Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Sustainable and responsible travel is the main theme for the future of Vietnam tourism.

Vietnam knows exactly what it wantsAhead of the Mekong Tourism Forum, Vietnam has drawn up six main focuses as it moves into the new era of travel.

In Q1, domestic tourists grew by 14% in Niseko.

Let it snow tourists at NisekoJapan’s return to the tourism scene and buoyant exchange rate could make Niseko a top destination in Asia this year-end.

Europe and the Middle East came out the top regions driving the tourism recovery.

Success found in first seven months of international travelGlobal tourism has been strongly rebounding this year, hitting 57% of pre-pandemic levels.

Andamanda Phuket combines thrilling slides with aspects of Thai mythology.

For Phuket, life's more than a beachBeyond the beaches, the destination’s standout culture and rising dining scene are top drawcards for international visitors.

Travel agents are worried that travellers may just choose to forgo their trips due to the extended waiting period.

Travel groups shocked by 247-day wait for US visasThe wait time to obtain a US visa has drastically lengthened from 17 days to 247 days.

Qatar tells travellers to avoid Doha unless they have official fan ID.

Qatar red-cards visitors who are not in Doha for World CupOnly accredited fans are allowed into the country, while luxury hotels rush to accommodate VIP guests.

To drive tourism, Indonesia has reactivated visa on arrival for 86 countries, but it can still tap on permanent residents staying in these countries.

Travel players urge Indonesia to grant travellers short-term visasLimitless potential if Indonesia can extend short-term visas for travellers with passports not eligible for visa on arrival.

The mighty US dollar is shaking up the financial markets.

Currency crisis: No need to panic, just enjoy the tripPrices are rising everywhere, but the desire to travel won’t be dimmed.

On-arrival Covid-19 tests will not be required but travellers are urged to conduct frequent self-administered tests.

Taiwan welcomes back tourists with no quarantineOne big reopening step for Taiwan as mandatory Covid-19 tests and quarantine will be scrapped for arrivals come 13 October.

Countries are rapidly removing testing and quarantine travel requirements, and even the need for travellers to be vaccinated.

Best places to visit free of Covid-19 restrictionsThe world is gradually letting go of restrictions as the pandemic recedes. Here's an updated list of the easiest countries to...

There's so more to Marbella than being a rich man's playground.

Where to sleep, eat and play in Marbella, SpainTake the pain out of planning Spain itineraries with this travel guide delving into the latest traveller insights of Marbella.

Japan will welcome back all international tourists from mid-October.

Japan flings open gates with a yen for international touristsForeign tourists expected to take advantage of weak currency as Japan reopens without restrictions on 11 October.

Masked dancers at the Druk Wangyel Tsechu festival.

Bhutan is back and promises to be better than everPreserving Bhutan’s special quality justifies new fee for visitors, says PM.

Central Beach Bazaar has soft-opened at Siloso Beach to include highlights such as the 80m-tall Sentosa SkyJet fountain.

Colourful attractions under the Sentosa sunFrom a beach bazaar to heritage tours, the list of attractions keeps growing on the little island off Singapore.

Star Island is a 70-minute fireworks musical extravaganza.

Fire and sound set to explode over SingaporeNew Year’s Eve show will light up Marina Bay in a 70-minute musical extravaganza.

A petition signed by almost 9,000 residents wants late night noise from Bali beach clubs toned down.

Thank you for the music? No way, say Canggu residentsIndonesian tourism minister steps into row over late night noise from Bali beach clubs.

Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao, in the Philippines, is one of the 4,500 properties worldwide where guests can earn and redeem Best Western Rewards points.

Loyalty rewarded: How Best Western Rewards treats travellers like VIPsFrom points that don’t expire to generous status matching, travellers across Asia are discovering the premium perks of Best...

George Clooney and Julia Roberts during filming of Ticket to Paradise.

Why Bali is set for tourism boost from movie filmed in AustraliaGeorge Clooney and Julia Roberts get back in action for new Holly rom-com. But where is the 'Ticket to Paradise'?

Authorities in Hanoi wave red flag at one of the city’s most Instagrammed streets.

Hanoi train street gets red flagToo close for comfort: Shops told they must leave trackside tourist magnet.

Vilnius' Old Town is home to a artsy scene and burgeoning foodie culture.

Go to Vilnius for old-world Baltic charmThe capital of Lithuania is an undiscovered European gem brimming with history, unique attractions and good food.