Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Dingo attacks are now more frequent on K’gari in Queensland.

Tourist alert for wild dog and dolphin attacksAnimal behaviour is changing worldwide as dingoes attack tourists in Australia, while dolphins injure swimmers in Japan.

Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia are leading visitor source markets for Thailand.

These are the top markets for Thailand tourism in 2023Thailand’s strong 2023 performance is led by these major markets, plus a couple of rising stars.

China’s 15-day visa for Singapore and Brunei extends to both business and leisure travellers.

China restores visa-free entry for Singapore, Brunei travellersGreat leap forward: 15-day visa-free entry takes effect from 26 July 2023.

Singapore has emerged as the new champion, overtaking Japan’s five-year reign at the top of the Henley Passport Index.

Guess which country is back with the most powerful passportJapan has been dethroned from the top position by a Southeast Asian nation that previously held the title.

Ibiza's transformation from party hotspot to wellness destination attracts travelers seeking holistic experiences and rejuvenation closer to home.

Ibiza’s transformation from raves to retreatsPreviously known as a party hub, Ibiza is now diversifying as a wellness destination, attracting a new market of travellers.

Marketing efforts and the resumption of direct flights, particularly from China, have contributed to the increase in arrivals to the Maldives.

Maldives makes waves with early achievement of 1 million arrivalsRussia, India, the UK, China, and Germany rank among the top five markets for the Maldives.

Starting January 2024, over 60 visa-exempt countries must apply for the ETIAS visa to visit most European countries.

Planning a Europe trip? Remember the new ETIAS visaWill new EU entry system present challenges for travellers?

Travel trade members are questioning whether security fears surrounding gun violence and mass shootings could keep international travellers away from the US.

Has gun violence made America dangerous for tourists?Recent research suggests gun violence is a "growing concern" among potential travellers to the US.

The European accommodation sector is rebuilding quickly from the Covid pandemic.

Where to stay in Europe? Look to the middle class and online reviews

Tourism Malaysia commemorates its 50th anniversary, Ammar bin Abd. Ghapar, director general of Tourism Malaysia unveils its multi-faceted strategy at attracting tourists.

At 50, Tourism Malaysia bares its soul to travellersAs Tourism Malaysia marks its 50th anniversary, director general Ammar bin Abd. Ghapar unveils a multi-faceted strategy to...

Bangkok has surpassed Paris as the top destination in summer.

The 100 hottest destinations for summer vacationsForwardKeys reveals the top 100 summer destinations, with Bangkok leading the list, followed by Paris and London.

There’s a monorail that will take visitors to peak of Baekdudaegan Mountain Range where a variety of exciting activities await, including a forest campsite, a sledding hill, and a paragliding zone.

Top immersive travel experiences in Gyeongsangbuk-doIn South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do beckons with thrilling adventures, gastronomic delights, and cultural richness.

Momentus Hotels & Resorts: Where every guest moment is thoughtfully crafted

Momentus Hotels & Resorts: Where every guest moment is thoughtfully craftedMomentus Hotels & Resorts is where thoughtful design meets personable charm, making every guest feel welcomed, cared for, and...

Innoviet, a socially conscious DMC, provides culturally immersive tours in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam’s best-kept secrets and lesser-known attractionsGo against the grain of Vietnam’s typical tourist activities to uncover hidden gems from caving to pepper picking.

Since its debut in 2020, the Igari Anchor Observatory Platform in Pohang has been captivating visitors with its anchor-shaped pier, featured in the K-drama 'Run On'.

5 hidden Instagrammable gems in South KoreaGyeongbuk offers a range of under-the-radar delights for travellers more eager to capture moments in lesser-known destinations.

Bali International Hospital is expected to lure domestic and international medical tourists to the island.

By doctor’s orders: A world-class hospital for BaliNew hospital wants to work with travel trade to lure tourists to Bali.

Crossroads Maldives is the Maldives' first integrated lifestyle destination with a range of hotels, villas, retail outlets, restaurants, a spa, a dive and water sports centre a marine discovery centre and MICE facilities.

The Maldives has many stories to tell the worldVisit Maldives Storytellers' Conference 2023 seamlessly blended the allure of an Instagrammable MICE location with inspiring...

The cost of Hajj packages for Malaysian pilgrims has increased due to factors such as Saudi Arabia's VAT tax and service cost hikes.

What’s driving up Hajj prices?Malaysia pilgrims pay up to between 25-30% more to perform the Hajj in 2023.

Penang's "Opposite Side of the Island" campaign highlights new attractions in small villages like Pinang Tunggal.

Small towns in Malaysia lead to big adventuresLesser-known towns offer authentic experiences and support local communities, away from overcrowded destinations.

Cooler European destinations such as Iceland, Scandinavia, Ireland, and the UK are experiencing significant booking growth.

Will selfie tourism be stopped in Italy?Italy prepares for another summer of selfie tourism, balancing the influx of visitors with fines for bad behaviour and...