Starwood Reveals Multiple Chinese Travel Booking Websites

In keeping with its aggressive development momentum in China, Starwood has announced the launch of its Chinese language websites for each of its hotel brands including St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, and Element.

"The fully integrated Chinese language websites for each of the Starwood hotel brands will have a mirror set of functions and features as the main English websites," commented Lisa Halim, director of online marketing and distribution for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

Leavitt Touts Safety Deals With China

U.S.-Chinese agreements designed to make imports safer will serve as a model for other countries, the nation's top health official said Wednesday.

Under the agreements, Chinese producers of certain products will undergo a review that certifies their products meet U.S. safety standards. Those that pass will get quick access to U.S. markets.

China-US agreement to boost tourism flows

BEIJING - Chinese citizens will soon be able to travel to the US on tourist visas and in groups, and US destinations will be permitted to market themselves in China (PRC). 


PATA regional director North America, Barbara Bryant, welcomed the agreement, which was signed at the 18th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade this week.

"This presents enormous opportunities for PATA members in both destinations," she said. 


Chinese troops travel to Tibet using mountain railway

BEIJING: Chinese troops travelled on the high-speed Qinghai-Tibet railway from mainland China to Lasha for the first time since the world's highest railway line was inaugurated 17 months back.

The move comes immediately after Chinese troops were reported to have demolished Indian Army posts on its border with Arunachal Pradesh.