Roundup

PASSENGER TRAFFIC SURGES

China saw robust growth in passenger trips in May, according to the Ministry of Transport. In terms of commercial transport, road trips increased 46.7 percent year-on-year to 391.4 million. Meanwhile, the number of waterway trips soared 269.6 percent to 24.53 million, data from the ministry show. As for passenger trips made in urban areas, ferries recorded the largest year-on-year increase with 243.7 percent, followed by an 87.4 percent increase in urban rail transit.

TRAIN SPEEDS AHEAD

China launched performance verification tests on a faster high-speed train on June 28 and 29 in East China's Fujian province. It shows that developing the CR450 bullet train has achieved initial results, according to China State Railway Group. During the June 28 test, the bullet train achieved a speed of 453 kilometers per hour, said the railway operator. The CR450 bullet train is a new Fuxing model that is safer, greener and smarter, with higher energy efficiency. Its technological innovation project is outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

TRAVEL EXPO IN MACAO

The recent Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo drew tourism authorities and industry players from China and abroad to promote their respective resources and offer attractive travel products. More than 500 tourism institutions, travel agencies and enterprises from nearly 40 countries and regions took part in the three-day event, which ended on July 2 and covered around 23,000 square meters in total.

PARIS FLIGHTS

Xiamen Airlines launched a direct flight on Thursday, linking Xiamen, a coastal city in East China, with Paris, France. The flight, the 12th intercontinental air route of Xiamen Airlines, operates every Thursday, according to the company. The opening of the direct air route will assist economic and trade exchanges and tourism between the two cities, the company said.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Ritz-Carlton Xi'an in Shaanxi province celebrated its fourth anniversary with a series of special offerings. These include guest room upgrades, special menus and cocktails in cooperation between its culinary team and guest chefs, as well as spa and fitness services.

GRAND OPENINGS

Yantai, Shandong province, has recently added two new hotel openings to its hospitality landscape. Westin and Aloft are both brands owned by Marriott International. Aloft Yantai and the Westin Yantai are near Yantai Bajiaowan International Convention and Exhibition Center. They are 20 kilometers away from Yantai Penglai International Airport and 30 km from Yantai Railway Station.

Courtyard Hangzhou Xihu has opened its doors to the public in the provincial capital of Zhejiang. Some 6 kilometers away from Hangzhou West Railway Station, the new hotel has easy access to attractions including the Xixi National Wetland Park and the Liangzhu National Archaeological Site Park. It has 151 guest rooms and suites and is equipped with more than 1,100 square meters of conference facilities.

Xinhua - China Daily