong announced on Feb 19 that passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport reached around 2.1 million in January, marking a year-on-year increase of around 28 times. In January, flight movements saw a year-on-year increase of 34.9 percent to 16,215. Due to the relaxation of COVID-19-related travel restrictions, all passenger segments experienced significant growth, particularly Hong Kong residents, compared to the same month of 2022, according to the AAHK. Traffic to and from Southeast Asia and Japan recorded the most significant increases. Strong passenger demand was observed in the second half of the month due to the Chinese New Year holiday.

FLYING HIGH

China's civil aviation transport sector logged a steady rebound in January, as the country optimized its antivirus response and demand picked up during the Spring Festival travel rush. More than 39.77 million air passenger trips were handled in January, surging 34.8 percent year-on-year, recovering to 74.5 percent of the level in the same period of 2019. During the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, which ended in mid-February, 55.23 million air passenger trips were made. The number of daily passenger trips hit 1.38 million on average, soaring 39 percent year-on-year and rebounding to 76 percent of the pre-pandemic level, according to the Civil Aviation Administration.

UNDERWATER BASE

The National Base of Underwater Archaeology (South China Sea) under the National Cultural Heritage Administration was recently launched. With a planned area of 49,333 square meters, the base is expected to perform various functions, including underwater cultural heritage survey and protection, cultural heritage repair and archaeological training, according to the administration. Building the base is an important step to strengthen the country's underwater cultural heritage protection work. It is also significant in passing on traditional Chinese culture and safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and maritime rights, said Li Qun, vice-minister of culture and tourism and head of the administration.

SALUTE TO HERITAGE

Seventeen Light Years, a fruity low-alcohol wine brand owned by Shanghai Guijiu distillery, hosted an intangible heritage experience event in Shanghai on Feb 17, attracting consumers to feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Guests could participate in a variety of activities on-site such as making dough figurines and guessing lantern riddles. They were served a selection of drinks including cocktails with a Seventeen Light Years wine base.

MAKING THE LIST

Forbes Travel Guide, an independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, recently announced its 2023 edition. Out of 1,378 hotels and resorts on the list, 128 are from China. These include 47 five-star locations from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao and Taipei. Created in 1958, Forbes Travel Guide has released 63 editions, providing a trusted reference for travelers.

Xinhua - China Daily