Travel Trends News

Angara-Mathay is a seasoned diplomat and public servant with decades of experience in trade, investment and international economic engagement.

Philippines names Dita Angara-Mathay as tourism chiefThe veteran trade envoy brings decades of experience in global trade and investment.

A Silversea cruise ship docked at Busan port.

Tax refunds now easier for cruise passengers in South KoreaNew policy makes immediate tax refunds possible – even during short port stops.

Hangzhou and Ningbo count among the top source markets for South Korea.

South Korea widens tourism door to Chinese travellers10-year multiple entry visas granted to residents of 14 Chinese cities.

New system as India seeks to streamline border control procedures and enhance security.

India ends paper arrival cards for foreign visitorsForeign visitors to submit digital arrival cards from 1 April 2026.

Aviation decarbonisation takes a “pragmatic pause” due to the current Middle East conflict, says CAAS.

Singapore defers 1 April green fuel levy launchAuthorities cite Middle East conflict for pushback to 1 October 2026.

Visa-free stays in Thailand may soon be cut down from 60 days to 30 days.

Thailand mulls limiting visa-free staysMove to curb scam-related abuse of lengthy visa exemptions.

Updated rules “will protect consumers when something goes wrong with their package holiday” says European Parliament.

EU tightens rules for package holidaysTraveller protection comes first amid string of updated rules.

MATTA president Nigel Wong noted that transport operators will have to increase charges by at least 30% to remain financially viable.

Tour operators feel the squeeze from Gulf oil crisisMATTA urges government to consider fuel subsidies for tourism sector.

Such new partnerships enable the WTAAA to strengthen the collective voice of travel professionals worldwide, said its executive director, Otto de Vries.

WTAAA welcomes Malaysia and Thailand travel associationsMATTA and TIA join the global alliance as newest members.

Flight cancellations and rising fuel costs push ticket prices higher worldwide.

Airfares surge as Iran conflict disrupts global flightsSome Asia-Europe airfares have risen by as much as 900%.