Individual Travel Program Takes Effect for Stronger Cross-Strait Ties between China and Tiwan

In order to boost stronger cross-strait ties between china and Tiwan the Taiwan MAC Minister Lai Shin-yuan has announced a launch of the new Chinese travel program. This program was first initiated by Taiwan in mid-2008. The basic aim of the program is to promote cross-strait tourism exchanges to introduce business opportunities. According to a survey the Chinese tourists generate more money as they prefer spending money on shopping if compare with other foreign tourists. 80 percent of Chinese travelers spend money on shopping and 20 percent on accommodation. On the other hand Western visitors select best hotels to stay in rather than spending money on shopping.

From 500 independent Chinese tourists a cost of business estimated is NT$19.5 billion income every year. Looking at the records of best behavior of China visitors to Taiwan this program has be re-launched. It has also been stated that that Chinese visitors adhere to the travel related laws efficiently and effectively. The rate of the Chinese tourists in Taiwan violating laws is up to 0.003 percent where as Japan's rate was recorded as 0.009.

The National Immigration Agency (NIA) has stated that the first group of Chinese tourists would travel before June 28. The NIA has listed out the list of to do and not to do activities for Chinese tourists. They have permission for a health checkup as previously it was not like that. Other acceptable activities include contribution in medical tourism and indulging in spa and other beauty related activities. A trip to military sites related to national defense, visiting science labs such as the Academia Sinica is prohibited for Chinese travelers. The technology parks in Hsinchu, Taichung and Tainan should also be avoided.

The ease of booking trips on internet has lead to the growth of online travel category in India

An internet marketing survey has concluded that there is 32 per cent increase in the number of visitors to travel sites since last year. The visitors have reached 18.5 million this year, that clearly shows boost in the online booking trend. This survey has been done by comScore Inc. a research company that was founded in August 1999 by Gian Fulgoni and Magid Abraham. It provides marketing data and services to other companies by studying online behavior.

The Survey data says that 18.5 million online users above the age of 14 visited travel sites in April, 2011. Follow the details below:
1) Indian railways-8.4 million visitors, 8 per cent growth rate
2) MakeMyTrip -3.9 million visitors, 63 per cent growth rate
3) ClearTrip.com-2.1 million visitors, 80 per cent growth rate
4) Yatra online-3.5 million, 82 per cent growth rate
5) Expedia-1.8 million visitors,12 per cent growth rate

On March 31, 2010 MakeMyTrip suffered a loss of $6.2 million but the company quickly generated a net profit of $4.82 million till March 31, 2011. On the other hand Gurgaon based famous travel company Yatra Online Pvt Ltd had raised funds of Rs.200 crore to gear up its hotels and holiday booking business.

Thus the convenience of booking trips and locating travel information on internet has lead to the strong growth in online travel category in India. It has been stated that with the increase in online travel industry it has become imperative for the travel companies to provide greater than ever functionality, ease of use and security to its users. This action would directly help in growing online travel market.

Frequent fliers in US will now be treated with special airport checkpoints

The idea is promoted by the International Air Transport Association, the trade group for the global airline industry. Under the proposal, frequent travelers can skip the time consuming full-body scanners and pat-down searches. However, they will have to undergo a quicker and less invasive security procedure.

This new facility will be available to the frequent travelers who submit background information before arriving at the airport. This news came in owing to the suggestions given by many travel groups who thought the best way to speed the passengers through security checking would be to create separate, faster checkpoints.

More Information Please Visit: http://seattletimes.com/travel