Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi are grappling with overtourism.

The world's most overcrowded tourist destinationsThailand is home to the top three most overcrowded destinations in the world.

Tourism stakeholders across Morocco are encouraging visitors not to cancel trips to the destination, insisting most of the country was unaffected by the 8 September earthquake.

Should travellers be visiting Morocco now? Agents say yesTourism officials urge tourists to visit Morocco to support its recovery.

Fears have been driven partially due to a a movie featuring a Chinese programmer kidnapped and trafficked into a country resembling Thailand.

Chinese tourists scram in fear of scamsA movie about kidnapping and scams in Thailand spooks potential Chinese visitors.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launch is delayed to May 2025.

Europe ETIAS visa delayed to 2025Travellers need not pay the €7 fee anytime soon.

Bali has banned hikers from accessing 22 of its mountains to protect and preserve these natural sites.

Bali’s quest at sustaining paradise amidst progressAs development continues, new hotels in Bali point the way forward.

Dubai recorded 41.6 million guests in H1 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

A hot Dubai becomes even hotterIt’s boom times for Dubai, as the emirate looks to get more visitors, air links and passport-free travel.

In August, Japan's tourism rebounded strongly, with 2,156,900 international visitors, reaching 85.6% of the August 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Japan ‘screams’ from overtourism as visitors scream for JapanOver 2 million travellers visited Japan in August alone, cramming popular sites in the country.

Short-stay visas will rise by £15 to £115.

Ouch! UK hikes visa fees from OctoberUK to increase fees for all visitor visas from 4 October 2023.

The stimulus visa scheme takes effect just ahead of the Golden Week, one of the longest holidays in China.

Thailand eyes a ‘Quick-Win’ in Golden WeekNew visa-exemption offer lures visitors from China and Kazakhstan.

Protestors are calling for free beaches for all.

The ‘beach towel revolt’ spreading across GreeceLocals says the beaches belong to the public, not bars and businesses.

Luang Prabang National Museum in Laos.

Asean Tourism Forum 2024: It’s time for Laos to shineThis charming destination has plenty to show leisure and trade visitors alike, says Tourism Minister Suanesavanh Vignaket.

Safety of tourists in Bali prompts official action.

Ubud resorts face crackdown over safety protocolsLift tragedy puts the spotlight on cliffside resorts.

Lahaina Harbour, Maui

Hurry back to Hawaii, travellers urgedAfter the devastating wildfires, Maui is open for tourism business again.

At the recent THINC 2023 event in Bali, Indonesian travel industry stakeholders discussed the need for quality tourism taking priority in the country’s pursuit of higher tourism numbers.

Indonesia wants to take tourism from mass to classQuality vs quantity: Indonesia’s growing focus on sustainable and quality tourism gets the discussion going at THINC 2023.

Venice’s entry fee will apply mainly during peak tourism periods like spring bank holidays and summer weekends.

Venice to start charging entry feeThe admission fee will be introduced in 2024 to tackle overtourism.

The guide includes a detailed listing of Halal and Muslim-friendly eateries, enabling travellers to indulge in Western Australia's diverse culinary offerings.

The Muslim guide for travelling in Western AustraliaTourism Western Australia’s Muslim Travel Guide points out Halal eateries, mosques, and inclusive travel information.

The summer travel market in China this year exceeded the same period in 2019.

It’s boom time for Chinese travel. What’s different this time?The record-breaking 830 million passenger trips this summer are all happening on the domestic front.

Overtourism is a major issue in Venice.

Europe is packed like sardinesTourists are overwhelming European sites like St Mark’s Square, forcing some destinations to implement restrictions.

Abu Dhabi’s goal is to foster a more welcoming environment for tourists.

Abu Dhabi lowers fees for hotels and restaurantsWith an aim to hit 24 million visitors in 2023, Abu Dhabi has slashed hotel and restaurant fees from 1 September.

About 88% of UAE residents want to travel in 2023.

Could the Middle Easterns be the new global travellers?UAE travellers are going on more trips and spending more on their vacations.