Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

With the latest "Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension" plan, more travel options in Thailand open up for fully vaccinated international travellers.

What does 7+7 get you in Thailand?A shorter mandatory Phuket Sandbox stay, plus access to more island destinations in southern Thailand.

The new process will see tourists interact with mostly vaccinated staff from the moment they touch down.

Kerala has tall claims to live up to with 'bio-bubble' tourismThe state has sights on 'risk-free' tourism with a new set of processes in place.

The La Sagrada Família in Barcelona.

Spains woos by sights, sounds, tastes and smellsSpain and Catalonia tourism boards keep Southeast Asia's travellers and trade high up on their promotion radar.

A new expressway between Vientiane and Vang Vieng has helped to promote self-drive travel in the country.

Slowly but surely, Laos plans travel comebackBetter road and rail connections as country gears up to reopen country under 'new normal'.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela's Houghton home has been refurbished and opened as a nine-room boutique hotel.

Nelson Mandela's home is now a luxury boutique hotelFirst look at the anti-Apartheid hero's Johannesburg house, which once hosted dignitaries such as Michelle Obama and Bill...

Travel in 2021: Top 3 COVID testing myths debunked

Travel in 2021: Top 3 COVID testing myths debunkedExperts set the record straight about COVID-19 testing, and why it matters to the travel community.

If given the green light, the Guam Visitors Bureau will offer debit cards worth US$2.5 million to the first 2,500 tourists.

This island may soon pay tourists US$500 for shoppingGuam dangles tourist debit card incentive which could happen by September.

Banyan Tree Group Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping called on policymakers in Europe and around the world to support Phuket as a separate “green” zone.

Keep 'safe and sealed' Phuket on the green listBanyan Tree's Ho Kwon Ping urges governments worldwide to recognise Phuket’s status as a safe haven.

The abundance of extra vaccines in the US is attracting thousands of vaccine tourists from countries where inoculation rate is low.

Lure of America, the land of plenty vaccinesWhy jab seekers from all over the world are visiting the US to get their shots.

Shigeru Ban's transparent bathrooms at Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park turn opaque when visitors lock the door.

A gold for Tokyo's restroom gameThe Olympics is a show of Japan's mastery in the art of tech-advanced toilets.

The 3D paper art world of artist Benson Lam, now on showcase at Taipa Village Art Space.

Inside Macau, Asia’s next big living galleryWhy Macau is rising to the top of the bucket list for art enthusiasts and culture vultures.

Greece's plethora of private villa options are a draw for multi-generational family travellers from Hong Kong, says Lightfoot Travel's Lucy Jackson.

Will Hong Kong’s shortened quarantine spur travel?Compared with 21 days, a 7D quarantine is now 'a walk in the park', say agents.

Indonesia is keen to show off its spices and cuisine to the rest of the world.

Indonesia’s latest tourism campaign is nice ‘n spicyNew York first to get a taste of Indonesia’s culinary craft.

Brisbane 2032: Queensland state capital shows you don’t have to be big to succeed in Games lottery.

It's a go! Brisbane will host 2032 OlympicsWinning the event hosting goal scores a gold for tourism and economy in Queensland and Australia.

Travellers from these two major Asian markets must take a Covid test 72 hours prior to flight, and submit the negative test result into the Safe Travels digital platform before departing for Hawaii.

Hawaii opens to Korea, Philippines on 15 JulyQuarantine not needed if tourists from these two markets can show proof of "trusted" Covid-19 tests.

Clear water and big rocks at Koh Samui's Silver Beach.

Koh Samui's next in line for Thailand reopening queueSame, same but different: Koh Samui will reopen to vaccinated tourists on 15 July but with even more stringent rules than...

The Olympic flame arrived in Tokyo last Friday, 9 July, one day after a fourth state of emergency has been declared over the duration of the Games.

No crowds, no fans, no cheers at Japan OlympicsEven local spectators are now banned as the Games will be held under a state of emergency.

Tourism and business event frontliners get their shots in the first industry vaccination centre in Sarawak.

Sarawak nabs a tourism first in jabsMalaysia's first travel industry vaccination clinic lifts hope for travel and business events restart.

From left: Eugene Dass of Malaysian Association of Hotels, Reginald T Pereira of Aariana Hospitality International and Razmi Rahmat of ADYA Hotel.

Langkawi bubble offers fresh hope for tourismHotels and resorts on the island gear up for a potential September reopening.

TX Travel is offering 14D/13N packages, which include two doses of the Sinovac vaccine and accommodation in a CHSE-approved hotel.

Bali vaxcations: come for the beach, stay for the jabsIndonesia's top island has unveiled another holiday scheme to draw tourists back — and travel agencies are jumping on board.