Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

The strong Thai baht raises concerns about affordability for travellers, potentially impacting tourism revenue and budget travel attractiveness in Thailand.

Thailand is becoming more expensive for touristsThe strong baht could potentially cause Thailand to lose its status as an affordable travel destination.

Portugal comes out as the top with a traveller satisfaction rate of 94%.

Travellers rank the top 10 best countriesJapan, Singapore, Turkey and Vietnam have made the list of top 10 highest rated countries in the world.

Beyond the wonders of Angkor Wat, Cambodia hosts a diverse and rich culture that its new tourism board will seek to leverage on for tourists.

New tourism board wants to put Cambodia on the mapThe newly established Cambodia Tourism Board will show other facets of Cambodia beyond Angkor, starting with its beaches, food...

M8's façade complements the ancient streetscape of Macau.

It’s marvellous, it’s new in Macao. It’s M8Culture meets commerce in urban renewal project.

Japan will introduce a new travel authorization system for citizens from 71 visa-exempt countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, the UK, US, and Australia.

Japan tightening entry rules for visa-free countriesBy 2030, Japan will implement a pre-entry authorisation system for citizens of 71 visa-exempt countries to reduce illegal...

Sicily is closely linked with the Cosa Nostra organised crime network.

Sicily plans a hit on mafia souvenirsSouvenirs that glorify Cosa Nostra ‘humiliate community’, say authorities.

This initiative aims to increase international visitors. In 2023, China saw 35.5 million foreign entries and exits, a notable drop from 97.7 million in 2019.

China opens doors to more Europeans with visa-free entryChina has added Norway and 11 European countries to its visa-free entry scheme.

The incident occurred at Hotel Leblon in S'Arenal, Mallorca, where the German tourists caused extensive damage, including defecating in a lift and destroying furniture.

German tourists arrested after pooping in hotel liftThe tourists, in their twenties, caused approximately €500 in damages at a hotel in Mallorca.

The meeting in Kobe, Japan, saw Japan, China, and South Korea commit to boosting cross-border tourism to 40 million by 2030, enhancing regional connectivity.

The big 3 Asian countries unite to boost tourismJapan, China, and South Korea aim for 40 million cross-border tourists by 2030, focusing on connectivity and accessibility.

This new upscale hotel brand should be on every traveller’s radarForward-thinking Momentus Hotels & Resorts caters to bleisure travellers by combining authentic local experiences, upscale...

This is the sixth magical partnership between JAL and Tokyo Disney Resort.

Japan Airlines soars with Disney magicThe “Fantastic Journey Express” celebrates Tokyo DisneySea's Fantasy Springs with magical onboard experiences.

The annual Macao International Fireworks Display Contest is a major event featuring pyrotechnic companies from around the world, showcasing spectacular fireworks shows over several nights.

Best spots in Macao to watch the annual fireworks contestTravellers going to Macao in September can enjoy the stunning 32nd International Fireworks Display Contest.

Nusantara is being promoted as a sustainable, high-tech alternative to the current overcrowded and sinking capital, Jakarta.

Nusantara, a capital idea that’s taking its timeThe city slowly emerging from the jungle is for the young, not the old, says Indonesian government.

Pattaya could be chosen as the site of Thailand’s first casino and entertainment complex.

Casinos in Thailand? You can bet on itGovernment encouraged to push ahead with legislation to legalise casinos.

Bali hopes a hotel building ban will help to preserve the island’s fragile environment.

Bali wants new hotel development ban againCall for moratorium on new hotels to be discussed at Cabinet level.

Climate change activists have been targeting cruise ships in New Zealand.

Ouch! New Zealand hikes levy for international visitorsBig increase in levy called ‘a blunt instrument’ by tourism industry association.

The private beach is located within one of Boracay’s mixed-use leisure and resort developments.

Boracay to open exclusive beach for Muslim travellersThe Philippines enhances Muslim-friendly reputation with dedicated beach at Boracay resort development.

Sentosa is extending operation hours across its attractions, dining outlets, beach clubs and more, including a thrilling bungy jump at Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett with stunning sunset and night light views.

Where to find Singapore's best nighttime adventuresExplore Sentosa's top nighttime activities, where travellers can maximise their vacation and create lasting memories after...

Officials have identified 263 positive rabies cases in Bali this year.

It’s not just Mpox that has Bali worriedFight against rabies continues after four deaths.

The Japanese government wants to reduce the number of visitors who overstay their visas.

Japan to tighten visitor entry requirementsLike Esta in the US, this system will require electronic authorisation for incoming visitors.