Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Thailand will require all foreign visitors to complete a Digital Arrival Card online from 1 May 2025, replacing the previously used TM6 paper form.

New digital entry requirement for Thailand from 1 MayInternational travellers must submit online form at least three days before travel.

South Korea’s 2025 Welcome Week offers tourists cultural experiences, multilingual support, digital travel tools, and exclusive discounts on dining, shopping, and attractions.

South Korea says “Welcome!” with new perks for touristsTourists can enjoy exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and cultural experiences during Korea Welcome Week.

Kyoto, the Japanese city of 2,000 temples and shrines, attracts those seeking spiritual connections across the world.

Where are the world’s most popular spiritual sites?It’s no mystery: Kyoto leads for spiritual tourism

Indri Experience Centre is inspired by the grandeur of North India’s traditional havelis.

India’s single ambition: An exceptional single maltNew experience centre in Indri offers insights into whisky production.

Tourists come back, says Santorini as quake fears ease

Tourists come back, says Santorini as quake fears easeTourism stakeholders on the iconic Greek island view the situation more as a PR crisis than a natural disaster.

Tourists making purchases at designated stores can receive their refunds on-site.

China makes shopping less taxing for touristsInternational travellers can now claim instant tax rebates in stores instead of the airports.

The Hari Hong Kong offers art-led experiences, local culture programmes, and an audio walking tour to immerse guests in Wan Chai’s heritage and creative scene.

Culture, not couture: The new face of Hong Kong hospitalityThis Hong Kong hotel is focusing on local culture, art, and experiences to attract international travellers beyond shopping.

A 300-passenger ferry is being readied to link west Bali with east Java.

Leaving soon: A fast boat to and from BaliNew fast ferry services to bring Java closer to Bali.

Singapore aims to become a future-ready tourism hub by 2040, focusing on MICE growth, new attractions, cruise expansion, and enhanced visitor experiences.

Singapore aims to hit S$50 billion with futuristic tourism visionWhile remaining cautious about the potential impact of US tariffs, Singapore has a game plan to hit S$50 billion in tourism...

Qiddiya City will feature motorsports, Six Flags theme park, Falcon’s Flight rollercoaster, the largest water park, esports, and cultural venues.

This is Saudi Arabia’s future city of thrills, culture and speedImagine a futuristic city with rollercoasters, massive sports venues, cultural experiences, and cutting-edge entertainment, all...

Silversea’s 2025 Mediterranean sailings offer immersive cultural experiences, luxurious all-inclusive voyages, and access to iconic ports and hidden gems aboard intimate, ultra-luxury ships. (Pictured: Amalfi Coast)

Unlock the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets with this cruise lineIntimate ports, grand experiences: Silversea cruises reveal a Mediterranean few ever see.

While Borobudur Temple is a must-visit UNESCO site, Central Java has so much more to explore from its rich culture to scenic landscapes beyond this iconic monument.

How to experience Yogyakarta like Javanese royaltyThink royal palaces, hidden gardens, and luxury retreats steeped in history.

The influx of 32 million pilgrims during the 2025 Vatican Jubilee will lead to overcrowded attractions, higher accommodation prices, transport strain, and longer queues, making careful planning essential for other tourists.

Your guide to travelling to Rome during the 2025 JubileeWith 32 million pilgrims heading to Rome this year, here’s an essential guide for managing tours to the Eternal City.

Taiping's Sri Maha Parasakthi Pachaiamman Temple features the largest Hindu Goddess Parvati statue in Malaysia.

Why isn't Taiping on more travellers' radars?Once home to many of Malaysia’s firsts, this colonial town is now a charming gem waiting to be rediscovered.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand now?

Is it safe to travel to Thailand now?Shaken but steady, Bangkok has resumed normal operations and welcomes travellers back after Myanmar quake.

A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March, causing tremors in Thailand and China, damaging infrastructure, and sending residents fleeing in panic.

Powerful quake hits Myanmar and ThailandBuildings swayed and water cascaded over from rooftop pools in Bangkok.

In 2024, Indonesia experienced a notable increase in international tourism, attracting 13.9 million visitors, up from 11.68 million in 2023

Bali’s new rules to keep naughty travellers in checkTourists who violate these rules, which includes using vulgarities, will face legal consequences.

Nearly 50% of international tourists who visit Japan for skiing choose Niseko as their preferred destination.

Japan’s ski tourism hits new heightsSnow isn’t the only thing piling up in Japan – so are the tourists and their spending.

Vietnam’s tourism growth is attributed to increased flight connections, new visa policies, luxury hotel openings, and a rising culinary scene attracting international visitors.

Is Vietnam the next big thing in Asia?International arrivals to the country have steadily grown in recent years.

Cyclone Alfred's aftermath caused significant sand erosion and loss on the Gold Coast's beaches.

Gold Coast wants life to be a beach againQueensland is bouncing back after Alfred’s untimely visit.