Aug312017

Shanghai sets up China’s 1st flight base for drones

East Asia

The first test-flight base for civilian drones opened in Shanghai on Thursday, according to the East China Regional Administration of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

There are about 110 manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in east China, nearly 30 percent of the national total, said Jiang Chunshui, Communist Party secretary of the administration.

East China also boasts 40,000 registered drones, more than one third of the national total, according to Jiang.

Private drones are popular in China and illegal drone activity has become a problem, especially at airports.

China has required civilian drones weighing more than 250 grams to be registered under real names from June 1. Over 120,000 drones have been registered, according to Ke Yubao, executive secretary of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of China.

“Drone users needs a test flight ground where they can learn the law and regulations,” said Ke.

The base is located at Qingpu district in western Shanghai. Drones are required to fly under 150 meters and all test flights are be monitored for safety.

Aug312017

Press release: Minister Field summons North Korean ambassador

HM Government

Following North Korea’s missile launch over Japan on 28 August, Minister for Asia & the Pacific, Mark Field, summoned the DPRK ambassador.

After the meeting, he said:

I summoned the North Korean ambassador to the Foreign Office today and made clear how strongly the UK condemns the regime’s launch of an intermediate range missile over Japan on 28 August.

Once again, North Korea’s reckless actions violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and threaten international security. The UK will work with our partners and allies to tackle this threat.

I urge the regime to end its illegal pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missiles and return to dialogue with the international community.

Further information

Aug312017

Overnight visitor figures show continued growth for Welsh tourism sector

Welsh Government

The Economy Secretary was responding to the latest Wales Tourism Accommodation Occupancy statistics, which show that occupancy levels across each of these categories increased between July 2016 and June 2017. 

At 68% the occupancy rate for hotels rooms was the highest of all, increasing one percentage points when compared with the previous 12 months.

Guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts occupancy rates stood at 40%, a 2 percentage point increase over the same period, meanwhile self catering units increased by 4 percentage points to 56%, and hostel bed space increased  by 3 percentage points to 52%. 

The largest change in occupancy rates was seen in static caravans and holiday homes, which rose by 12 percentage points between July 2016 and June 2017 to 86%.

Ken Skates said: 

“In what is an extremely competitive market place, these latest occupancy statistics show a strong picture for tourism in Wales and continue to reflect the success we have experienced over the last two years. 

“We will continue with our campaign work to promote Wales to both domestic and foreign markets to ensure that we make the most of the opportunities to attract overseas visitors and those looking to holiday at home due to the weak pound.”