Beijing Capital cancels Zagreb launch


Beijing Capital Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hainan Airlines, has cancelled its plans to introduce flights between the Chinese capital and Zagreb this summer. Initially, the carrier applied for clearance from Chinese authorities to operate the route. It was granted a permit to commence a two weekly service to Zagreb this June with its 222-seat Airbus A330-200 jet. The head of the Chinese Southeast European Business Association (CSEBA), Mario Rendulić, said, "The HNA Group (parent company of both Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital) was in direct contact with Croatia, however, as soon as Serbia abolished visas for Chinese citizens, they gave up on their plans due to complicated visa requirements and other technical procedures, since Croatia is a member of the European Union". Hainan Airlines has confirmed it will introduce services between Beijing and Belgrade, as well as make further investments in the Serbian aviation industry, more of which is expected to be publicised this evening.

It is the second time the HNA Group has given up on its plans to introduce flights to Croatia. It previously held talks with Zadar Airport over possible charter services from Chongqing, in China's south-west. However, the flights never materialised. Furthermore, the airline has, in the past, been linked to a potential equity investment in Croatia Airlines. "Croatia has been working on establishing flights from China to Zadar for three years. Having in mind the actions undertaken by the Serbian government, by establishing flights between Beijing and Belgrade, Hainan will make Serbia its regional centre", Mr Rendulić said, adding that the upcoming flights will benefit the entire region, including both Zagreb and Sarajevo.

The newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Croatia, Hu Zhaoming, said on Tuesday that Croatia needed to do more to present its tourist potential to Chinese travellers. "It is important to establish direct flights, as well as simplify and speed up the issuance of visas. Last year, 100.000 Chinese tourists visited Croatia, which is almost nothing considering the Chinese travel market, however, it was an improvement of 20% compared to 2015", Mr Hu said. He added that the figure could grow to 150.000 this year. "I would really like for Croatia to approach China in a different way and view it from a different angle", Mr Hu concluded. Hainan Airlines' Senior Vice President, Hou Wei, recently said that the carrier was eyeing markets which have eased travel restrictions for Chinese nationals.

Comments

  1. Anonymous09:03

    I think Croatia Airlines should have led the charge here. They would have a lot to gain if a Chinese airline started flying to Zagreb. They could then fly passengers to Dubrovnik, Split or Zadar and fill up the unprofitable domestic flights...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...with more unproftible pax. Exactly those international connecting pax make these domestic flights unproftible, because OU segment is very short therefore revenue from transfer pax is way below point-to-point revenue

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:07

      But the only domestic route that has a potential to be profitable is ZAG-DBV. All other segments are too short. Like who is going to Split, why should he fly when it doesn't take that long to drive.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous18:08

      Huh? Do you even know how many pax on every ZAG to ZAD and SPU flight are connecting passengers in Zagreb? You have never flown those routes it seems...

      Delete
  2. Anonymous09:04

    Shame. Hopefully they manage to negotiate something for next year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous09:05

    It's logical that Hainan would either pick one or the other. Flying to both Belgrade and Zagreb would be ludicrous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:06

      They chose Belgrade because it was a political decision.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:07

      Perhaps but remember they also selected Serbia to do more than just fly there. Anyway what I was saying is that it makes no sense for a Chinese airline to serve two cities in such close proximity. Zagreb should now try and get another Chinese carrier.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:10

      A political decision was to suspend the visa regime. What we are seeing today are its benefits.

      Where are all those people who claimed that suspending the visa regime won't change anything?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:12

      Yes Anon 9:06, we all know very well that each and every route to Belgrade is political and anything about aviation in Serbia is political. Now, if you have some other LP to play we would very much like to hear it, though I fear it's the only one you will ever have.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:55

      In general, it seems below Croatia's honour to negotiate anything with Serbs, even when it might be beneficial to their economy. Perhaps that mindset needs to change first, otherwise lots of golden opportunities will be missed. Recently, Croatia has been doing the talking while Serbia has been doing the acting.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous16:01

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 9:10 AM

      it won't change anything, knowing how long it takes the Chinese to set up anything air, we'll need to wait and see if there are serious intentions by Chinese carriers to fly in to the region at all.


      Zagreb is connected via Seoul and Dubai, would be nice to see Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo connected, but there's no rush.

      Visa restrictions won't be removed, due to the fact the Chinese need visa to the EU, same as EU nationals need visa to enter China.

      Belgrade won't benefit greatly from Chinese tourist cause there won't be many.

      Croatia had ~ 320 000 Chinese visitors in 2016, 145 000 from China, 125 000 Taiwan and 50 000 from Hong Kong, this number will go up, no matter if visa regime remains.

      FYI, 370 000 visitors are expected from China, Taiwan and HK in 2017.

      Zagreb had 1.2 million tourists and 2.1 million nights in 2016, 1.3 million expected in 2017, how many of these Chinese, no idea, but if current trends continue Zagreb will host 1.75 million foreign tourists in 2020 and at least 3.7 million nights. For a small city of 800 000, this is impressive figure. And tourist just started to discover Croatia and Zagreb.

      http://www.mint.hr/UserDocsImages/170214_t-promet_XII.pdf

      This isn't a sprint, it is a marathon, a long one, next year or even year after that we might see Chinese carrier coming to Zagreb, the priority is to get US and Canadian airline offering scheduled flights to Zagreb. Once that happens things will start to roll.

      Also, they just started filming Star Wars Han Solo Film on Croatia, Episode 8 and Rouge One were filmed in 2016 and

      Star Wars episode 9 will be filmed in Croatia too, sometimes in 2nd half of 2017.

      Game of thorns the last season started filming in March, in Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split and just outside Dubrovnik.

      Avenger's infinity War part 2, parts will also be filmed in Croatia. James Cameron of Avatar fame is also scouting Croatia for filming locations for Avatar 2, 3, 4 and 5 to be partially filmed in Croatia.

      What all this tells me, the 17 million tourist Croatia is expecting this year, is just the start of massive influx of visitors, I expect 22 million tourist by/in 2020, 32 million by 2025.

      You can rest assured, Zagreb by this point will have direct connections to all major global cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo, Dubai, New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Singapore, Mexico City and Santiago.

      Question is, will Zagreb airport need to expand really fast, and will only 3 wide body positions be enough even by 2025 as likes of ANA, Hainan Airlines, Korean air, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar airways, Air Canada, Delta airlines and so on start flying directly to Zagreb.

      https://i0.wp.com/hajdasdoncic.hr/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/radovi-faze-2.png?w=562

      Delete
    7. Anonymous16:08

      Yet BEG is the one getting air-links to China, not ZAG... despite all the fabulous reasons you mentioned in your post.

      I guess more long-haul flights will come right after Santiago-Zagreb is launched.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous18:32

      Wow, the delusions in the 4:01 post are impressive. So you basically expect to double the number of passengers (NB: by 17 million) by 2025. Good luck.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous18:59

      Even Slovena had 4 mio turists last year....time for europe and btw many commercial spots were shooted there...from milka to bmw etc ��

      Delete
    10. Anonymous21:35

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 6:32 PM

      Trolling trolling trolling hooray !!!

      17 million pax by 2025 Where ????? How ???
      Croatia will have 17 million tourists this year is what I said, not 17 million passengers by 2025, are you blind???

      Delete
    11. Anonymous22:43

      You also said that HR will have a direct air link to LAX. ROFL

      Delete
  4. Anonymous09:08

    Is it just me or does that Chinese ambassador seem a bit pissed off?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:12

      What's hilarious is that the ambassador's statement proves what we said yesterday and what Purger and others tried to negate. Croatia isn't doing enough to attract the Chinese and because of that they missed this opportunity.

      Delete
    2. If Croatia isn't doing enough in China, but doing somewhere else, never mind. There will always be some market where "Croatia isn't doing enough". What's your point again?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:24

      The point is that when people pointed it out yesterday they were attacked by Croatian apologists such as yourself. Just go and read Purger's rude reply in the discussion.

      Stop trying to justify every failure and to try to turn it into something positively wonderful.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:58

      frishki,

      The point is, China is not "some market" but by far the largest individual source of tourists out there. And the numbers are yet to grow at a staggering rate. The fact you see it as "some market where Croatia might or might have not done something" perfectly illustrates the mindset that has led to the loss of this route.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous16:09

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 10:58 AM ; AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 9:12 AM

      You guys seem to be looking for any excuse to point fingers at Croatia.

      Croatia is in the EU. EU has imposed visa on Chinese, there's little Croatia can do!!! End oFF!!!

      When and if Serbia becomes EU member sometimes in early 2030s, you too will need to introduce visa regime on Chinese, this is if the visa regime is still in place.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous16:11

      We will never become an EU member state, there is little benefit for us, especially now when we are about to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

      So there we go...

      Delete
  5. Anonymous09:14

    It's a pitty but understandable considering the same company will be flying to BEG.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous09:16

    As a Croat I find this rather unfortunate but not all too surprising. I hope that at least they will code-share with JU to ZAG so that there are more options to fly to the east.

    But hey... all is not that bad. At least ZAG got yet another destination to Germany. ;)
    If EK didn't announce their flights this would be a rather bad year for Zagreb.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh jesus, please. "Another bad year for Zagreb". Really?? What, if airport isn't jumping 20% each year, it's a letdown?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:23

      Pretty much yes. Are you saying that if EK didn't come it would be a phenenomenal year in terms of new routes launched and the expansion of the offer of destinations and airlines?!?!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:02

      It is actually very wise of Zagreb Airport Management not to let down its most important customer. They could have let in Wizz/Easy and others and the numbers would jump by more than 25% yoy! See SOF, SKP, BEG, INI etc. But then once they gain a certain momentum, those carriers will start dictating their conditions. If Wizz loses subsidies in SKP for example, numbers go down in the same direction as they went up. So ZAG is very good in what they do. 7% ORGANIC growth ist more than good!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:22

      STOP speculate - WIZZAIR in this moment in SKP have only subsidies for 3/4(until next summer) routs from total 27!!!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:55

      You do realize that Wizz Air pays in Belgrade what other lowcosts pay as well? Could you expand on this controversy a bit more please?

      Delete
    6. Anonymous14:31

      "only subsidies for 3/4" of routes at SKP! Only?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous15:05

      @ 11:22a.m
      So we know exactly when the cancellations will begin - next summer :)

      Delete
    8. Anonymous15:45

      People always can find something to be unhappy with, look at SKP example. The airport grew double digit for years, so many new routes have been launched etc. But now complaints started to rise regarding not having a decent airline to fly to main airports. Same is likely to happen in BEG, JU already started to transform itself into a hybrid. Once LCCs increase their dominance in a market, they change the overall market structure. God bless ZAG management seems to be aware of the risk and doesn't compromise on that.

      I wish BEG billion Chinese tourists with triple daily Chinese flights, I'm happy and satisfied to see Emirates in ZAG.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous16:12

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 9:16 AM

      Somehow I highly doubt you're a Croatian or have anything to do with Croatia.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous16:29

      Why? Because he is not saying what you want to hear? How sad.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous09:17

    That's a lot of Chinese tourists visiting Croatia. Star Air China would a much better fit than Beijing Capital. Hadn't heard of them until recently - interesting looking airline although I'd much rather fly Emirates via Dubai. Probably a better fit for BEG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:25

      I don't see Air China launching Zagreb flights, especially not since they already serve Vienna. They couldn't even add it as a tag since the flight continues to BCN.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:49

      That's the great thing about aviation. What is now is not always tomorrow especially with that number of tourists pa heading to the coast

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:54

      Which is why I said that PUY, ZAD or even DBV have a bigger chance of getting these flights than ZAG does.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous09:28

    There are over 1 billion Chinese and 100 million of them travel abroad so there is space for both airports to be served by Chinese air carriers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:36

      Not really. Chinese tourists have their European gateways through which they enter Europe. So far in our region we have Prague, Vienna, Budapest and soon Belgrade.

      This was Zagreb's chance and they blew it. I still think Zadar or maybe even Pula stand a chance to get them.

      Delete
    2. So, you have a working crystal globe? That's it? Finito? Full stop?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:21

      Yes, as far as Zagreb goes it's done. Also, the fact that Hainan first looked at Zadar only goes to show I am right in saying that if HR gets flights to China, it will be from the coast.

      Zagreb might be the country's capital, but the tourism potential is elsewhere.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous15:48

      It's good that the airlines have different options to fly in a country, isn't it? ;)

      Delete
    5. Anonymous16:19

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 9:36 AM

      Lets see, China has what 50-60 decent sized airlines? all with the global reach.

      And you are already speculating how Croatia is going to fail cause there's no direct flight to Zagreb.

      I can see you're stupid as they come, nationalist troll, so it is stupid to even argue with you. Carl Sagan said it once, you can't argue with an idiot. George Carlin — "Never argue with an idiot" put it more directly. I totally agree.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous16:24

      Yet Hainan is suspending its plans for ZAG, that's a really bad sign. It means that for the Chinese, Zagreb is only as good as one of the stops along the way. Such a shame. It's a cute little town.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous17:38

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 4:24 PM

      Might be cute little town, but loads of tourist come to Zagreb, more than entire Serbia in fact.

      320 000 Chinese (China, HK, Taiwan) visitors visited Croatia in 2016, Serbia can only dream of these numbers.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous17:40

      According to the Chinese ambassador to Croatia only 100,000 came to Croatia last year. Regardless of tourism, the investment Chinese companies are making in Serbia is something Croatia can only dream of. And this is very important for any potential route.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous17:53

      It's ok, Belgrade is starting to work on its tourism product now. Just look at the success we had with the Israelis.

      That said, imagine how many passengers BEG will handle when our product is finalized! :O

      The good thing with BEG is that it keeps on getting more and more airlinks as most of our tourists actually want to fly into the city, not to visit it as part of a grand tour.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous21:40

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 5:40 PM

      I couldn't care less what Chinese Ambassador said, data on number of Chinese visitors is available if you go to Croatian ministry of tourism website, already posted a link before.

      As to Chinese investments, or w/e, again I am referring to a George Carlin quote. "Never argue with an idiot".

      Delete
    11. Anonymous22:42

      What exactly is idiotic regarding what he said about Chinese investment? You seem to be the one who is an idiot.

      Also, I would rather trust the Chinese ambassador than some random Balkan ministry.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous09:54

    When do these flights begin or is this another admin hype that leads to nothing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:55

      No need to be such a dick just because you are pissed off.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:08

      Assume another hype then - your commentary is humorous. So much anger.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:09

      Comment at 09.54 is not so much about anger as it is about bitterness.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:15

      I think 09.54 comments are plausible. When are these flights due to begin or have I mis read something and how many flights per week?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:20

      It was mentioned on here a thousand times that flights will be announced either during the president's visit to China or right after. It was only his first day yesterday.

      However I think the head of the organization is quite a credible source.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:40

      Back to original point. Not fussed on what's credible or not. Actuals. Start date and how many flights?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:43

      You do realize that today's topic is about ZAG cancellation, not the launch of BEG.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous15:02

      How can something be cancelled if it has never been there???????? They never announced flights, never put them up for sale. American Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui also cancelled their plans for ZAG :)) They considered it last Month for a Minute.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous15:18

      Yes they did. Read the text. First they announced they would start Zagreb in a press release. Second they applied for permits, filed a timetable, filed aircraft type etc. The article says correctly they cancelled their Zaagreb launch plans.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous15:23

      I guess Anon 03.02 just can't understand how someone can not serve Zagrab.

      Delete
    11. Anonymous17:11

      Chinese carriers can serve both Bulgrad and Zagreb!

      Delete
    12. Anonymous17:18

      *Belgrade

      And no, they can't. There isn't enough demand for Zagrab.

      Delete
    13. Anonymous17:51

      Oh, sorry, autocorrect, I meant Bilgrud

      Delete
    14. Anonymous18:13

      No problem, it happens. Thanks for pointing out as I've never heard of Bilgrud before. :)

      Delete
    15. Anonymous18:29

      No worries, most people haven't, Anon 6:13 ;)

      Delete
    16. Anonymous18:43

      True, I guess this Bilgrud will be the next undiscovered gem at some point.

      Delete
    17. Anonymous18:47

      Ahhhh.... anon. You tried to be funny with your variations of Belgrade but what you failed to get is that Zagrab actually exists. It's the Magyar version of the name. ;)

      https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z%C3%A1gr%C3%A1b

      Ignorance is bliss.

      Delete
    18. Anonymous21:46

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 5:18 PM

      Are you the same guy who said Emirates will never fly to Zagreb cause Eithad is in Belgrade and there's no demand for Zagreb. LOL

      Zagreb is in a different country, a country that is one of the most popular travel destinations on Earth, in top 25 travel destinations, yet you seem to think there's no demand for Zagreb.

      Chinese will fly where they see money and profits for their airline, not based on some biased political predispositions.

      Live with it, world does, time to wake up and smell the coffee.

      Delete
    19. Anonymous22:40

      Yet when I wake ZAG still won't have a direct link to China. Like the ambassador said, Croats are not doing enough to attract Chinese tourists.

      Delete
  10. Anonymous09:55

    Croatian tourism organization should strike a deal with the Serbs and the Chinese to use these flights to promote tourism in eastern Croatia. That area is dying off, there is no economy, poverty is widespread so some income from tourism would be more than welcome.

    There is more to HR than the coast... people on here tend to forget that.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous10:04

    I TOLD YOU!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:05

      What did you tell us my friend?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:38

      This would never happen.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous10:27

    Congratulations to both Belgrade and Serbia. This is a major move into turning Belgrade into a regional center for the Chinese.

    Soon the Chinese will most likely take over Bor, a massive drain on the national budget. They have also proposed to buy Ikarbus and several other factories have already been opened.

    On top of this the new Bank of China offices in Belgrade will further stimulate premium demand, both from China but also to the entire region. Let's not forget that BoC will fund many projects in the region.

    Once again, massive victory for Belgrade. Congratulations for daring to look east when the whole of the Balkan peninsula was blinded while looking west.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:17

      Serbia is the only country in Europe that knows how to do business! Congrats!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:53

      I did not speak of Europe. I spoke of the region.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:49

      Anon 11:17,

      Thank you for your kind words. A warm appraisal is always welcome as it recognizes a good effort.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous16:21

      @AnonymousMarch 31, 2017 at 11:17 AM

      Are you a comedian ?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous17:10

      It wasn't supposed to be funny, trust me ;)

      Delete
  13. Anonymous11:21

    Anyway we all knew this was a big flop. Having worked in the inbound tourism, it's obvious that Croatia doesn't have enough capacity to accommodate such a big influx of Chinese. And it's too late, the major tour operators and DMCs here secure the hotel allotments over a year in advance. Yes the market is huge and has potential, but we really need to think twice if we really want Chinese market in terms of developing sustainable and responsible tourism in the future. We also need to understand this market is high risk and high return. Beijing is impeding tourist travel from China to South Korea after deployment of US anti-missile system in South Korea. This is a good example of how risky to rely on the Chinese market. Well, this is off topic from aviation.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous11:24

    To be honest, this is a big blow for Zagreb and a big win for Belgrade. Hate it or not, this is all due to big efforts by Serbian government, of course the decision is political. I guess BG will now be a transfer hub for all Chinese traveling to other Ex-YU countries, which is huge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:38

      your argument does not hold. If the Carrier says that the will not fly to ZAG due to complicated VISA regulations, it wont make it easier if the tourists come vie the land border. Chinese tourists will then be 14 days in Belgrade and maybe Nis.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:41

      Anon 11:38

      Most Chinese flying to BG will not stay in Serbia, but visit other countries as well, I expect they choose BG over ZG because a big leader begged them. Good move though.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:41

      @Anonymous March 31, 2017 at 11:38 AM
      +1000
      The problem is most of the people don't use that grey thing between their ears.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:47

      Jesus Christ. It was already reported that the Chinese tourists which will arrive to Belgrade will also visit Montenegro.
      Currently the Serbian tourism organization is also discussing with FYROM, Bosnia and Hungary so as to expand the offer.

      This is indeed a big blow to Croatia because they missed on turning ZAG into an entry point for the Chinese visiting the ex-YU region.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:53

      For Hungary they will need a separate SCHENGEN VISA which is way more complicated for Chinese to get!

      Delete
    6. Anonymous11:57

      Well, Hainan already operates flights into BUD so it seems that there is a market.

      What they can do is arrive to Belgrade, visit Bosnia, head north to maybe Vienna and then close to circle by visiting Budapest and then flying back to China from there.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous12:12

      @11:53 AM

      Actually, that's not very true. On paper, HR and Schengen visa are equally difficult/easy to get, because the requirements are the same (EU rules). However, not every consulate enforces every rule, nor does so equally for each nationality or category of traveller.

      For example, it was much easier to get a Hungarian Schengen visa in Serbia back in the day than, say, German or French, even though they are the same thing. Hungary never wanted to miss out on crowds of Serbs visiting both Budapest and border cities, such as Szeged, for shopping.

      Hungarian relations with China (and Serbia), and their PM's way of doing things certainly supports the possibility of such a deal.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous12:19

      True 11.53 Rich Chinese tourist don,t bother to loose time and hate crazy burocratic rules for them at some SCHENGEN embassies in China. They just change the destination if is vacation only

      Delete
    9. Anonymous14:58

      You are right- the rich Chinese tourist does not lose time waiting at Embassies but has people do it for them (e.g travel agencies) and probably goes somewhere else than Serbia.

      Delete
  15. JATBEGMEL12:56

    Visa regime between Serbia and China was only abolished 3 months ago. So far, according to a recent post here, the removal of visas for Chinese has had a positive impact on numbers. Serbia simply hasnt developed tourism as has Croatia and I dont see that changing anytime soon, so we should also take this into consideration.

    What has made BEG more appealing is the fact that not only has Chinese investment been rising in Serbia, JU simply offers what OU offers, and more. I would be surprised if no deal is made with JU.

    ReplyDelete
  16. The great advantage for chinese is the Schengen area as, when they get a Schengen Visa, they could visit several countries.
    free Visa for Serbia is a little advantage for chinese nationals but just for Serbia. Do not expect a miracle with chinese tourism. Most of Chinese visitors coming in Europe with all-inclusive packages which allow to visit, for example, 3-4 European countries in a week or 10 days. Individuals are very few.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14:04

      Hainan works together with the largest tour operator in China and I am pretty sure they are able to create some small demand for a Balkan tour (without Rome and Paris) in a country of >1 billion people. The same way Atlas Global can fill an A320 to Belgrade every day whereas JU could not fill an ATR. Demand can be CREATED if certain conditions are met, that is the key.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:21

      +1 Anon 2.04

      Also, just because they might be flying into Belgrade doesn't mean they won't head north into Hungary. Tour operators have special relationships with embassies in Beijing so they apply separately.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:22

      People also said that the suspension of the visa regime won't have any effect yet in the first three months the number of Chinese visitors increased by 102%.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous14:53

      I forgot to mention to current frenzy over Belgrade among tourists from Israel. Yet another example of how demand can be created with a couple of smart moves and good promotion. The tourism cake is big enough for everyone, it's about being able to grab your own slice.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous15:26

      I would add that tourists from Israel are very well travelled. The big bonus for Serbia is that for the money you spend there you get a lot. Israelis are obsessed with this.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous15:28

      For the same reason Georgia, India ... are on the top of their list.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous17:01

      Sure. Chinese are no good, Israelis are no good. No problem - leave them to others and enjoy your cloud atlas.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous17:17

      It's funny how they always mock the tourists who come to Serbia yet no one cares about the hordes of paradajz turisti that flock to their coast in summer.

      Delete
  17. JU520 BEGLAX15:29

    When is KE coming with regular flights to ZAG? 400'000 Koreans visiting HR should be more than enough to justify flights. Also most tourists I saw these days in downtown ZAG were fm Asia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous16:03

      That's kind of racist. How do you know they were from Asia and not let's say the US, Canada or the UK?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous16:18

      But regardless of which country they come from, they are Asian and that is obvious. Everything is racist nowadays...

      Delete
    3. Anon 4:03 must be from the wonderland of Sweden where everything is racist. But to be honest Canada is not much better

      Delete
  18. Anonymous16:24

    Bravo Hrvatska!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous16:33

    slightly OT: it's 10:30 PM in Beijing, so no announcement on PEK-BEG flight today as some expected. Deal is not going to be done before mid May as mentioned in the comments yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous16:39

      I heard flights start in early June.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous17:03

      Well if mid-May will make you less bitter I guess that's the least Hainan can do for you and that other activist who was active here yesterday.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous17:23

      I really hope,that we wil know all infornation aboutt BEG-PEK tonight

      Delete
    4. Anonymous17:51

      According to Nikolic, two airlines are interested. Down from three a few months ago. I guess one is Hainan while who knows which one is the other.

      http://www.politika.rs/scc/clanak/377395/Nikolic-Uskoro-zajednicki-nastup-Kine-i-Srbije-na-evropskom-trzistu

      Delete
    5. Anonymous18:12

      Is activist anyone who makes a comment here? I just read news and the news said deal will be made in mid May. Today's news say flight might not be from Beijing but some other city. How does that make me an activist?!?

      Delete
  20. Anonymous16:40

    Great news for VIE

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous17:55

    To ANONYMOUS 10:27 AM Once again what are the countries that you include by saying the Balkan peninsula? Because if you include in them Greece and Turkey,well I'm sad to inform you that both have FAR AWAY better commercial relationships with China a long time ago than Serbia!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous17:58

      Not really. Serbia has far stronger ties with China than either Turkey or Greece. Remember how other countries complained during the 16+1 meeting in Riga that Serbia was getting special treatment? They joked that it should be called: 15+1+1 ;)

      So tune down your hate. It's clouding your rational thinking.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous18:00

      Special treatment? Yeah, the Chinese really love you!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous18:02

      Of course they do. Go and Google all the treaties they signed with Serbia and then compare to what they signed with others. ;)

      We were the first European country to open its doors to Chinese capital back in 2007. Don't hate us for that... please. :(

      p.s. read Politika's link above and you will see what kind of relationship we have with China.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous22:07

      In Greece live and work permanently 30.000 Chinese people in Serbia about 1500 well.....that's all bye-bye !!!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous22:38

      lol... in Greece there are like 50.000 Syrians, does that mean you have a tight relationship with Syria? lol

      Delete
    6. Anonymous23:28

      Was that a joke?! Oh please stop anonymous 10 : 38 my tummy hearts from the laughter , so smart I'm impressed!!

      Delete
  22. Anonymous18:19

    What is going on with new fire station at BEG ?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous19:52

    ot: Ljudi jel ovo moguce: toilet disabled natpis na novom ZAG aerodromu:

    bit.ly/2nyDy2h

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous20:11

      Kroatovanje.... nismo ni imuni na engleski pravopis doduše... velko M to d balkanz!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous22:13

      Someone would get fired if this happened anywhere in the "Western" countries. Not because of the spelling, but because the word "disabled" was used.

      Delete