China extends suspension on international group tours
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism will continue banning international group tours.
It said there will be no easing of the restrictions for some time yet due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns.
It is applicable for both inbound and outbound for flight and hotel group travel packages booked via travel agencies or online with OTAs.
The latest update by the ministry said the risk is still high of a resurgence of infections between now and the winter.
It comes after the first planeload of travellers left China for Thailand last week under Thailand’s special visa program.
It requires a 14-day quarantine for all arrivals.
Although groups are still banned, China is gradually ramping up the Individual Visit Scheme, allowing independent travellers to visit Macau.
The program launched in August.
Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong said the program has helped the recovery, especially during the recent Golden Week holidays, but there is still a long way to go.
Lei expects an improvement of October gross gaming revenues at Macau casinos compared to last month, but ‘not by very much.’
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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