Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Leave us in peace, Sanur is happy in the slow lane.

Seaside town in Bali says NO to beach clubsThe sleepy Bali town of Sanur rejected proposals for beach clubs to keep the tranquility of the place.

Singapore’s Marina Bay is a protected area where flying drones is strictly controlled.

Whatever you do in Singapore, DON’T do thisTourist fined for flying drone over Marina Bay.

A third of the town of Jasper has been destroyed in a massive wildfire.

Major tourist town burns in huge wildfireOfficials warn the extent of the damage to Jasper, Canada is still emerging.

Japan is considering dual pricing for tourists and residents to address over-tourism and a weakened yen.

Tourists may be charged more than locals in Japan soonSome businesses have already implemented a pricing system where tourists have to pay more than locals.

Typhoon Gaemi has caused severe flooding in the Philippines.

What’s happening with Typhoon Gaemi raging across AsiaTyphoon Gaemi has caused deaths and disruptions in Southeast Asia, with travel warnings and emergency measures in effect.

Citizens from 93 countries with visa exemptions can now stay in Thailand for up to 60 days.

Thailand extends visa stays to boost tourismThailand's new visa measures include extended exemptions, expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility, and a new visa for digital...

Singapore now allows visa-free access to 195 destinations, while France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain are second with 192.

Singapore is number 1 again as world’s most powerful passportSingapore knocked off France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain to ascend to the sole top position.

More than a pleasure for the palate, food in Macao is also a way to maintain wellness and live purposefully.

Yin and Yang: Finding balance through food in MacaoThis UNESCO City of Gastronomy offers delicious dining philosophies focused on nutrition, sustainability and vitality.

More than 20,000 protestors march in Mallorca, reflecting increasing Spanish anger over the impacts of mass tourism on local life.

Locals storm the streets against overtourism in MallorcaThe Spanish are getting more furious with the impact of mass tourism.

Starting from July, travellers are no longer subjected to temperature checks when they enter Myanmar.

Myanmar finally lifts all Covid-19 rulesThe last of Myanmar’s pandemic entry restrictions were removed on 8 July 2024.

The recently signed agreement between Indonesia’s Ministry of SOEs and Eagle Hills outlines investment plans for tourism destinations, property development, airports, and other sectors.

$3 billion to be pumped into Indonesia tourismIndonesia and Eagle Hills have signed a US$3 billion agreement to boost tourism and infrastructure, focusing on Soekarno-Hatta...

Thailand welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2024, marking a 35% rise from the previous year but remaining below pre-pandemic levels.

Thailand extends visa-free access to 93 countriesThailand has increased the number of countries under its visa-free entry scheme from 57 to 93 to boost tourism numbers.

Realising the durian’s growing popularity, Tourism Malaysia has compiled an e-guidebook on various types of durian packages and tour operators across 12 Malaysian states.

Durian tourism is a big thing in MalaysiaThe durian market is expected to reach billions of dollars within the next four years.

The 35-year-old Chinese woman and her 41-year-old Japanese husband were swept away by the strong river currents after a heavy rainfall in Gifu, Japan.

Travel influencers drown in Japan riverThe couple was swept away in a river in Gifu Prefecture despite wearing life jackets.

Tourists flock to Bukchon Hanok Village to take photos at the picturesque traditional Korean houses.

Tourists banned in popular South Korea village after 5pmThere are new rules in place for travellers visiting Bukchon Hanok Village.

Bar Leone in Hong Kong claimed the top spot, making history as the first-ever new entry to debut at No.1.

Which city claims the lion's share of Asia's best bars?Singapore dominates Asia's 50 Best Bars with 11 bars on the list.

Japan’s luxury market is thriving with a 6% sales increase, driven by high net-worth travellers.

Rich Asians are travelling to Japan for cheaper luxury shoppingMany travellers from Korea, Taiwan, China, and Singapore are capitalising on Japan’s weakened yen to buy luxury goods.

South Korea aims to eliminate "dumping tours" that lure tourists with low prices but force excessive shopping.

South Korea cracks down on dumping toursA travel agency was recently suspended for forcing tour groups to shop.

The Thailand Grand Tourism Year aims to boost visitor numbers and revenue through strategic initiatives and enhanced tourism services.

Thailand goes big in 2025 for its Grand Tourism YearThailand is targeting 40 million international tourists and US$94 billion in 2025.

Indonesia is easing the visa process for 20 countries to boost international tourism.

Indonesia is going visa-free for 20 countriesMajor tourism markets such as India, Australia and China will be able to enjoy visa-free entry into Indonesia from October...