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India.com
10-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
China Opens Its Gates Wider: 74 Nations Now Eligible For Visa-Free Entry; Is India On The List?
Beijing/New Delhi: China has made its move. Without much fanfare, it has quietly flung open its doors to tourists from 74 countries. No visa. No long forms. No consulate queues. Just walk in and stay for up to 30 days. This shift is no small gesture. It signals a new phase in China's outreach – aimed squarely at reviving tourism, boosting its struggling economy and rebranding its image abroad. And the numbers? They are already telling the story. Over 20 million foreign tourists entered China without visas in 2024. That is nearly a third of all international arrivals. A full double of what the country saw last year. The National Immigration Administration released the data with quiet pride. The message behind the statistics was loud enough – China wants visitors, and it is willing to make it easy. On the cobbled grounds of Beijing's Temple of Heaven, a Georgian traveller named Giorgi Shavadze looked around and smiled. 'Applying for a visa is a hassle. This change makes it so much easier to visit,' he said. In December 2023, China first rolled out visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Then came more. Europe saw country after country added to the list. Latin America got a slice too – five nations joined in June, followed by Uzbekistan. Then came the Middle East. Four countries from the region were given access. And on July 16, Azerbaijan will officially be added, taking the count to 75. India, however, remains off the list. Tour operators in China are gearing up. Domestic tourists still make up the bulk of the footfall, but this summer, foreign travellers are expected to return in force. Travel firms are preparing for packed tour buses and busy city streets. Shanghai-based confirmed the trend. In the first three months of 2024, hotel bookings, flight reservations and tour packages for China doubled compared to the same time last year. Three-fourths of these tourists? They came from visa-exempt countries. America still sends the most visitors. About 30% of business comes from the United States. But there is a visible shift. European tourists, once a negligible 5% in pre-pandemic days, now form nearly 20%. So, why now? Observers point to a mix of motives. China's economy needs a boost. Global perception needs a reset. Tourism helps with both. And with countries like Japan and South Korea tightening entry rules, Beijing's relaxed stance looks even more attractive. But there is also geopolitics. India's absence from the list has not gone unnoticed. Despite booming trade and regular diplomatic exchanges, tensions around border disputes and regional rivalry still cast a shadow. Until that fog clears, it seems unlikely Indian citizens will get the visa-free green light. For now, the dragon is welcoming – but only to those it chooses.
Tatler Asia
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The rise of concert tourism: How live music is shaping global travel trends
Live music is driving a new wave of tourism. Here, we look into how major music events and concerts such as Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour are starting travel trends Concert tourism is booming, transforming live music from a cultural experience into a powerful driver of travel and economic growth. From Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour to Coldplay's multi-night spectacles, live concerts are no longer just events—they are catalysts that shake up everything from airline bookings to restaurant reservations. Across Asia, cities like Singapore and Bangkok are becoming live music capitals, leveraging mega tours as a tourism strategy. This new wave of concert tourism is transforming the way we travel: fans fly in, spend big and leave with memories that last longer than the merchandise. Read more: 6 futuristic music venues transforming the concert experience Above Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour at the Singapore National Stadium () Singapore Tourism Board's director of leisure events, Guo Teyi highlights the significant economic impact of major concerts with international visitors typically making up 25 to 30 per cent of attendees. For example, Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concert in Singapore back in 2024 saw over 300,000 tickets sold, with a significant number of fans travelling into Singapore from other countries. While the Singapore Tourism Board does not track the economic impact of individual concerts, Guo notes that such live entertainment events generate positive returns for Singapore, with spillover benefits for retail, dining and other tourism-related industries. The trend is reflected in traveller behaviour as well. According to Momentum 2025: Travel's Next Big Trends report, 66 per cent of travellers now plan trips around live events. Singapore's general manager Edmund Ong observes: 'When international artists announce Singapore concert dates, we typically observe exceptionally strong booking patterns.' For one, Lady Gaga's latest concert in Singapore from May 18 to 24 saw hotel reservations spike 200 per cent. Above Sabrina Carpenter opens for Taylor Swift () The impact of concert tourism is not limited to established destinations. In January 24, 2025, Ed Sheeran kicked off the 2025 leg of his iconic Mathematics Tour in Bhutan's Changlimithang Stadium, marking the country's first-ever major international concert. Department of Tourism Bhutan's chief marketing officer Carissa Nimah shares how the concert was a 'milestone moment' which alined with the country's 50 years of tourism celebrations. 'Bringing Ed Sheeran to Bhutan was not just about hosting a superstar. It was a strategic step to diversify our tourism offerings and demonstrate our ability to stage world-class sustainable events,' she continues, highlighting how sustainability was built into every step of the planning process. A defining moment for Bhutan, the concert allowed Bhutanese to see a world-class artist live. Internationally, the concert redefined perceptions of the country. 'We are not only a destination for hiking, monasteries and mountains. We're also a creative, connected society capable of staging events that leave a deep emotional impact,' Nimah explains. Above Bhutan's Changlimithang Stadium () Above Ed Sheeran performs in Bhutan (Photo: Department of Tourism Bhutan) Staging such a large-scale event in Bhutan came with unique challenges, from repurposing the Changlimithang Stadium to managing logistics for 23,000 attendees. Sheeran's team transported over 45 trucks of equipment and meticulous planning was required for infrastructure, security and crown management. Despite these hurdles, the concert's success showcased Bhutan's capacity for cultural innovation and high-value, low-impact tourism. The ripple effects were felt across the country. 'We heard from young musicians who said it renewed their passion. From business owners who saw increased footfall. And from elders who, while unfamiliar with Ed's music, were moved by the way the event brought people together,' Nimah shares. Above Ed Sheeran performs in Bhutan to 23,000 attendees (Photo: Department of Tourism Bhutan) Ong notes that travellers are increasingly seeking immersive and meaningful experiences beyond attending main concert events, turning their concert trips into full vacation experiences. 'Rather than flying in just for the performance, fans typically extend their trips by several days to explore the destination,' he adds. Beyond concerts, Ong shares how movies and TV series are increasingly shaping travel decisions. 'Following the premiere of The White Lotus Season Two, social media chatter about Thailand surged 60 per cent, driving increased interest in the destination,' Ong continues. As concert tourism continues to surge, it's clear that live music is no longer just about the show. Rather, it's shaping travel and economies across Asia, with these cities benefiting far beyond the final encore.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trip.com Group (NasdaqGS:TCOM) Completes Repurchase Offer for US$500M Exchangeable Notes
Group recently completed its repurchase right offer for Exchangeable Senior Notes without any notes being surrendered, reflecting stability in its debt management despite the absence of activity. Over the past week, the company's shares moved 1.8%, a movement in line with the general upward trend in major market indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, which also saw gains. Broader market sentiment was supported by favorable developments in trade talks and financial stability projected by strong federal reserve stress test results for major U.S. banks, contributing to a positive backdrop for performance. Buy, Hold or Sell Group? View our complete analysis and fair value estimate and you decide. These 17 companies survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Discover why before your portfolio feels the trade war pinch. Group's recent decision not to have any notes surrendered in its repurchase right offer could initially be seen as a sign of financial stability, aligning with its robust capital management strategy discussed in its narrative. This stability supports the company's focus on leveraging AI-driven tools, market expansion, and customer acquisition to boost revenue and earnings. In the last three years, the company's total shareholder returns reached 112.08%, illustrating a substantial gain that contrasts with a shorter-term view. Over the past year, outperformed the US Hospitality industry, which returned 21.5%, further solidifying its position as a strong market player. As the company focuses on AI innovation and international market penetration, the absence of significant financial restructuring following the repurchase decision may underpin analysts' revenue and earnings forecasts. These expectations include an increase in revenue by 13.7% annually and earnings reaching CN¥21.4 billion by May 2028. The current share price movement towards analysts' consensus price target of US$76.64 may reflect market confidence in strategic direction. With a current trading price of US$61.22, this suggests a potential 30.6% increase to reach the target, indicating market optimism about the company's long-term growth trajectory. Understand Group's track record by examining our performance history report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NasdaqGS:TCOM. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Nylon
18-06-2025
- Nylon
Make your next vacation destination Chengdu for its panda, food, culture and gorgeous scenery
Having only been to China on an exchange trip years ago when I was on an exchange trip in secondary school, I have never thought of returning to China as it wasn't a top priority destination for me. So, when I was given the opportunity to visit Chengdu, I was a little hesitant. The climbing panda at IFC Mall in Chengdu. This, of course, was largely fuelled by the fear that every food in Chengdu was of mala-standard, and my half-past-six command of Mandarin. Despite the fears, I decided to take the plunge with the help of destination guide to make the best of my trip to Chengdu. Here's a look at some must-visit locations when you're in the city. If there is one thing that could get me overly excited about visiting Chengdu, it is seeing those adorable panda bears. As a world-class facility dedicated to the conversation, research, and breeding of giant pandas and other endangered wildlife, the base features a breathtaking landscape with lush vegetation and a simulated ecological environment that reflects the wild habitat of giant pandas, in addition to offering visitors interactive and educational exhibits to enhance public awareness of conservation efforts. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the must-visit destination where you'll get a rare opportunity to see giant pandas both indoors and outdoors. I was lucky enough to see the pandas in their outdoor enclosures which was great as the space was huge and I didn't feel like I had to jostle with other folks just to get a video or photo. With that said, I would recommend to visit the base early in the morning when the weather is cool as that's when you'll see the pandas lazing about or having their breakfast. The crowd is also much more manageable than in the afternoon. And yes, for us merch-buying folks — there are many souvenir shops within the base where you can shop for those must-buy panda merch. Held from 28 May to 3 June, the 9th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is an event that gathers nearly 600 national and international cultural heritage projects from performing arts to traditional crafts and folk customs. Since I was in Chengdu on the opening day, I had a chance to attend the opening ceremony at the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park. Co-hosted by the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNESCO, and the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, the festival was like a large gathering of cultures where we were not just treated to traditional performances and folk customs of Chengdu, but also to other customs and dances from countries like Italy, Mexico, France, Algeria, and Thailand. While the opening ceremony may not be an experience open to the public, you are still able to enjoy the festivities that surround the festival dates at the park. One of the most-talked about food when you're in Chengdu is hotpot and no one does it quite as grand as Margo Manor Hotpot — a large garden-like open air restaurant that makes you feel like you're dining in one of those period dramas. Aside from the never-ending list of ingredients that you can enjoy with your hotpot, which include strange ones you might have never heard of like duck blood, black tofu and different variations of beef tripe, the restaurant also aced in the entertainment factor with performances on the lake. While we were dining, we saw performers coming out to greet us as they sang on little boats that circled the lake we were seated next to. At one point, we even witnessed a scene from one of those 'wu xia' shows, where a woman was floating through the air and walking on water! Safe to say it was a truly interesting dining experience that you would have to try for yourself in Chengdu. A first of its kind in China — the Sichuan Cuisine Museum is an interactive museum where you don't just get to see and smell different types of Sichuan cooking but also taste the food. Our first stop at the museum was to try out the various Sichuan cooking at a food hall of sorts where we could get tasting portions of different food such as dumplings, dan dan noodles, kung pao chicken, glutinous rice balls, and spicy noodles. After we were fed, we headed off to see how different sauces were made and even witnessed a chef who blindfolded herself to show us how she cuts noodles in an extremely thin manner. Our visit at the museum ended with a hands-on experience where we got to make our very own red bean panda bao by following an instructional video that played on the big screen. While I had hoped to taste my creation, we didn't get a chance to see our creation go to steam but here's hoping that someone else enjoyed my tasty creation. While I'm still not a fan of Sichuan cuisine per se, I do have to say that it was a good place to experience all the different types of Sichuan food and forms of cooking, under one roof. If you're in Chengdu, don't miss the chance to head out to Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily accessible by high speed railway in just 2 hours, the valley is a sight not to be missed, especially with its crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking mountains. The first thing we noticed about arriving in Jiuzhaigou is the drastic change in temperature which was below 18 degrees. This temperature will stay and get colder in the night so it is best to prepare warm clothes if you are looking to visit the valley. Unlike the big cities, Jiuzhaigou is like a resort town of sorts, with its main attraction being the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park. But, visiting that alone could take up more than your whole day, especially with all the hikes that you would need to do. Although I am no nature gal myself, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a gorgeous sight to behold especially with its natural lakes and mountains that just looks as if it came straight from a painting or a scene in those Chinese period dramas. Even though most of the spots in the park get crowded from time to time, the huge space around makes it easy to navigate and you can still get beautiful photos or videos from almost any angle. And, just like any other tourist attractions, the park also has Tibetan costumes for rent so that you can take photos like the local — something that our tour guide didn't recommend as rental prices may not be cheap. An important thing to note when you're visiting the park is to listen to your body, especially given that the conditions are different from when you are on ground. As you venture deeper into the park, you are bound to hit higher altitudes so it is common to feel more out of breath when you climb up or down the staircase, or even while walking long distances. All in all, the visit to Jiuzhaigou was a magical one which made me appreciate our natural world and the beauty it contains, and this is a place that I would love to go back to when given the chance.
Mint
17-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
MakeMyTrip to raise up to $3 billion to buy back Trip.com's stake in company
Online travel agency MakeMyTrip has said that it plans to raise up to $3 billion to repurchase shares from one of its key stakeholders, China-based according to a filing with the New York's Nasdaq stock exchange. The funds will be raised through a combination of equity and convertible senior notes, the company said. 'We are offering 14,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.0005 per share in this offering. Our ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol 'MMYT.' We will receive all of the net proceeds from this offering,' the 16 June filing stated. The issue of 14 million shares could also be increased to 16.1 million shares, the company added. The shares were trading at $92-100 apiece over the past two trading days before publishing, which could bring in over $1.2-1.6 billion in proceeds. 'Concurrently with this offering, we are offering, US $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes, plus up to US $187.5 million aggregate principal amount of our convertible senior notes…' MakeMyTrip did not respond to a request for comment. The company will use all proceeds from the equity and notes offering to repurchase Class B shares from with the goal of reducing the Chinese company's voting power from 45.34% to 19.99%. 'On June 16, 2025, we entered into a share repurchase agreement with pursuant to which has agreed to sell, and we have agreed to purchase, a portion of the Class B Shares at a price per share equal to the Repurchase Price. Although we and intend to reduce total voting power in our company to 19.99% following our purchase of Class B Shares from pursuant to the terms of the share repurchase agreement, there is no assurance that voting power will be reduced in such manner,' the company said. MakeMyTrip (MMT) is an online travel company that was founded in 2000 by Deep Kalra. It provides various travel-related services such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, and more, with the goal of simplifying travel planning for consumers.
