Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

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.

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.