This photo taken on March 28, 2025 shows damage to the walled fort of Mandalay Palace after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 2:20 p.m. Friday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 21.85 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 30 km, said a report issued by the CENC. (Photo: Xinhua)
Major Chinese online travel platforms activated emergency response protocols on Friday to assist customers with cancellations and itinerary changes after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar.
A total of 694 people were killed, 1,670 injured and 68 missing in a deadly earthquake in Mandalay region of Myanmar as of Saturday morning, the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council reported, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Tongcheng Travel said it has activated a full refund guarantee, allowing free hotel cancellations for bookings from March 28 to April 4 in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Ruili in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. Fliggy, Qunar and Ctrip have all announced similar guarantee plans for hotel bookings.
Fliggy said some airlines have issued special refund and change policies for flights to and from Myanmar and nearby regions. Eligible users can process full refunds through the Fliggy App.
Tongcheng Travel, Qunar and Ctrip all said they will closely monitor airline policies to assist with cancellations and rebooking.
Airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines have released special ticketing policies for Myanmar-bound flights. Under eligible conditions, passengers can get free cancellations or rebookings.
Tongcheng said customers with bookings involving Myanmar from March 28 to April 4 can cancel or change plans without penalty.
Fliggy said it would coordinate free changes for tours to Myanmar from March 28 to April 4 and cover cancellation losses for travelers impacted by the earthquake.
Ctrip said it has activated the major disaster tourism experience guarantee funds for all travel orders with departure or return dates from March 28 to April 4 and said it would help customers cancel or reschedule plans while covering cancellation losses.
In response to the potential impact of the earthquake in Myanmar, Ctrip has activated its SOS platform to gather the needs of affected users. Ctrip has also advised tourists in Myanmar to remain vigilant for aftershocks and prioritize their safety.
Tuniu said it would support changes to or cancellations for Myanmar-related bookings from March 28 to April 4, and work with airlines and service providers to minimize travelers' losses.
Myanmar's major city, Yangon, welcomed over 240,000 international visitors in 2024, with China as the top source market, according to The Global New Light of Myanmar.
Thailand welcomed 6.73 million Chinese tourists in 2024, a 91.7 percent year-on-year increase, according to Xinhua.
Global Times
