Travel Trends News

Sri Lanka hopes to welcome a record number of visitors this year. Pictured: Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress.

Sri Lanka offers free visas to 40 countriesA free visa, but visitors will still need an ETA.

Attenborough supporting the Borneo Nature Foundation’s Books for Borneo campaign to raise funds for environmental conservation education in schools.

Our planet’s greatest travel influencer turns 100At 100, David Attenborough continues to inspire awe, curiosity and conscience for the planet’s most fragile places.

Bears are increasingly spotted at hot spring resorts, homes and supermarkets.

Bear sightings are rising in Japan. Should travellers be concerned?Hiking in Japan? There are many ways travellers can reduce the risk of bear encounters.

Non-paying foreign patients are contributing to millions in unpaid hospital bills in Thailand.

Thailand mulls mandatory insurance for touristsRising tourist accident rates and unpaid treatment costs have reignited calls for compulsory coverage.

Spain offers a helping hand for the 149 passengers stranded on MV Hondius, following three fatalities.

What to know about the hantavirus virus outbreak on cruise shipWHO says there is no need for travel restrictions and that the risk to the wider public remains low.

The new regulation is intended to heighten the appeal for domestic travel to destinations such as Labuan Bajo, home of the Komodo National Park.

Indonesia tweaks taxes to encouage domestic travelTemporary VAT removal and fare limits introduced to support airlines and tourism.

Failure to comply could result in longer wait times at immigration counters, authorities cautioned.

Vietnam’s digital card is now compulsory for foreign visitorsHo Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the first to roll out new rule.

Staffing and IT training issues have contributed to delays at many Schengen area borders.

Border disorder as EU’s new biometric system kicks inTravellers face border delays, frustration – and it could get worse

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.