Destinations News: Travel Weekly Asia

Destinations News

Jeju is imposing fines and even jailtime to curb disorderly conduct and protect local culture, safety, and the environment from misbehaving tourists.

Jeju is going to punish misbehaving touristsFed up with unruly visitors, authorities are rolling out tougher measures for visitors who don’t play nice.

From 15 December 2025, the Disney Adventure is set to bring immersive experiences at sea to Asia’s cruise travellers with three- and four-night sailings from Singapore. (Artist concept only)

What sets Disney Cruise Line apart in Asia’s cruise marketAsia's short-cruise trend meets Disney's regional debut, creating opportunities for travel agents to craft multi-gen, family,...

Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports (fourth from left), and Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (fifth from right), preside over the official launch of the ‘Trusted Thailand’ safety stamp, joined by representatives from key government agencies and partners at the event in Bangkok.

Concerned about safety in Thailand? Look out for this new stampNew ‘Trusted Thailand’ Stamp helps travellers identify safe, reliable businesses nationwide.

From K-pop acts to spa retreats and fine dining, Macao is making live events and concerts the centrepiece of unforgettable escapes.

What’s drawing global stars and travellers to this city right now?From sold-out K-pop concerts to world-class acts, Macao’s events calendar creates unforgettable travel moments for all ages.

Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung is a charming gateway to Bandung's attractions including volcanoes, art enclaves, and Javanese cuisine.

Where next? Asia’s new holiday hotspots revealedBWH Hotels accelerates its expansion across Asia with exciting new openings across the region’s buzziest destinations.

Permit fees to summit Mount Everest will rise to US$15,000 in September.

Nepal wants you to enjoy a peak experienceEverest fees rise, but remote peaks will be free to climb.

Klook and HKTB launch platform offering Muslim-friendly travel experiences, itineraries, and verified faith-based information in Hong Kong

Hong Kong rolls out the Muslim-friendly red carpetNew platform highlights prayer-friendly attractions and halal options for Muslim travellers to Hong Kong.

South Korea grants visa-free entry to Chinese tour groups from September 2025 to boost tourism.

South Korea opens visa-free doors to Chinese groupsTemporary visa waiver for Chinese tour groups aims to revive South Korean tourism.

New Zealand’s prime minister says foreign visitors should contribute to the upkeep of popular tourist spots, such as Milford Sound.

New Zealand targets foreigners with new feesLocals can look and see for free, while foreigners will pay to visit many popular sites.

Japan’s airline capacity soars while Southeast Asia faces mixed travel recovery in 2025, with shifts in visitor arrivals and source markets.

These countries in Asia are having their momentInterest in Japan continues to grow and Vietnam’s aviation market is a rising star, but it’s a different story for Thailand.

Dubai is making a name for itself as an adventure capital.

Dubai is taking adventure to the extremeFrom deep diving to sky diving, Dubai wants to take your breath away.

Japan resumes normal operations after Russia quake and tsunami alert.

Is it safe to travel to Japan after the tsunami warnings?A powerful quake hit Russia’s Kamchatka, triggering tsunami warnings and mass evacuations across coastal regions in northern...

Thai–Cambodian conflict escalates, shutting land borders but leaving flights and main tourist sites open.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia now?Violence at Thailand–Cambodia border results in closure of land crossings.

A high-energy foam party on Genting Dream’s outdoor Zouk beach club brings DJ beats, bubbles and dancing under the stars, a crowd favourite for all ages.

Why sail with the cruise line that knows Asia bestStarDream Cruises quietly redefines the cruise experience through cultural intuition, regional reach, and heartfelt...

Trump’s new visa integrity fee has been labelled as a ‘security deposit’ in case visitors overstay their welcome.

Trump slaps $250 security deposit on touristsThe US$250 “visa integrity fee” will be refunded to tourists if they behave in the US.

Bali’s governor says he is coming after villas and restaurants in Bingin Beach operating without planning permission.

Locals weep as Bali villas face the wrecking ballThe Balinese government is sending in a demolition squad to destroy illegal businesses.

At SPLASH 2025, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi said Thailand risks losing its tourism edge without new man-made attractions and fresh infrastructure investment.

Thai tourism feels the heat from VietnamThailand faces growing pressure as Vietnam, Malaysia surpass pre-pandemic tourist numbers.

Thailand welcomed over 16 million visitors in H1 2025

Thai tourism generates $23 billion in first halfThe Chinese, Malaysians and South Koreans were the top three visitor groups to Thailand.

Thailand’s cannabis shops face closures and confusion after new rules re-criminalise recreational use, requiring prescriptions and costly compliance from small businesses.

Thailand’s weed shops may soon go up in smokeCannabis shops face closures after new rules re-criminalise recreational weed.

At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the original home of Saudi Arabia’s ruling family, showcasing Najdi architecture, restored palaces, museums, and cultural heritage.

Why luxury travellers are flocking to this mudbrick cityThe kingdom’s birthplace is drawing quality tourists with culture, comfort and serious style.