Travel

China Extends Visa-Free Stay to 10 Days in Bid to Boost Tourism

Published

4 days ago

December 17, 2024

RTX

China has announced a major expansion of its visa-free transit policy, tripling the allowable stay from 72 hours to 240 hours (10 days). The move aims to attract more international visitors as the country continues its efforts to revive tourism post-pandemic.

The Chinese State Administration of Immigration revealed that citizens from over 50 countries, including the United States, are eligible for the extended visa-free layover program. The policy allows travelers with confirmed flight bookings to a third destination to obtain a visa upon arrival at select Chinese airports and explore the country for up to 10 days before departing.

Record Tourism Numbers

The strategy appears to be yielding results. According to the National Immigration Administration, the third quarter of 2024 saw a record number of foreign visitors entering mainland China since tracking began in 2014. Between January and November 2024, over 29 million foreigners entered the country, marking an 86.2% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 17 million utilized the visa-free program, reflecting a year-on-year surge of 123.3%.

Shanghai emerged as the most popular entry point, welcoming over four million visa-free travelers during this period.

Expanded Regional Access

Under the updated policy, eligible visitors can now travel across 24 provincial regions, an increase from the previous 19. These include major tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. However, access to special regions like Tibet and Xinjiang still requires additional permissions.

Additionally, Hong Kong and Macao qualify as third destinations under the program, further enhancing travel flexibility for international tourists.

Simplified Visa and Payment Processes

In recent years, China has made sweeping changes to simplify travel for foreigners. For U.S. citizens, the country eliminated the need for hotel bookings, tour itineraries, and flight confirmations as part of the visa application process.

Tourism accessibility has also been bolstered through advancements in e-payment systems. China’s two largest platforms, WeChat and Alipay, now accept international credit cards, offer built-in translation tools, and feature streamlined identity verification processes. The government has also mandated that major tourist attractions and high-end hotels accept international credit cards.

Boosting Global Appeal

China’s expanded visa-free program aligns with its broader ambitions to cement its status as a premier global destination. The policy changes not only make travel more convenient but also ensure that international visitors can explore a larger portion of the country without bureaucratic hurdles.

As China reopens to the world, these initiatives signal its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and traveler-friendly environment.

Travel

Spanish Village Uses Olive Trees and Digital Nomads to Reverse Decline

Published

2 weeks ago

December 7, 2024

RTX

The small village of Oliete, nestled in Spain’s Teruel region, is finding innovative ways to revive its dwindling population, leveraging its abundant olive trees and targeting digital nomads seeking a slower pace of life.

With just 249 residents, Oliete faced a bleak future. However, the village launched a unique project, ApadrinaUnOliva.org (“Adopt an Olive Tree”), aiming to preserve its identity while attracting new residents. Sponsors worldwide contribute €60 annually to adopt olive trees, with funds directed toward local development projects, including converting a cow shed into a co-working space.

The initiative has sparked significant change. Over €71,000 raised through sponsorships, supplemented by €75,000 from government and business grants, has supported the creation of 43 jobs and brought 19 new residents to Oliete in the past year alone.

A New Lease on Life

Mark Rawdon, an Irish ship captain, lives in Oliete part-time with his Venezuelan partner, Carolina Sema. “Property and living costs are very reasonable here,” Rawdon said, describing the village’s draw for those seeking tranquility away from city life.

Digital nomads like Sandra Mairal, an event organizer from Barcelona, also find solace in Oliete. “I just love the slower pace of life,” she shared, describing how working from the co-working space allows her to reset from her high-pressure job.

Saving the School

A key indicator of the village’s success is its local school. Once on the brink of closure, the school now has 27 pupils, up from just three when the project began. Children are a lifeline for rural communities, and their growing presence signals hope for Oliete’s future.

Carlos Blanco, a father of four who moved from Barcelona in 2017, said his family has embraced the rural lifestyle. “It’s much more tranquil, with a better quality of life for the children,” he noted. His work with the olive oil project has been vital in sustaining the community.

A Broader Initiative

Oliete is part of Spain’s Red Nacional de Pueblos, a network of villages aiming to attract remote workers and counteract rural depopulation. Among Spain’s 8,131 municipalities, 1,840 are at risk of disappearing, according to the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

The program’s appeal is broad. Last year, a group of 18 European businesswomen participated in a fellowship in Oliete, and an American school visited to learn about the village’s revitalization efforts.

With its olive trees as the cornerstone of economic revival, Oliete stands as a model for other struggling villages, proving that a blend of tradition and innovation can pave the way for survival.

Travel

Sicilia Express Sleeper Train Offers Affordable and Scenic Christmas Travel for Sicilians

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

RTX

TURIN: Homesick Sicilians will have a unique and affordable way to travel home for Christmas this year, thanks to the launch of the Sicilia Express, a special sleeper train connecting northern Italy to the southern island.

Announced by Sicily’s regional president, Renato Schifani, the Sicilia Express is tailored for workers and students wishing to reunite with loved ones during the festive season. The train departs from Turin on December 21, offering an overnight journey to Sicily, and returns to Turin on January 5, ahead of Italy’s Epiphany holiday.

Addressing a Costly Journey

For many Sicilians, particularly younger generations, relocating to northern Italy offers better work and educational opportunities. However, high airfare costs often make travel back home challenging. Return flights between northern cities and Sicily can exceed €700, as reported earlier this month.

The Sicilia Express provides an affordable alternative, with ticket prices starting at €29.90 for standard seating. For passengers seeking additional comfort, sleeper compartments are available for €129.90. Tickets go on sale on December 3 and can be purchased through the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website or train station ticket offices.

A Journey with a Sicilian Flair

This is no ordinary sleeper train. The Sicilia Express promises passengers an immersive experience celebrating Sicilian culture.

According to FS Treni Turistici Italiani, the 18-hour trip will feature masterclasses, artistic performances, and appearances by influencers and prominent Sicilian figures. The train will also offer two dining cars serving traditional Sicilian cuisine, turning the journey into a festive celebration of the island’s heritage.

“The experience on board will be enriched by the presence of well-known personalities narrating the journey to Sicily,” noted the service’s website.

Sicilian Government Support for Travel Costs

The Sicilia Express initiative complements the Sicilian government’s existing subsidy program for domestic flights. To ease the financial burden on residents, the government reimburses 25% of flight costs throughout the year, increasing to 50% during December and January.

An Opportunity to Celebrate and Save

The Sicilia Express is not only a cost-effective option but also a sustainable and scenic alternative to flying. By offering special entertainment and showcasing Sicilian traditions, the service ensures that the journey home is just as memorable as the holiday itself.

With ticket sales beginning soon, the Sicilia Express is set to become a festive lifeline for many Sicilians eager to spend the holidays with their families.

Travel

Gatwick Airport South Terminal Reopens After Security Alert Disrupts Flights

Published

4 weeks ago

November 23, 2024

RTX

London’s Gatwick Airport resumed operations at its South Terminal on Friday afternoon following a security alert that forced an evacuation and delayed numerous flights. The terminal was closed at 11:55 CET after a “suspected prohibited item” was found in luggage earlier in the day.

Sussex Police, in coordination with a bomb disposal unit, declared the package safe after investigation. Two individuals detained during the inquiry were released without charge and allowed to continue their journeys. The terminal reopened at approximately 16:00 CET, although passengers were warned to expect residual delays.

Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-busiest air hub, stated that its North Terminal remained operational throughout the incident. Passengers scheduled to travel were urged to confirm their flight statuses with airlines before heading to the airport.

Travelers Face Disruptions

The security alert impacted an estimated 100,000 passengers expected to transit through Gatwick on Friday. Many experienced significant delays, with flight boards displaying long lists of cancellations and postponements. Airlines including British Airways, Norwegian, and Vueling reported disruptions.

Vueling redirected inbound flights from Barcelona and Seville, sending them back to their points of origin. Outside the airport, long queues formed as arriving passengers sought alternative transportation. The situation worsened as the airport’s train station was also closed, leaving some passengers to resort to walking or hitchhiking.

Among the affected travelers was Nejadeen Braham, who was en route to Jamaica to reunite with her children. “I was supposed to go inside, drop my bags, and go through security,” she said. “When I got here, I saw everybody coming [out] from one direction.”

Separate Security Incident in London

The Gatwick scare was one of two security alerts that unsettled London on Friday. A road near the U.S. Embassy was cordoned off as Metropolitan Police investigated a suspicious package.

The package was later deemed a “hoax device,” and a controlled explosion was carried out. The U.S. Embassy resumed operations by 14:00 CET but canceled all public appointments for the day.

Operational Recovery

Despite the disruptions, Gatwick officials assured passengers that the situation had been resolved. “The safety and security of our passengers and staff are our top priority,” the airport said in a statement.

While flights resumed at the South Terminal, travelers were reminded to expect delays as operations normalized. Authorities emphasized that robust security measures remain essential to ensuring safe travel amid such incidents.