On Monday, a charter flight carrying 93 Mongolian tourists from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, landed at the Dalian International Airport in Dalian, Liaoning province. This marked the inauguration of a new charter flight between the two cities after a 13-year hiatus.

"As the closest coastal Chinese city to Ulaanbaatar, Dalian boasts abundant marine-themed attractions. It is expected to attract more tourists from Mongolia, benefiting from the current visa-free entry policy," said Wang Wenyong, deputy head of Dalian's Culture and Tourism Bureau.

The tourist charter service will last until Aug 26.

The new flight route expands Dalian's air network and offers Mongolian visitors a diverse range of travel options. It is poised to catalyze growth in inbound tourism from Mongolia to Dalian.

Munkhjargal Purevjal, CEO of Hunnu Air, expressed confidence in converting short-term charter flights into regular services.

Mongolians' fondness for the sea, coupled with Dalian's historical and culinary attractions, makes the city a compelling destination, he said, emphasizing the comprehensive considerations, including geographical and cultural factors, behind selecting Dalian as the flight destination.

Hunnu Air aims to collaborate with Dalian authorities to leverage transportation to advance economic, cultural and trade cooperation between China and Mongolia, he said.

Dalian is developing itself into a world-class tourist destination. Located on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, it is a major logistic hub in Northeast Asia.

The recent collaboration with Mongolian counterparts and the successful launch of the Ulaanbaatar-Dalian charter flight underscore the city's commitment to fostering international exchanges and promoting tourism development.

During a work meeting held on Monday about the Ulaanbaatar-Dalian charter flight, various departments, including the airport group, customs and immigration, discussed operational aspects to streamline the travel experience for passengers and enhance Dalian's position as a key gateway for Mongolian tourists.

Dalian's efforts to expand its inbound tourism market align with the city's strategic objectives, said Wang.

By leveraging partnerships with travel agencies and promoting its tourism resources, Dalian is actively engaging with diverse international markets, including Japan, South Korea, Russia and Mongolia, he said.