On May the 7th, it was learned from Wenzhou Longwan International Airport that a groundbreaking tourism initiative that turns flight tickets into sightseeing passes has led to unprecedented passenger volumes during the May Day holiday. The airport recorded 190,000 passenger trips, a 6.6% year-on-year surge, with daily traffic hitting 42,000 on May 1—the highest single-day tally since the campaign’s launch.

The “Fly & Explore Wenzhou” initiative, spearheaded by Wenzhou Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau alongside airport authorities and airlines, grants travelers free entry to 40+ state-owned attractions and 50% discounts at private venues for seven days using only their flight tickets or boarding passes. Top sites like the Jiangxin Islet, Nanxi River, and Baizhangji Waterfall saw heavy foot traffic, with visitors praising the seamless integration of travel and tourism benefits.

This policy has solidified Wenzhou’s status as a top travel destination, reflected in the airport’s bustling operations. During the holiday, 1,307 flights were recorded, transporting over 188,000 passengers. High-demand routes linked Wenzhou to Beijing, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Chengdu, and Chongqing, with 105 additional flights added to cities including Beijing Daxing, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Zhengzhou and Changsha. International routes also surged, handling 6,700 passengers—a 53% annual increase.

To ensure smooth operations, the airport optimized resources by maximizing security checkpoints, check-in counters, and self-service facilities. Enhanced measures included staff deployment at key areas and strict oversight of oversized baggage. A new “one-stop service” for first-time flyers, priority lanes for transit passengers, and tailored assistance for groups ensured smooth journeys. Over 2,009 transit passengers and 243 group travelers benefited from customized assistance during the holiday.

The newly opened Integrated Transportation Hub further streamlined connectivity. Nearly 128,000 vehicles passed through the facility, with on-line ride-hailing services accounting for 13,000 trips. The hub now offers direct coach services to Dongtou, Longgang, Cangnan (Lingxi), Wencheng, Yongjia (Shangtang), and Taishun, alongside seamless access to Rail Transit Lines S1 and S2 for trips to Rui’an and Yueqing.

“My flight ticket doubled as a sightseeing pass—no extra costs, no hassle,” said Deng, a tourist from Hunan, after boarding a coach to Baizhangji. “The direct transport links made everything effortless.”

As tourism flourishes, Wenzhou Airport pledges to expand international routes and refine services under its "Aviation for the People" mandate, ensuring smoother and more comfortable journeys for all travelers.