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Emirates’ Shenzhen Gateway Opens New Horizons Emirates’ Shenzhen Gateway Opens New Horizons

Emirates has launched a daily service to Shenzhen, its fourth destination in mainland China, creating exciting new opportunities for African travel agents. This new route, inaugurated on July 1st with flight EK328, enhances connectivity between Africa and the burgeoning Greater Bay Area.

Operated by a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, EK328 departs Dubai at 10:05, arriving in Shenzhen at 22:00. The return flight, EK329, leaves Shenzhen at 23:55, landing in Dubai at 03:40 the next day. This schedule is strategically designed to facilitate seamless connections to and from key destinations across Emirates’ global network.

With 42 weekly flights to mainland China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and now Shenzhen), Emirates offers unparalleled access to this dynamic market. African travel agents can leverage these convenient schedules to create attractive itineraries for both business and leisure travelers. Connections via Dubai are particularly smooth for passengers traveling from major African cities served by Emirates, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cairo, Lagos, Accra, Addis Ababa, and Entebbe.

The new Shenzhen service opens doors to the thriving Greater Bay Area, a major economic hub encompassing Hong Kong, Macau, and nine other cities. This region presents significant business opportunities in sectors like smart manufacturing, e-commerce, and biopharmaceuticals. African travel agents can cater to this growing demand by crafting specialized business travel packages that incorporate seamless flights, accommodation, and access to key industry events.

Beyond business travel, the Greater Bay Area offers a wealth of leisure and cultural experiences. From Shenzhen’s vibrant cityscape and technological innovation to the historical richness of nearby Hong Kong and Macau, there’s something for every traveler. African travel agents can curate diverse itineraries that combine business and leisure, appealing to a wider range of clients.

Emirates’ commitment to seamless connectivity extends beyond China. The Dubai hub provides convenient transfers to key destinations across Europe, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. This allows African travel agents to create multi-destination packages that combine the best of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, catering to the growing demand for diverse travel experiences.

Emirates’ presence in China dates back to 2004, and the airline plays a vital role in facilitating connectivity along the Belt and Road Initiative. The expansion to Shenzhen further strengthens this role, boosting inbound tourism from GCC countries and Africa. African travel agents can capitalize on this increased traffic by developing targeted marketing campaigns and partnerships with local businesses in the Greater Bay Area.

The Boeing 777-300ER serving the Dubai-Shenzhen route also offers 16 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight, enhancing the “Aerial Silk Road” and supporting trade between Africa and China. Emirates’ world-class cold chain capabilities ensure the safe and efficient transport of perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, further strengthening trade links and creating opportunities for businesses in both regions.

The launch of Emirates’ Shenzhen service marks a significant development in Africa-China travel. African travel agents are well-positioned to leverage this new gateway, creating innovative travel packages and tapping into the vast potential of the Greater Bay Area. By embracing this opportunity, agents can expand their businesses, cater to evolving client demands, and contribute to the growth of tourism and trade between Africa and China.