Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

The plan to connect the lakes has almost a century in the making.

Switzerland gets a lake up with direct rail access between lakesThe new train route will take visitors directly between Lake Geneva and the Thun and Brienz lakes.

The Macau Government Tourist Office recently launched its "Experience Macao Unlimited" campaign.

Macau is ready to shine again as visitor campaign kicks offLatest campaign unveiled as Macau reduces hotel quarantine with new 5+3 policy for foreign visitors.

The village has been abandoned for more than 30 years.

Entire Spanish village with hotel on sale for only $265,000The sale comprises 44 homes, a hotel, a church and swimming pool but the catch is that it has been abandoned for years.

HKTB hopes relaxed Covid arrangements will encourage travel to Hong Kong, especially by consumers in short-haul markets.

Step up travel agents, Hong Kong needs youTour groups led by licensed guides are allowed back under new arrangements.

The peaceful oasis at Al Ain.

Fast or slow, there’s lots to love in Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi wants you to take each and every byway, your way.

Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport will see restricted commercial operations during the G20 Summit.

Bali bunkers down for G20 SummitAirport restrictions and armed forces in place to ensure safety of world leaders.

Mayo Clinic is reported to be looking at establishing a clinic in Bali’s proposed health and wellness enclave in Sanur.

Here’s to your good health, BaliWorld’s leading healthcare companies eye huge development in Bali.

Sukhothai Loi Krathong Candle Festival.

Seven million reasons Thai tourism is taking off‘Difficult times behind us,” says TAT governor, as authority eyes 10 million visitors this year.

Foreigners seeking to live in Indonesia will need to show proof of the equivalent of $US130,000 in the bank.

Indonesia’s new long-stay visa comes with one big conditionThe ‘second home visa’ may force footloose digital nomads to look elsewhere.

QSO Section principal bassoon, Nicole Tait, in Iningai (Longreach).

Move over Ruby, this might be the best tourist video everSymphony Orchestra composes a love letter to Queensland.

Cruises lines will welcome the chance to return to Taiwan, including popular destinations such as Keelung.

Taiwan welcomes back international cruisesWith Covid ban lifted, cruise companies can now revisit popular itineraries in the destination.

Meaningful and immersive experiences top the list of Muslim travellers when they vacation.

Wooing Muslim travellers with smart marketingNTOs that sharpen focus to tap on halal win big when it comes to courting Muslim guests

Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas and Robbie Williams among artists set to perform on World Cup stages.

Ready, steady, it’s almost GO for Qatar World Cup lift-offQatar set to roll out a carnival of fun and excitement for soccer fans

Malaysian Association of Hotels' Khoo Boo Lim, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy's Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang Global Tourism's Ooi Chok Yan and Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association's Albert Tan laid out plans to revitalise Penang’s tourism sector.

There's more to Penang than meets the eyePenang is all geared up to woo Singapore and global travellers back with new campaigns highlighting its hidden sides.

Alexander + Roberts's bookings for Japan in 2023 has already hit 98% of 2019 levels.

Japan tours experience spike in bookingsDemand for tours to Japan continue surging since the country's announced its reopening.

Asia is stepping up its game to cater to the booming Muslim market.

Asia's travel players expand range of unique halal offeringsFood, services and more aims at capturing the burgeoning Muslim travel market.

As winter approaches in London, residents are reeling with news of the latest price hikes in their power bills. The war in Ukraine, Russia’s control of gas supplies, and the global oil cartel’s decision to cut production will mean only one thing for the UK and much of Europe — higher fuel costs for heating frigid homes. In Australia, floods have submerged whole towns in parts of the country. Homes are being sandbagged as rivers overflow and water levels surge. In the United States, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has driven up food and fuel prices, giving momentum to strengthening economic headwinds. Across continents, people are ready to pack up their troubles and head to places where the climate is better, and the living is easy. Welcome to Phuket, where the sun is shining, hotel prices remain relatively low and a cocktail before dinner at a beachside restaurant is more than ever a compelling attraction for visitors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been quick to take advantage of the opportunity to target visitors who are ready to escape winter and spiralling prices in Europe. Sure, it will cost more to fly to Thailand from most parts of the world, but Thailand believes the extra cost of an airfare will be compensated by the saving on hotels, restaurants and tours. In a bid to encourage high-spending visitors to stay longer, Thai authorities have introduced a new version of a long-term resident (LTR) visa. Thailand is inviting — among others — skilled professionals, wealthy individuals and retirees to make the kingdom their second home and stay for up to 10 years. The tourism authority hopes that both long-haul and short-haul visitors will extend their stays by at least 20% next year, generating an increase in spending per trip of about 30%. "We have to focus more on the quality. What that means is the ones who can come frequently and the ones who come to Thailand and stay longer," said Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of TAT.

Thailand wants to bring Europeans in from the coldWith winter and electricity hikes coming to Europe, Thailand tempts travellers with its year-long sunshine and new long-term...

Perlis has a tall order ahead in boosting tourism especially with the lack of air connectivity.

Malaysia’s smallest state makes a big leap for tourismPerlis hopes that its unique adventure tourism products will attract more tourists in 2023.

Ruby, the adorable kangaroo, hops onboard Tourism Australia campaign.

Forget the celebrities, Australia’s new tourism star is a cuddly rooAustralia’s minister for trade and tourism, Don Farrell, introduces Ruby the roo as part of Tourism Australia's new campaign.

Japan is Singaporeans' top travel destination, followed by Malaysia and Thailand.

Japan, get ready for the influx of Singapore touristsA recent Milieu Insight survey reveal 81% of Singaporeans are ready to travel with Japan as the top-of-mind destination.