Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

New Zealand was Australia’s second largest international visitors market pre-pandemic.

Say G'Day, Kia Ora to Tasman travelBuzz, cheers and tears as Australia and New Zealand embrace quarantine-free bubble.

European tourism leaders are hopeful for an agreement with the US on a common technology for digital health certificates, in order to ease travel.

Europe travel may not happen until 3Q 2021Lockdowns, vaccine delays could delay holidays until September, say tourism experts.

A couple of previous rules remain: mandatory masks, interactions still allowed only within the sub-group, and the 1m safe distancing rule.

From 20 to 50, Singapore further relaxes tour operating guidelinesLonger tours, larger groups plus the return of the buffet line too.

The theme this year is 'Singapore: The Unique and The Unknown', showcasing the lesser known sides of the Lion City.

Come tell us your unique Singapore storyS$2.5 million pumped into second season of SG Stories Content Fund, as part of local rediscovery push.

Marketed to Singaporeans as a "home away from home," Opus Bay will also target those looking for a leisurely weekend jaunt, where a factory outlet is due to open in October 2022.

Say hello to Batam's newest ‘resort living’ project, Opus BaySingapore will be a key target market for the 125-hectare township, offering residential, retail, entertainment, healthcare and...

Sri Lanka's opening is set to be a serious contender for Maldives, the destination currently a hot favourite for the Indian market.

India now has a travel bubble pact with Sri LankaAgreement with Sri Lanka is likely to pose competition to the Maldives for Indian travellers.

Koh Samui hopes to vaccinate 70% of its population to reopen the island to foreign tourists in July.

Next on Thailand's reopening list: Samui?The island will be following Phuket's 'sandbox' model in hopes of achieving herd immunity ahead of July opening.

Tahiti Tourisme officials have announced that French Polynesia will reopen its borders to international tourists May 1.

French Polynesia reopens for travel on May 1Announcement made by Tahiti Tourisme following meeting between French Polynesia and France presidents.

Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar are ramping up flights across the Tasman from 19 April 2021.

Australia-NZ travel bubble is finally taking offQuarantine-free, two-way travel bubble between the two countries will begin 19 April.

TIH is a one-stop digital resource platform that can aid travel businesses in ramping up their digital transformation.

5 Ways TIH Will Help You Digitally Transform Your Tourism BusinessIf there were any lingering doubts about the necessity of digital transformation for business survival, COVID-19 showed...

Industry players were “over the moon” when the Thai government approved the Phuket Tourism Sandbox model, said Laguna Phuket's Ravi Chandran.

Phuket now has ‘a fighting chance’ with July reopeningTravel sector in major push for vaccine rollout, including turning resorts into vaccination venues.

Inbound travel players in Hong Kong are putting plans in place to welcome back visitors as soon as borders can reopen.

Trade confidence rises as Hong Kong eases restrictionsTravel groups at all levels poised and ready to welcome tourists back.

Maldives ups the ante by launching a loyalty programme for repeat visitors, as well as a “3V Tourism initiative”.

For Maldives, V is for 'Visit, Vaccinate, Vacation'Tourists can soon holiday and receive Covid-19 vaccines at the same time under Maldives' 3V tourism campaign.

Get vaccinated to facilitate take-off of travel bubbles, government urge Hong Kongers.

Hong Kong's travel bubble efforts get in fast laneGet vaccinated to facilitate take-off of travel bubbles, government urge Hong Kongers.

India has secured non-leisure travel bubbles with 27 countries so far, with US leading the way at 60% for the next six months. Pictured: Amber Fort, Jaipur

Asia's other giant stirs to lifeSigns of travel recovery stronger as domestic flights in India back to 84% of 2019 levels.

Tourists who wish to visit Phuket after July will need to prepare their vaccine certificate, vaccine passport or IATA travel pass.

Phuket will reopen to vaccinated tourists on 1 JulyGreen light given for Tourism Phuket Sandbox plan, which is set to be a pilot for other destinations in Thailand.

A rendering of the new 'Street Eats' concept set to open later this year.

Asian hawker food goes to VegasZouk Group to pioneer Asia's famous street eats at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Macau's history has intertwined European and Asian influences for nearly half a millennium.

8 Irresistible Reasons to Visit MacauMacau is one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia, melding an alluring influence of Portuguese and Chinese cultures,...

The Lisboeta will launch later this year with a design concept that pays homage to the 'old Macau'.

Macau will see a fresh crop of offerings in 2021A whole new series of hotels and attractions lay in wait for visitors' return.

The ban on foreign spectators at the Olympics could amount to losses of around 200 billion yen (US$1.8 billion).

Tokyo region exits Covid-19 state of emergencyBut lifting of the virus emergency unlikely to bring relief for tourism, with sakura viewing and upcoming Olympics scaled down.