Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

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.

The reduced SDF aims to stimulate job creation, economic growth, and funding for environmental and social projects.

Bhutan slashes daily tourist feeBhutan reduces its Sustainable Development Fee by 50% until 2027 to boost tourism.

Although 42% of APAC travellers express financial concerns, 73% remain dedicated to their upcoming travel itineraries, revealed Booking.com’s APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023

Does relationship status affect how people travel?You bet. New study reveals that travel companions (or the lack of) significantly impact the experience and budget.

Unaffected regions are trying to rally visitors while hotels in spared areas accommodate evacuees and grapple with financial challenges.

Come back to Maui, Hawaii urgesHawaii's tourism faces a setback after Maui wildfires' impact.

Warner Bros. Discovery and Singapore Tourism Board celebrate Warner Bros. Studio's 100th anniversary with Singapore-focused events, including WB100 festival and local Tom and Jerry series.

Toons and tours: Warner Bros takes celebration to SingaporeWarner Bros is marking its 100th anniversary with events spotlighting Singapore and iconic characters.

Air Koryo's flight marked a cautious step toward normalcy, with plans for regular flights between Pyongyang and Beijing.

North Korea unlocks borders after three yearsNorth Korea has reopened its borders with Air Koryo's inaugural flight to Beijing.

Visitors should begin their stay in Stockholm, Sweden, with a walk through the Old Town.

What to do, where to eat and places to stay in StockholmA guide to exploring Stockholm's blend of history and modernity, from Gamla Stan's charming alleys to Fotografiska museum.

New data from the British Transport Police shows that pickpockets throughout the Underground reached a record high of 7,899 in 2022.

Pickpocket crimes on the rise in London UndergroundVisitors warned to be vigilant as number of pickpocket thefts go through the roof on the tube.

The visa waiver will be enjoyed by foreign enterprises or foreigners who will make a significant investment in the country by means of business or tourism.

Here comes the Golden Visa for IndonesiaVisa waiver will be enjoyed by foreigners with significant investment in the country by means of business or tourism.

Finding the WOW factor in Portugal

Finding the WOW factor in PortugalA new cultural district in Porto is a must for wine and art lovers.

Lahaina, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, was devastated by wildfires. Seen here is the Lahaina Square Shopping Center area, taken on 25 June (left) and 9 August (right).

Hawaii’s ‘largest natural disaster in history’ prompts travel warningTravellers urged to stay away from Maui for now, but rest of Hawaii is unaffected.

China on Thursday lifted a Covid-era ban on outbound group tours to more than 70 destinations, including the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

China throws open its doors for group travelTravel agencies in China can now resume group tours to Japan, South Korea, US and more key destinations.

The prosed tax law would make vacations would also require non-EU tour operators to file tax returns in Germany.

Better late or never? Germany defers tour taxA proposed tax on Germany vacations sold by tour companies outside of the EU has been deferred.