Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio says the country doesn’t have to rely on Chinese tourists all the time.

Indonesia woos Europeans amid decline in Chinese touristsJAKARTA – Following a decline in the number of Chinese tourists caused by the increased tension of China’s trade war with the...

For the first time, Indonesia handed over operatorship of an airport – Komodo airport – to a foreign company. The move is expected to steamroll tourism in Labuan Bajo, famous for Komodo dragons.

Changi consortium wins bid to manage Komodo airportJAKARTA — For the first time, Indonesia handed over operatorship of an airport – Komodo airport – to a foreign company; a...

Fiji’s annual tourism earnings from the Chinese market has grown at an average 21.1% over the last five years.

Chinese tourists vital for tourism development of Pacific island countries: Fiji officialSUVA – Chinese tourists are very important for the tourism development of the Pacific island countries like Fiji, said a Fijian...

Thailand welcomed 3.35 million tourists in November, a 5.92% growth compared to the same month in 2018.

Thai tourism rang in a good NovemberBANGKOK – November proved to be a good month for Thai tourism, with tourist arrivals growing 5.92% compared to the same month...

Data from the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that foreign arrivals in January to October grew 15% to 6.8 million.

Philippines optimistic about tourism growth in 2020MANILA – Stakeholders of the Philippines’ tourism industry are seeing bright prospects for the industry next year as it rides...

Hong Kong Tourism Board celebrates New Year with massive US$500k lucky draw, giving away iPhones, air tickets and hotel stays.

Hong Kong Tourism Board celebrates New Year with massive US$500k lucky drawHONG KONG — Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will not be having its yearly New Year’s Eve fireworks tradition, but will instead...

New Zealand attracted almost four million international visitors annually and the number could treble by 2050.

Tourists trampling on New Zealand’s tranquility: Parliamentary reportWELLINGTON – Ever-increasing numbers of tourists are harming New Zealand’s environment and destroying the very qualities that...

For the first time since 1803, Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral won’t be holding Christmas services this year, with reconstruction works still going on after it was badly damaged by fire in April.

A Parisian Christmas without Notre DamePARIS — For the first time since 1803, Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral won’t be holding Christmas services this year, with...

The candidate need not have professional experience or equipment. Just a smartphone will do.

Millionaire offers US$55k to hire someone to travel the world with himSYDNEY – An Australian millionaire has put out a job posting on Instagram last week looking to hire someone to travel the world...

Fantastic deals for locals and visitors thanks to HKTB’s Hong Kong is ON campaign

Hong Kong is ON campaign entices locals and visitorsHONG KONG - Always wanted a vacation in Hong Kong? It’s no secret that Hong Kong has been suffering over the last six months or...

Tourist was taking a selfie in a restricted area at Yogyakarta Palace museum.

Tourist damages rare palace antique while taking a selfieYOGYAKARTA - A tourist knocked over and brn 80-year-old antique wooden table at the Yogyakarta Palace museum on Monday...

Thai massage – Six Senses style.

Thai massage confirmed as a cultural assetBOGOTA, Colombia - It’s official: Nuad Thai, or traditional Thai massage, has been recognised as the kingdom’s “intangible...

Trip.com and Laos Tourism agree a pact to cooperate on tourism-related issues.

Laos offered a helping hand by Trip.comBEIJING – Trip.com chief executive Jane Sun has met with Lao Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Kikeo...

The 12th edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau was announced yesterday.

16 new Michelin stars shine in Hong Kong and MacauMACAU - Food tourism in Hong Kong and Macau got a boost yesterday as the announcement of the 12th Michelin Guide Hong Kong...

Tours of closed coal mines and other industrial heritage sites from Indonesia’s colonial past are increasingly attracting visitors.

Indonesia looks to industrial past to expand tourism marketJAKARTA – Away from the tried and tested itineraries, tours of closed coal mines and other industrial heritage sites from...

Despite a 4% rise in visitor numbers this year, revenue from tourism to Phuket is falling.

Phuket tourism grappling with soaring Thai bahtBANGKOK – The strong currency in Thailand has reduced tourism spending in Phuket, with a strengthening Thai baht blamed for the...

As of end-October 2019, Macau saw a 15.3% year-on-year increase in tourism arrivals to 33.4 million.

HZMB a catalyst in Macau’s buoyant 2019MACAU – Macau has enjoyed a tourism boom in the first 10 months of 2019, with suggestions that the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau...

Engaging millennials? Try experiential travel

Engaging millennials? Try experiential travelAs more travellers seek to return home from trips with something more than a photo album, here’s how to craft experience-based...

European Splendours, Asian Service Excellence: An Inside Look at the Crystal Mozart River Cruise Ship

European Splendours, Asian Service Excellence: An Inside Look at the Crystal Mozart River Cruise ShipAs river cruising’s popularity continues to grow, travel agents have a plethora of options to provide clients with exceptional...

Rome’s Colosseum was the most popular site globally, according to TripAdvisor booking data.

Want to know the world’s most booked attractions for 2019?NEW YORK — Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Most Booked Sites in 2019 is out, with winning attractions dominated by European and US...