Japan is increasing visa fees for the first time since 1978, with single-entry visas rising from 3,000 to 15,000 yen and multiple-entry visas from 6,000 to 30,000 yen, effective July 1. The move is seen as a response to inflation and yen depreciation, aligning Japan's fees with those of other developed nations.
Young Chinese tourists are increasingly visiting South Korea for short-term, affordable beauty services like color analysis, makeup, and hairstyling, shifting away from traditional cosmetic surgery. These one-day services offer immediate results and a personalized aesthetic update.
Foreign tourist spending in Korea exceeded 2 trillion won for the first time in May, with Chinese tourists driving a threefold increase in spending. Major commercial districts like Myeongdong and Seongsu-dong saw significant sales growth.
Foreigner medical spending in Korea surpassed 250 billion won in May, marking the third consecutive month above 200 billion won. Pharmacy spending saw a significant increase, accounting for 69.8% of all medical transactions by foreign tourists.
A Thai court sentenced two Chinese Uyghur men, Yusufu Mieraili and Bilal Mohammed, to death for their role in the 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing in Bangkok, which killed 20 people and injured over 100. They were acquitted of charges related to a separate bombing.
A video showing Chinese tourists crossing railway tracks in front of an approaching train at the Enoshima station in Kamakura, Japan, has gone viral, sparking outrage among Japanese netizens who fear it could lead to accidents. The incident echoes a previous fatal accident involving Chinese tourists in Kobe.
The queues start to form before the lunchtime rush at Phed Mark, a Bangkok kitchen with a pop-up feel that dishes up steaming plateloads of pad kaphrao – a runny fried egg with fiery minced meat over rice – to a clientele of mainly Chinese tourists. Founded by YouTuber Mark Wein, Phed Mark has turned a Thai staple into a must-eat for Chinese visitors, who defy the heat to patiently wait each day on plastic stools for their turn outside the Ekkamai bus terminal. A lot has to do with its...
Mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong's Sharp Island for its tombolo also gained an appreciation for local coral reefs and marine life, thanks to increased government promotion and protection efforts.
Canada plans to allow more flight connections to China, as it seeks to rebuild ties with Beijing and capitalise on rising demand for Canadian travel among Chinese tourists, but airlines may be reluctant to add new routes due to soaring jet fuel costs and a lack of access to Russian airspace. Steven MacKinnon, Canada’s transport minister, announced last week that Ottawa would permit an “incremental” increase in direct passenger combination flights to China and up to 20 cargo flights per week. The...
Domestic flight bookings in China rose 8% year-on-year and package tours were up 10% ahead of Labour Day, even as jet fuel prices doubled. Travelers are making more value-conscious decisions, favoring rural destinations and short-haul regional trips over premium travel, according to China Trading Desk survey.
