Finance & Economy

Growth Problem

A range of strong economic indicators is further evidence that China’s leaders face a problem their counterparts elsewhere might envy: booming growth. GDP grew almost 12 percent in the first quarter compared to one year earlier, and government forecasters have predicted similar growth for the second quarter.

The inability to control delicate areas like the overheated urban property market, however, lends credence to observers who say that what appears to be a boom is actually a bubble ready to burst. Property speculation is grabbing investment funds, while cash-starved stock markets slide when officials move to control inflationary pressures and rein in the economy. This year, all major global stock markets have outperformed Shanghai’s composite index, which has fallen by more than 15 percent, following its confident rebound last year.

Travel News

Online Travel Surge

Online travel firm Ctrip reported $86 million in first-quarter sales, a nearly 50-percent increase year-on-year. The website, which specializes in airline and hotel bookings, is generally recognized as handling more customer bookings than any other agent in the country, with more than half the market share.

Net Back

Internet service has been restored to China’s vast, but sparsely-populated western province of Xinjiang, after almost a year spent disconnected following riots and ethnic unrest, foreign media reported. As with the rest of China, a wide range of websites remains blocked, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and foreign-based Chinese-language news services.

Visa Difficulties

Anecdotal evidence suggests the government might once again strictly enforce visa regulations. In particular, travelers say, Chinese visa service firms are warning foreigners that they may need to apply for working visas in their own countries, rather than submitting the application in a location closer to China, such as Hong Kong. China’s visa regulations are often tightened without official warning or comment during major events, such as the ongoing Shanghai Expo, which runs until Oct. 31.

Hotels

The Pan Pacific Suzhou, which re-opened under Singapore-based Pan Pacific’s management earlier this year, is offering rooms from $125, not including tax. A 15-percent discount is available for reservations made at least two weeks in advance.

Sheraton previously operated the hotel, which was built in 1998 and has been extended several times. The layout is modeled on Suzhou’s traditional architecture, with 481 guest rooms built around canals and vast garden courtyards. Facilities include a 24-hour gym and two swimming pools, and the hotel is within walking distance of popular shopping areas. www.panpacific.com

Wynn Resorts has opened another property in Macau, the all-suite boutique Encore Hotel. The Encore’s 414 suites and villas are adjacent to the company’s existing Wynn Hotel. Facilities include two restaurants, a spa, and a high-end shopping arcade. Rates start from $332 for a suite, tax not included. www.wynnmacau.com