Kunming – known as the Spring City due to its average temperature of 15°C – is a perfect holidaying destination. Whether it is the natural world that enthrals or a thirst for culture, visitors are well rewarded. There are four UNESCO natural and cultural heritage sites nearby; Lijiang Ancient Town, the Stone Forest, the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas and Honghe Hani Rice Terraces.

Tourism, spurred on by air route development, remains a key driver of economic growth in the region. It is a primary source of foreign earnings, creates jobs and stimulates inbound investment. It is estimated that just one new narrowbody service could generate some $4 million in aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue.

The gateway to this vibrant area is Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) – the flagship gateway of the 12 airports in Yunnan Province operated by the Yunnan Airport Group Co, Ltd. The airport comprises two independent runways, six taxiways and 110 parking positions (68 boarding bridges and 42 remote stands). Even though the facility is not yet three years old, new developments are on the horizon. Additional aircraft stands are planned as is a runway upgrade to ILS CAT II. The reconfiguration and expansion of the main terminal’s commercial and retail space is already underway.

A second phase of the airport’s expansion will include two more runways, a new cargo terminal dedicated to freighters and another passenger terminal that will enable KMG to handle 80 million customers annually. The goal is to attract more international airlines to the Yunnan market. The Group’s ambition is to directly connect with every capital and secondary city in Southeast Asia as well as major tourism sites. Further intercontinental routes would be the icing on the cake.

Welcome to Routes Asia 2015

Kunming promises to be a valuable and attractive trip for delegates. The potential of Yunnan Province and China in general is well documented and will cater to myriad route development ambitions. A unique cultural experience as well as beautiful landscapes also await. Two tours on offer to delegates will provide an opportunity to visit the Stones Forest National Park and Yunnan Provincial Ethical Village. But there is also the Dianchi Lake just beside the convention centre with great views of the Siberian seagulls passing the winter in warmer climes.