Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Trieste doesn’t have anything on the scale of the canals of Venice, but it does have a Grand Canal in its city centre.

Don’t want to fight the Venice crowds? Go to TriesteAs Venice struggles with overcrowding, nearby Trieste is ready to step into the limelight.

Amsterdam’s increase in tourism tax aims to fund local improvements.

Amsterdam raises tourism tax to Europe’s highestAccommodations will be increased from 7% to 12.5% in 2024.

The Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2024 will be held in early September next year.

Indonesia to hold major tourism fair in 2024The Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair 2024 seeks to gain global recognition like ITB and IMEX.

Muslim tourism is on the rise, and this is what they want

Muslim tourism is on the rise, and this is what they wantDespite the soaring demand for halal travel, there are a lot of nuances involved in targeting these travellers.

Laos provides a unique and unhurried experience, setting it apart from its vibrant neighbouring countries.

Laos: The hidden land of enchanting charmsLaos offers numerous unique travel opportunities with its untouched nature and tranquil pace.

Travellers are recommended to exercise caution to bringing bedbugs back to their homes.

Headed to Paris? Don’t let the bedbugs bite!The entire city is facing a bedbug infestation due to the rise in tourism during the summer.

The campaign inspires travellers to discover Western Australia's natural marvels, distinctive attractions, and outdoor escapades.

Western Australia revs up road trips with F1 legend'Drive The Dream' campaign gets on the fast lane with Formula 1's Daniel Ricciardo to promote Western Australia as a road trip...

The accident happened on 3 October.

Tragic bus accident in Venice claims 21 livesThe bus plummeted off a street, resulting in a fatal fire that claimed 21 lives, including two children.

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.