Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

The move was announced to combat overcrowding as Japan seeks to protect its communities while welcoming the world.

Japanese city cancels cherry blossom festivalPopular festival at Mt Fuji cancelled due to unruly tourists.

Singapore’s five-year calendar is already racking up a slew of exciting updates.

Quality tourism drive pays off for SingaporeTourism revenue climbs as the destination attracts more quality travellers who spend and stay.

Events are balanced equally across the country, to encourage visitors towards exploring beyond the usual main cities.

Every state, every month: Malaysia goes big on eventsMore than 300 activities, from festivals to adventures, await in Malaysia’s 2026 calendar.

Timor Leste is eyeing 200,000 visitors annually by 2030, as ASEAN’s newest member turns its focus on quality tourism, says Antonio da Silva, director general of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

ASEAN’s last tourism frontier steps forwardTimor-Leste makes its ATF 2026 debut with a focus on quality tourism over volume.

The UNESCO-listed church of Santa Maddalena has grown massively popular due to attention on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Instagram-famous church restricts hit-and-run touristsToo many day trippers are ruining the vibes at an Italian village.

Vietnam welcomed a record 21.2 million international visitors in 2025.

Vietnam’s tourism boom shows no sign of slowingThe boost in connectivity and relaxed visa rules are drawing record numbers of visitors.

The Maraya Concert Hall in the desert of AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

Desert kingdoms enter age of tourismBetter together is shaping new prosperity in the Gulf region.

The Gold District connects the historic Gold Souk to a modern ecosystem that unites traders, investors, retailers, artisans and customers.

Now Dubai has a street of goldDubai Gold District will be a glittering new attraction for visitors.

Vietnam’s surge in tourism and hospitality investment is posing serious competition on Thai tourism.

Can Thailand tourism stay ahead as rivals catch up?The rapid growth of regional players puts pressure on Thailand tourism.

Cafe hopping remains popular, but Korea wants greater duality in the tourist experience in 2026.

A smash-hit year for South Korea tourismWhat’s next as the land of K-pop wraps up a standout year for tourism?

Iceland or Greenland? A recent gaffe surfaces the old Iceland-Greenland confusion.

Greenland, Iceland and one confused presidentIceland is greener, and Greenland is icier. Still mixed up? Here’s how to tell them apart.

Chatuchak is one of the largest markets in the world with 15,000 stalls.

When night falls, these markets amp upWhere are the world’s best night markets? Clue: Almost all of them in Asia.

Senso-ji temple in Tokyo, Japan

Can Japan keep up its tourism boom in 2026?Visitor numbers hit record high as other markets offset sharp drop in Chinese travel.

Travellers collect one-way coach ticket upon arrival in Hong Kong International Airport.

Macao renews free coach offer from Hong KongOffer open to international visitors from beyond the Greater China region.

The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is one of Cambodia’s most iconic annual sporting events.

A year of contrasts but Cambodia tourism finds its footingDomestic travel and China’s return offer bright spots.

International markets post double-digit growth as Macao surpasses pre-pandemic levels.

Macao tourism shatters all previous recordsInternational markets power Macao’s record tourism year.

Visa-free trips for up to 14 days via Metro Manila and Cebu airports.

Philippines opens tourism door for ChinaThe country finally joins Southeast Asia’s visa-free club for Chinese visitors.

Sky Mirror Selangor

What’s giving Malaysia tourism a lift?Malaysia gains ground as regional travel patterns shift.

Indonesia aims to expand tourism hotspots beyond Bali.

Indonesia powers shift toward premium tourismGastronomy, wellness and events are expected to drive the next chapter of growth.

The 17-22 December shows in Singapore will mark the boy band’s longest stop in Asia, outside of South Korea and Japan.

BTS star power to shine across AsiaFour-night stop in Singapore marks the group’s longest Asia run outside South Korea and Japan.