Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Cherry blossom timing shifts annually in response to weather patterns and in recent years, the flowers have been blooming earlier than ever.

A travel agent’s guide to Japan’s cherry blossom festivalBe flexible, manage expectations and don’t ignore the plums.

Inside the lifestyle hotel brand travellers keep coming back toThe lifestyle hotel playbook is familiar, but M Social rewrites the rules.

Over 700 exhibitors from 59 countries and regions joined the three-day event.

Robots, air taxis and culture on show at MITEMacao puts the future of travel on show at annual tourism expo.

The Taiwan booth at the recent NATAS fair in Singapore.

What keeps Singapore travellers going back to TaiwanTaiwan’s enduring appeal is evolving as repeat visitors seek something new.

Three Sisters, Katoomba.

Tourism Australia still keen to say G’dayMarketing activity to be stepped up in Southeast Asia and China as Gulf conflict drains confidence.

Up to the challenge? Applications close on 29 March 2026.

World’s happiest country dares you to log offWho’s up to unplug and Chill Like a Finn on a free seven-day trip to Lakeland?

The new “Only in Hong Kong” global advertising campaign mirrors the city’s vibrancy and electric energy.

Hong Kong rolls out new 3D tourism planDiversification, differentiation and distinction to drive next phase of growth.

Japan looks at fee increases for foreign nationals, including departure tax.

No joke, JESTA is coming to JapanFirst came ESTA, ETIAS and ETA – and now Japan’s rolling out JESTA too.

Once viewed as remote and hard to access, Central Asia welcomed a record high of 28.6 million international visitors in 2024.

Why curious travellers are turning to the Stans nowSilk Road cities and vast landscapes are luring travellers beyond the usual circuits.

The new international routes join existing services to Bali, Singapore, Xiamen, and Fuzhou.

Timor-Leste’s tourism ambitions take flightNew flights and festivals boost momentum for Southeast Asia’s newest destination.

No TV or entertainment but Wi-Fi will be available.

Quiet, please: Bali is preparing for Day of SilenceOne significant change for Nyepi Day this year.

Visitors are not allowed to carry or use mobile phones inside India’s safari zones.

No more phones in the wild in IndiaConversation over tourism as authorities enforce new ban at tiger reserves.

Around one third of the country’s arrivals take place through the Middle East.

Sri Lanka reels from Middle East conflictTwo-week free visa validity extended to some 10,000 stranded tourists.

Air travel in the Middle East is paralysed amid escalating conflict.

What the Middle East war means for travellersThe US-Iran conflict has triggered the most severe aviation disruption since the pandemic.

When pre-war buildings turn into the capital city's latest tourist hotspot.

Have you met the old soul of Kuala Lumpur?From revived back lanes to century-old temples, heritage assets are being repositioned as immersive travel-ready products.

Exciting developments make Phnom Penh's distilleries and bars visit worthy.

The bars stirring up Phnom Penh’s cocktail sceneLocal distilleries and inventive bars are reshaping the city’s after-dark appeal.

Louis Vuitton’s new Bangkok pop-up hotel reimagines hospitality through fashion.

Louis Vuitton launches pop-up hotel in BangkokNo room service offered – just Monogram icons and runway heritage.

The move was announced to combat overcrowding as Japan seeks to protect its communities while welcoming the world.

Japanese city cancels cherry blossom festivalPopular festival at Mt Fuji cancelled due to unruly tourists.

Singapore’s five-year calendar is already racking up a slew of exciting updates.

Quality tourism drive pays off for SingaporeTourism revenue climbs as the destination attracts more quality travellers who spend and stay.

Events are balanced equally across the country, to encourage visitors towards exploring beyond the usual main cities.

Every state, every month: Malaysia goes big on eventsMore than 300 activities, from festivals to adventures, await in Malaysia’s 2026 calendar.