Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Foreign visitors could enter Bali as soon as June 2021 under a travel corridor pilot, according to Indonesian Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno.

How will post-pandemic travel to Bali look like?Meanwhile, Indonesia ponders reopening the destination to foreign tourists by June.

Genting Cruise Lines, which has successfully restart sailings in Taiwan and Singapore, has already expressed interest in restarting cruising in Hong Kong. Pictured: Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Hong Kong turns hopes to the high seasCruise resumption set to be a key part of HKTB's tourism revival plans and could happen in a “couple of months”, beginning with...

The Thai government has promised sufficient time will be given for hotels, airlines and the tourism industry to prepare for October reopening in time for the high season.

Thailand could fully reopen by OctoberBut a campaign fronted by inbound tourism players is still rallying for July opening, because otherwise "many companies won’t...

In 2020, the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province welcomed almost 2.7 million overnight visitors — similar numbers as the popular coastal city of Danang.

New stars rising on Vietnam's shoreHo Tram and Long Hai are fresh faces to watch on the country's expanding beach scene.

More than 15 tour operators and hoteliers in Thailand have signed the petition urging the Thai government to respond favourably to destinations with Covid-19 vaccination programmes underway, such as in Europe, the US and other key tourism source markets.

Thailand tourism pushes for 1 July openingIndustry campaign outlines 5 reasons why the Thai government should reopen the country to vaccinated markets by mid-year.

Through the Digital Nomad Visa, travellers can live and work in Dubai for up to a year with their families.

Digital nomads are boosting recovery for the Middle EastFirst came the French, then the Russians: How Dubai's Digital Nomad Visa is attracting a new generation of remote workers.

Another month of state closures would likely result in more hotels ceasing operations, according to Malaysian Association of Hotels.

Malaysia tourism can't afford to wait out vaccination rollout, says industryIndustry players say waiting for 70% vaccination to lift interstate travel ban in Malaysia will have "severe repercussions" for...

Standardised protocols will encourage domestic travel and speed up tourism recovery. Pictured: Coron, Palawan

It's more fun to travel in the Philippines againCovid rules further relaxed: no need for tests, health certificates or quarantine to revive domestic tourism.

International travel from the UK could be allowed as early as 17 May under Boris Johnson's four-step out-of-Covid restrictions plan, and bookings have surged for destinations like Greece.

Britons can't wait to chase the summer sunUK travellers rush to book overseas holidays after lockdown exit plans announced for the country.

According to the destination's ministry of tourism, a total of 147,744 tourists arrived in the Maldives between 1 February and 17 February 2021.

Sunny days are here again for Maldives tourismThe destination sees record daily arrivals in February but who's coming? Hint: Most are not from Asia.

Why a Singapore staycation experience otter be with Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

Otterly rewarding Singapore staycations with Millennium Hotels and ResortsAwesome otter-themed packages at M Social Hotel Singapore and Orchard Hotel Singapore that travel agents should know of.

Speaking at the funeral service of I Gede Ardika, current tourism chief Sandiaga Uno said Indonesia's tourism industry had lost a highly cherished leader.

Indonesia mourns loss of former tourism minister I Gede ArdikaThe late leader is fondly remembered for spearheading sustainable tourism development in the country.

Sri Panwa is set to receive its first batch of foreign tourists arriving from Indonesia under the villa quarantine programme.

First villa and golf quarantine tourists arrive in ThailandUnder these pilot programmes, the pre-approved foreign visitors can move around and enjoy the amenities within the resort.

For Belitung to crack the super-priority list, Yvonne Wan, general manager of Sheraton Belitung Resort (pictured), believes flight connections as well as destination promotion would have to be stepped up.

Here comes Indonesia's next super-priority destinationPostcard-worthy Belitung vies for a bigger slice of government's tourism development pie.

To revitalise Macau’s tourism sector, MGTO has unveiled five strategic focuses in 2021.

Macau shoots for 10 million visitors in 2021MGTO has five specific strategies drawn up to reach its ambitious goal.

Singapore engaged audiences in new ways at PCMA Convening Leaders 2021, where PCMA President and CEO, Sherrif Karamat, appeared as a live hologram.

Singapore’s MICE recovery: PCMA Convening Leaders forges aheadFollowing a comprehensive pilot programme, Singapore has carefully rebooted its business events industry — with innovative...

Thailand has also indicated its move out of mass tourism, and instead towards responsible tourism and revenue-generating quality tourists. (Pictured: Phra Nang Beach in Krabi)

SEXY is the new black for ThailandTAT's tourism recovery playbook will focus on safe and sustainable experiences in new normal.

There's also the bigger issue of reduced commitment to conservation, as people in wildlife communities cut costs amid shrinking tourism dollars. (Pictured: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania)

Wildlife in Africa callingAfrican Wildlife Foundation launches virtual safaris to alleviate operators' incomes and protect conservation progress.

STB will continue standing together with industry partners to prepare for recovery and to start building a better and more sustainable future for tourism, said STB's Keith Tan.

Tough time it is, but Singapore tourism fights backMass global travel unlikely to resume in major way in 2021, but STB pledges support for industry transformation and...

Events like Vivid Sydney have helped to drive NSW's visitor economy by attracting both tourism and business investment. The festival has also become a drawcard for leisure tourists and corporate incentive groups alike.

Sydney looks to vivid side of eventsWorld-class events, new tourist icons and visitor experiences will kickstart New South Wales' recovery plan.