Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Shinjuku Ward is proposing to ban short-term rentals in residential areas and near schools.

Tokyo takes aim at ‘minpaku’ short-term rentalsCity’s residents say they have had enough of disruption caused by short-term renters.

The City of Sydney says lockboxes on street infrastructure are unsightly.

Sydney cracks down on Airbnb lockboxesThousands of unsightly padlocks will be removed from street infrastructure.

Gordon Ramsay Burgers is expected to open in October.

Gordon Ramsay and Planet Hollywood walk into Phnom Penh...Gordon Ramsay's burger concept joins Southeast Asia's first Planet Hollywood Hotel.

Closer, cheaper and captivating, Vietnam’s visitor numbers surge from Australia.

A stronger dollar is sending more Australians to VietnamFavourable exchange rates are helping fuel Vietnam's tourism boom from Down Under.

Businesses are bracing for a surge in customers as US Navy sailors hit the town.

Make Pattaya great again? The US Navy is helpingPattaya rolls out welcome mat for thousands of American sailors for their R&R after months at sea.

Lao authorities will target the nation's most visited heritage sites, including Luang Prabang.

Laos launches crackdown on zero-cost toursAuthorities target rogue operators in tourism hotspots, including Luang Prabang.

The Disney Adventure brings wonder to sea with immersive spaces designed for guests of all ages.

5 reasons why adults will love a Disney Adventure cruiseDisney Cruise Line’s new ship in Singapore is more than just a family vacation option. Here’s how to get the adults cruising...

AmaWaterways has relied on ship swaps to keep passengers moving. Featured: AmaMagna in Budapest.

River lines go the extra mile to keep cruises flowing in EuropeWhen rivers run low: Cruise operators are deploying creative solutions and absorbing higher costs to keep holidays on track.

Haeundae wants to position itself not just as a summer beach stop.

Beyond the beach: Busan’s new plan to keep tourists longerA six-billion-won plan aims to turn the Haeundae district into a year-round destination for leisure, business and longer stays.

Turning what might otherwise be airport downtime into a local experience.

Don’t just transit, Narita wants travellers to stayNarita steps up efforts to convert transit passengers into visitors with new programme.

The Wellness Edit by Frasers Hospitality weaves daily wellbeing practices into the fabric of a guest’s stay.

This is what wellness looks like for a long stayCan a serviced living stay improve your wellbeing? Frasers Hospitality is rethinking how guests can eat, sleep, move and unwind...

The programme applies to foreign passport holders without Taiwan residency who have visited the destination at least once since 1 January 2023.

Taiwan gives travellers more reasons to returnRepeat international visitors can win travel credits, while new incentives target corporate groups and conference delegates.

The Maldives, as you have never imagined it beforeNew ‘Islands Are Us’ campaign positions the Maldives as a living expression of island life.

Flight services in the region, including those to Komodo Island, have resumed although tourists are being urged to check with airlines and hotels for up-to-date information. Featured: Harbour of Labuan Bajo

Flores death toll rises as search for quake survivors continuesHotels suffer minor damage, tourists evacuated but flights resume.

Between January and June 2026, Bali deported 342 foreign nationals from 60 countries.

Creating content from Bali? Know the rules before postingNew task force monitors foreign visitors and commercial activity on tourist visas.

Nikoi Private Island.

From Rote to Riau: Indonesia's quieter gems are coming into focusAs Bali matures, travellers are looking further afield for destinations defined by nature, culture and a stronger sense of...

The weight of the world record gold bar eclipses one produced in Dubai.

Here’s where to find the world’s biggest gold barA record-breaking 521kg gold bar goes on show at Perth Mint.

Wildfire risks could spread eastwards into Italy, Greece and parts of Central Europe as another spell of extreme heat takes hold.

Can travellers brave Europe’s intense heatwave?From wildfires to 43°C heat, Europe's peak travel season is feeling the heat.

Japan's inbound tourism spending rose despite fewer foreign arrivals.

The biggest spenders in Japan may shock youAn unexpected country tops per-person visitor spending.

Parts of Kumamoto Castle's historic stone walls collapsed, adding to damage the landmark sustained during the devastating 2016 earthquake.

Flights grounded after powerful Japan earthquakeThe 7.1-magnitude earthquake disrupts flights, rail services and roads across Kyushu as rescue operations continue.