Mövenpick goes large with new 1,530-room hotel

If you enjoy your hotels small and cosy then you've come to the wrong place. 

 
Global hotel giant Accor has just unveiled the world's largest Mövenpick brand hotel with the signing of Manila Bay Westside in partnership with Megaworld, the Philippines' largest township developer. 

The new Mövenpick hotel will have 1,530 rooms, marking a significant milestone in Accor's growth strategy in Asia. It is a re-branding of the Grand Westside. 

The revamp of the hotel will feature a sky bridge connecting it to the Westside City integrated casino and entertainment complex and the Grand Opera House.

Swiss-born, Mövenpick has evolved into a global brand "meeting the rising demand for high-quality, experience-driven hospitality among discerning travellers".

The hotel will be located within Megaworld's Westside City Township Development in Parañaque, a quarter offering a mix of retail, entertainment, business, and leisure attractions.

To re-open in mid-2026, Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will offer a range of dining experiences including a specialty Filipino restaurant, an international all-day dining venue, and a signature bar. 

Guests will also be also enjoy Mövenpick's iconic Chocolate Hour, an immersive, complimentary experience offered every afternoon.

The hotel will offer modern, flexible meeting and event spaces. 

“Across Asia, we continue to grow sustainably by collaborating closely with our partners and ensuring we bring the right brand to the right market," says Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer, Asia, for Accor. 

"This reflects our owner-centric approach, our adaptability, and the strength of ALL Accor in amplifying the visibility of our premium brands." 

Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said: “The opening of the world's largest Mövenpick is a powerful testament to our group's efforts to scale our world-class offerings and meet the demands of the broader international market. 

"It reflects our commitment to building the right facilities, empowering local talent, and reinforcing our readiness to welcome the rest of the world. 

"This partnership reflects our shared belief that the Philippines is ready to stand as a distinct global destination. As we rebrand Grand Westside Hotel into the world's largest Mövenpick, we continue to generate more jobs, help drive stronger tourism activity, and open doors for communities to grow alongside this development.”

The opening of Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will see Accor become the largest international hotel operator in the Philippines with 13 hotels and more than 4,700 keys across eight brands. 

Growing interest in culinary adventures in Vietnam

Australians have a growing appetite for food experiences across Vietnam - from street eats to Michelin-starred eateries. 

BestPrice Travel is one of the companies leading the way with food tours designed for Australian travellers who are increasingly seeking immersive culinary experiences. 

Vietnam has emerged as a leading destination for food-focused adventures, the company says.

That coincides with Australian tourism to Vietnam continuing to surge, with a 35.4% increase in arrivals recorded in the 2024-2025 financial year alone. 

More than ever, Australian travellers are seeking authentic, hands-on culinary experiences that connect them to local cultures -through food, farming, and regional flavours.

In recent years, Vietnam has experienced a culinary renaissance. 

With nine restaurants awarded a Michelin star across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang , the Asian country is increasingly gaining global recognition. 

This gastronomic boom has gone hand-in-hand with the rise in food tourism as travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences ranging from street food tours and regional tastings to hands-on cooking classes and market visits.

BestPrice Travel aims to set itself apart by offering culinary journeys that connect Australians directly with Vietnamese chefs, farmers, and coffee artisans. 

“It is no longer just pho and banh mi that travellers are indulging in - Vietnam’s evolving Michelin scene is highlighting new levels of culinary sophistication, all rooted in homegrown produce," says Khuc Tan Dung, founder and CEO of BestPrice Travel.

"Australians, much like Anthony Bourdain, who championed putting Vietnam on the global culinary map, can’t get enough of it and neither can Luke Nguyen, who understands the Australian appetite with over seven TV shows to date focused on Vietnamese cuisine. 

"And it It is not just the food scene; Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture is also drawing attention. The country is home to over 640,000 coffee farms. 

Fuelling this culinary evolution is a new generation of young, creative Vietnamese chefs. 

BestPrice Travel says its "curated culinary journeys" go beyond sightseeing. Strong local networks allow them to design immersive food tours, incorporating sustainable tourism practices that support local chefs, producers, and communities.

The tours allow the chance to visit and dine in a 140-year-old preserved French colonial villa housing Spices Villa in Hanoi’s old quarter. 

“Australians are among the world’s most passionate travellers, especially when it comes to food,” says  Khuc Tan Dung. 

“We don’t’ just organise tours, we’re food story curators, taking guests through Vietnam’s culinary culture journey, from Hanoi street food tables to fine dining in Danang, ending with a simple family meal in the Mekong Delta, where guests have picked the produce themselves and cooked with the host.”

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Tours can be tailored to the needs of individual travellers.

See www.bestpricetravel.com

Diverse brands boost Accor's presence across Asia

Leading international hotel group Accor has revealed big plans for the Asian region in 2026.

This includes ongoing expansion of its diverse brand portfolio after multiple hotel openings and signings this year. 

Conversion-friendly midscale brands such as Mercure and Handwritten Collection are driving momentum, while the economy portfolio expands through ibis and ibis Styles and the premium segment is gaining pace with Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure and Swissôtel extending their reach into high-growth destinations.

Indonesia led the way in 2025 with seven signings, highlighted by Swissôtel Bali Nusa Dua, while Thailand and Laos each added five, including Mercure's debut in Phuket, the debut of Handwritten Collection in Bangkok, and a new ibis hotel in Vientiane.

The Philippines secured four signings including Mercure Mactan Cebu and ibis Styles Clark,while India expanded further into emerging cities with three signings, from Pullman Dehradun Jollygrant to Novotel and ibis in Indore.

Vietnam reached a milestone with the signing of its largest Mövenpick, a 1,000-key resort in Danang, and Japan will expand into Hiroshima with a co-branded Mercure Tokyu Stay Hiroshima.

Accor's footprint in Asia was further cemented in 2025 with the openings of several hotels including Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel in Vietnam and Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole (top image).

More hotel openings scheduled before year-end include Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang, Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, and Hotel Waterloo Singapore – Handwritten Collection.

Accor is also significantly expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across Asia, marked by several openings and upcoming developments.

Raffles Sentosa Singapore opened recently, while Raffles Tokyo will open in 2028 within the city's World Trade Center.

Fairmont properties on the horizon include Fairmont Hanoi and Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, both slated for 2026 openings.

Sofitel Diamond Crown Hai Phong in Vietnam, slated to open in 2026, will be the first internationally acclaimed hotel in the Diamond Crown Hai Phong complex.

“We are confident of another record year of signings, marking an incredible third consecutive year of growth for Accor in Asia," said Andrew Langdon, Accor's Chief Development Officer, Asia.

"Our momentum in 2025 reflects both the resilience of Asia's travel and hospitality industry and the opportunities created by shifting market dynamics.

"By harnessing the strength of our diverse brand portfolio and deepening trusted partnerships with owners, we are well-positioned to continue to lead the next era of hospitality in the region.

"Our strategy is to deliver brands and concepts that resonate with today's travellers, create long-term value for our partners, and set new standards for innovation and excellence across Asia.”

Flyer fined for bomb threat idiocy

Idiot of the Week award goes to airline passenger Liu Jinqi.

The Chinese traveller has fined - but unfortunately not banned for life - for communicating a fake bomb threat to budget airline AirAsia.

Liu, 28, wanted to change her seat, but after several attempts to contact the airline failed, she opted to take drastic action, travel news hub Travel Mole reported.

After attempts to talk to the airline through its website and via email failed to get a response, she took to the airline’s chatbot system.

She wrote: “Human service emergency, bomb dangerous.”

The airline promptly contacted police.

The travel twit was in Malaysia and booked an AirAsia flight from Tawau in Sabah to Kuala Lumpur, ahead of another flight from KL back to Beijing, China.

Liu and her travel companion were tracked down and arrested and Liu pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal intimidation in a Malaysian court.

She was fined RM5,000 (around $1800).

“I only wanted to change my seat," said entitled Liu.

"I had tried contacting AirAsia, but there was no response. That is why I used the word ‘bomb’ so that my message would get immediate attention.”

Busy start for Cambodia's new airport

Cambodia's new international airport had a much livelier start than had been expected.

Techo International Airport, the Asian nation's largest aviation infrastructure project, opened last month.

With a design inspired by the nation's cultural and Angkorian heritage, the airport began operations as a modern hub for business and tourism and the first flight, operated by Air Cambodia, was welcomed with a traditional water salute.

Within its first month of operations, the airport has seen the opening of two new routes and, unexpectedly, also supported Cathay Pacific by temporarily hosting some of its fleet during Typhoon Ragasa, which ravaged Hong Kong and other regional cities.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), the Techo International Airport has capacity for 15 million passengers annually in its first phase and will strengthen tourism, expand trade flows, and enhance Cambodia's international connectivity.

The project was Cambodian built in collaboration with a consortium of local and international contractors and is located 35 kilometres south of the capital Phnom Penh..

The terminal, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, reflects Angkorian traditions through sweeping roof canopies supported by structural "trees" inspired by the rumduol - Cambodia's national flower.

It served by almost 30 airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.

"Welcoming the first passengers at Techo International Airport is a defining moment," said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of infrastructure partner OCIC and CAIC.

"It creates new opportunities for Cambodia - for visitors, businesses, and investors - and marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country."

Techo International Airport also features retail and dining offerings. Among the shops and restaurants are Malis, Paul, Starbucks, Brown Coffee, Bodia, and Artisans d'Angkor.

An official inauguration ceremony is set to be held on October 20. For those wondering, The name Techo is a title given to army commanders by the King of Cambodia.  

Hilton sets its sights on major Asian expansion

The Hilton hotels group has announced plans to significantly increase its presence across Asia.

It says its luxury and lifestyle hotel portfolio will increase by over 50% over the next few years, news portal Travel Mole reports.

Hilton currently has more than 160 luxury and lifestyle hotels in the region. The goal is to have around 250 Asia hotels in these segments.

In the next 12 months Hilton is set to open several new properties including the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan (top image); Canopy by Hilton Shanghai Belfry Plaza; Curio Collection by Hilton, Kahavadi Chiang Rai, and Nivata Koh Samui, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

The chain will unveil the Waldorf Astoria in Bali in 2027, and opens NoMad Singapore and Canopy by Hilton Makati in the Philippines in 2026.

Overall, seven Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will open across Asia Pacific in the next few years. 

Additionally, Hilton inked a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, boosting its portfolio with a large selection of independently owned luxury hotels across the globe.

Vietjet celebrates 9/9 with a pop-up fares sale

Anyone thinking about snagging a cheap flight from Australia to Vietnam should keep an eye out for one of budget carrier Vietjet's regular cheap fare blitzes.

Vietjet’s 9/9 Mega Sale, about to launch, offers "up to 99% off base fares" on flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City.

On top of that, travellers booking international routes will enjoy 20kg of free checked baggage, making it easier than ever to pack for a long-haul adventure.

The fares sale runs from 3am AEST on September 9 to 2am on September 10. Should you be tempted, and quick off the mark, use promo code SUPERSALE99 when booking direct on www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The fare deduction exclude taxes and fees but the 23-hour offer applies across Vietjet’s entire flight network with travel valid from October 1 to May 27, 2026.

While those napping up a deal can take advantage of the promotion to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture, Vietjet also offers connections from Ho Chi Minh City to many domestic Vietnamese destinations and popular hubs across Asia.

To meet growing demand, Vietjet is boosting flights to Ho Chi Minh City: with Melbourne increasing to six flights per week from November 11 and moving to daily from December 6. Sydney grows to six per week from November 13, increasing to daily from December 7, while Brisbane rises to five flights per week from December 6.

But note that flights to Hanoi have been cut.

South Korea in new push for more visitors

South Korea wants more tourists - but wants them outside the busy metropolis of its capital, Seoul (above).

The Asian nation this week launched a K-tourism innovation task force, a new initiative aimed at boosting visitor arrivals.

The public-private partnership is tasked with promoting more visitation by leveraging the global interest in Korean culture, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The task force is led by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young, and includes more than 20 members across government, academia and the private sector.

The new body plans to meet bi-monthly to discuss strategy to increase inbound tourism, and improve visitation numbers to regional destinations.

The task force includes representatives from the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Airports Corp., Korea Railroad Corp., and Korea Transport Institute.

Minister Chae said it aims to take a leaf out of Japan’s tourism playbook: “Although K-culture is enjoying enormous global influence, we need to carefully examine what Japan has done well over the past decade.”

One of the main challenges is dispersing tourism away from the Seoul metropolitan area to lesser-visited regional destinations, he said.

This includes encouraging airlines to launch more flights to the regions.

“With the K-tourism innovation task force, we will move beyond Seoul and ensure that communities across the country share in the benefits of a thriving tourism ecosystem,” Chae said.

Philippines hikes airport user fees

The Philippines has struggled to match the success of regional rivals Thailand and Vietnam when it comes to incoming tourism numbers and now the country's main airport has kicked a massive own goal.

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has decided to raise the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) to ₱950 ($US16.60), news hub Travel Mole reports.

This represents a 72% increase from the current ₱550 ($US9.60) and the new rate will be implemented next month.

NNIC said the hike is necessary to fund ongoing airport improvements and ensure better passenger services. And the company insisted that the new rate aligns with international standards.

The move has sparked criticism from travellers and consumer groups, who argue that such a steep increase could disproportionately impact local and regional passengers.

In a press release, NNIC highlighted that the adjustment in passenger service charges (PSC) is government-mandated. And it is the first increase in over 20 years.

On privatisation, NNIC said it was done in a bid to ensure the needed funds, expertise, and technology are brought in to modernize the country’s primary airport without burdening taxpayers.

Since its transfer to NNIC in September 2024, NAIA has handled more than 50 million passengers.

The PSC applies only to departing passengers and only once per journey.

The world according to DimSimLim

One of the key factors with any cookbook is: How many of these recipes do I want to make?

Paging through a preview copy of The Wolf of Wok Street, the answer was: Lots of them.

To be honest I have never heard of chef Vincent Lim, who goes by the catchy, but slightly weird, name of DimSimLim.

It turns out he is an internet star and no newcomer to the pan-handling business, having worked in his family's restaurants.

Lawson Chinese restaurant, the eatery he opened in the Blue Mountains in 2022, was a big success and he has since built another business, YumYum Seasoning, while being a social media star. He featured on MasterChef during a special on wok cooking.

“Cooking has always been a central part of my life, not just as a chef, but as a way to connect with my heritage and my family," Lim says.

"Growing up in my father’s restaurant, I was immersed in the kitchen, but it wasn’t just about preparing food. It was about crafting something special with each dish, a tradition that my father passed down to me with care.”



The Wolf of Wok Street features over 80 "restaurant-quality, authentic south-east Asian recipes that elevate wok cooking".

The book is well laid-out, and the recipes easy to follow.

From old school recipes like honey chicken to comforting soups such as each recipe aims to deliver restaurant-quality results.

The Wolf of Wok Street: Hardie Grant Books | September 30, 2025 | Hardback | 240pp | RRP $45.

High-tech new airport the new gateway to Cambodia

Flyers arriving in Phnom Penh will be landing at a new airport from next month.

The Cambodian capital is bidding farewell to its international airport in Pochentong, which has operated for 65 years.

The new airport (above) is named Techo International Airport (IATA code KTI) and is located 28km south of Phnom Penh.

Compared to the current facility which is a mere 30 minutes by car to the capital, it will take over an hour to reach the city centre.

There are plans to construct a direct rail link to Phnom Penh, but work has not yet started.

Secretary of State and Spokesperson for Civil Aviation, Sin Chansereyvutha, confirmed that: “Techo International Airport will open for operations on September 9, 2025, and Phnom Penh International Airport will close on the night of September 8, 2025.”

From September 9, Pochentong will only be used by military aircraft and private jets.

The new airport will be one of the largest in south-east Asia. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and his team at Foster and Partners, the concept is of a green facility, using natural light, integrating greenery and powered by a solar farm.

It is capable of handling up to 13 million passengers a year, which is 2.5 times more than the current airport’s capacity.

The airport’s management will be transferred to Cambodia Airports, a subsidiary of French VINCI Airports.

VINCI Airports is the world's leading private airport operator with more than 70 airports operating in 14 countries and eight capitals

Thailand postpones introduction of tourism tax

Thailand has once again pushed back the introduction of its tax on tourists arriving in the country.

The new fee will now be imposed from mid 2026, local media reported.

The tourist fee was first approved in 2023 at THB 300 ($14).

Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham has confirmed that it would be shelved due to current market conditions.

Thailand tourism arrivals are currently down about 5%.

“We are delaying implementation until tourism demand rebounds,” the minister said.

The long-planned fee is locally referred to as the Kha Yeap Pan Din (literally, “stepping onto Thai soil” fee).

Chakrapol said the decision was made following a review by Minister Sorawong Thienthong.

“We must wait to assess international tourist demand during the upcoming high season in Q4 this year,” Chakrapol explained, saying the ministry needs more time to study the details and determine an appropriate fee structure based on the mode of travel - land, sea, rail, or air.

The revenue generated will be used to enhance tourist sites and fund insurance coverage for foreign visitors.

Image: Koh Samui

Tourists continue to flock to Japan

Japan’s tourism boom is showing no signs of slowing down.

The country notched up 21.5 million arrivals in the first half of 2025, a 21% jump from last year and a record high for the period, the Japan National Tourism Organization announced this week.

Tourist spending in the first six months of the year also reached new heights - 4.8 trillion yen, a roughly 23% year-over-year increase.

South Korea represented the largest source of visitors with 4.78 million travellers, a 7.7% increase from last year, China registered a major increase - a 53.5% jump to 4.71 million visitors.

In addition, Japan saw double-digit percentage increases in visitors from Taiwan and the US, although numbers from Hong Kong dipped.

Japan set a new record with 36.8 million visitors last year, and the country has set its sights on attracting 60 million tourists annually by 2030.

Japan’s top tourism source markets:
1) South Korea: 4.78 million visitors, +7.7%
2) China, 4.71 million visitors, +53.5%
3) Taiwan, 3.28 million visitors, +10.3%
4) United States, 1.7 million visitors, +26.7%
5) Hong Kong, 1.27 million visitors, -0.4%

Image; Meghan Page, Scop.io 

Thailand abandons plans for legal casinos

Thailand has abandoned a plan to allow legal casino gambling, blaming the current political crisis in the country.

The move comes after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office.

The casino bill is a major policy project for the Pheu Thai Party but it conceded it is "not the appropriate time" to proceed with it, said Julapun Amornvivat, the deputy finance minister.

“It’s a shame; the delay is a lost opportunity for the country,” he said.

Our Thai correspondent had long predicted that the casino plan would not go ahead, citing the money made by influential businessmen in the illegal casino industry.

He said it would "dilute the profits made in illegal casinos".

The Prime Minister is in trouble over an ethics violation in an unrelated natter – the military standoff with Cambodia, media hub Travel Mole reported.

The casino bill aimed to offer permits for major integrated casino resorts to boost tourism revenues.

The cabinet withdrew the bill "for now" as the ruling party has lost the support of its coalition partners.

“It needs more studies that require further understanding and social context,” government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab said.

Image: Calanja McIester, Scop.io

Demand continues to surge for Asian cruises

Demand for international cruising continues to surge, new data reveals. 

Cruise Guru, CLIA’s 2024 Online Cruise Agency of the Year, has revealed a significant shift in consumer interest towards international cruising, with Q1 2025 data showing a 19% surge in searches for international cruises compared to the same period last year. 

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry association.

Cruise Guru said destination-specific searches jumped by 22.08% with Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, China and other south-east Asian destinations among the top regions searched in Q1 2025.

Asia emerged as the top region of interest with 22% selecting it as their preferred destination, surpassing traditional hotspots. 

“We are witnessing a clear shift in the way Australians are searching for cruises with our data showing a rising appetite for international itineraries, particularly in Asia," said Michael Betteridge, Chief Commercial & Operations Officer at Cruise Guru.

"Asia is an easy choice as it combines value, closer-to-home convenience and a sense of discovery as travellers seek new horizons beyond the traditional Mediterranean and South Pacific routes.”

Australia’s domestic cruising capacity has declined about 30% in recent years with changes expected to be felt in the coming seasons. Several cruise lines have adjusted their schedules or withdrawn ships from the region, creating a gap that’s prompting Australian travellers to look further afield.

Contact 13 13 03 or visit www.cruiseguru.com.au.

7/7 means up to 77% off flights with Vietjet

 

There is no airline that offers as many special deals and airfare reductions as Vietjet, which is now the largest Vietnamese airline flying between Australia and Vietnam.

Vietjet has announced a "7/7 double-day promotion" that offers Australian travellers up to 77% off discounted fares across its Vietnam domestic and international network, including direct routes between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth to Ho Chi Minh City, as well as between Sydney, Melbourne and Hanoi.

The sale kicks off for one day only, from 3am on July 7 to 2am to July 8 AEST.

Guests booking Eco tickets via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app using the promo code SUPERSALE77 will be eligible. 

The offer is valid for travel between August 11, 2025, and March 28, 2026.

As a part of Vietjet’s global expansion, the airline has also launched two new direct routes from Hanoi to Chengdu and Hanoi to Xi’an.

To meet rising travel demand, Vietjet has added over 600,000 additional seats across its growing network of more than 145 domestic and international routes, connecting travellers to destinations in Vietnam, India, China, South Korea, Japan, south-east Asia, and beyond.

AirAsia eyes Gulf hub as it ponders return to Europe

Malaysia-based low cost carrier AirAsia is looking to expand its flight destinations into Europe.

AirAsia has plans to establish an airport hub in the Arabian Gulf, giving it a stepping stone to resume European flights after a long absence.

It is eyeing one-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to London Gatwick among other major cities.

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said talks were held with government officials from some Gulf states recently, but no location has yet been decided.

“From there, Europe is a shorter distance," he told the Financial Times. "We can then start looking at those kinds of exciting, longer-haul fares, and start taking people around the world through a one-stop and multi-hop strategy."

The airline has tried non-stop flights to Europe previously, including to London and Paris, but found the high costs a negative factor.

Costs are a major factor in the Asia market with rival Jetstar Asia recently announcing it will shut down.

“I think destinations that decide that they’re premium are missing out on a big market," Fernandes added.

"We’re going back to the Ryanair strategy of looking at alternative airports to serve those markets.”

AirAsia currently only has about 8% of its passenger traffic taking connecting flights.

It hopes to significantly grow this.

“Airlines such as ours have just been point to point, but a shift could be a very, very profitable part of the business for us,” Fernandes said.

North Korea opens massive tourism resort complex

North Korea has opened a new beach resort town that will welcome visitors from next week, CNN and news hub Travel Mole reported.

Wonsan-Kalma will initially be only for domestic tourists and is located in the home town of North Korea leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Un personally cut the ribbon of a new resort on the east coast, hailed by state media as a “national treasure-level tourism city” - a seaside development set against what human rights observers describe "as stark realities of hunger and hardship" across North Korea.

The country’s official KCNA news service reported Kim opened the sprawling beachside resort, which features water parks, high-rise hotels, and accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests.

The agency reported "the tourists from home and abroad can choose where [any one] to stay according to their tastes. The tourist area has sea-bathing service facilities and various sports, amusement, commercial and public catering facilities".

 

The launch was a remarkable display of extravagance in what is one of the world’s most reclusive nations.

KCNA reported “service for domestic guests will begin on July 1 in the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone" but gave no details on eligibility or transportation.

The Kalma beach resort is next to an international airport, which could indicate the project is ultimately aimed at attracting foreign currency through tourism, although international attendance at the ribbon-cutting was limited to the Russian ambassador and staff.

Last year, small groups of Russian tourists visited North Korea for three-day ski holidays at Maskiryong resort, but these, like all tourist experiences in North Korea, were reported as being heavily monitored and controlled by the government.

“I was hoping this might signal a broader reopening to international tourism, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case for now,” said Rowan Beard, the co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, which has hosted group visits to North Korea.

Images: Opening ceremony. KCNA

Scoot moves to take over Jetstar Asia routes

Singapore Airlines’ budget subsidiary, Scoot will take over some routes currently run by soon-to-close airline Jetstar Asia.

Jetstar Asia, based at Changi Airport, is set to close down on July 31, due to high airport fees and fierce competition.

Scoot will launch new routes from Singapore to Okinawa, Japan and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia, Scoot said.

Both routes were exclusive to Jetstar Asia.

Main carrier Singapore Airlines will increase capacity on other Jetstar Asia routes, news hub Travel Mole reported. 

These include to Manila, Colombo and Jakarta.

Full details of expanded schedules will be announced subject to approvals.

Scoot has also said it will look to fast track applications of Jetstar Asia staff for available jobs within SIA Group.

Fancy flying Australia to China via Vietnam?

Fast-growing Vietjet this week announced the launch of two new direct routes connecting Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, with Chengdu and Xi’an in China. 

The inaugural flights are scheduled for July 1 and July 6 respectively. 

Each route will operate four return flights per week, boosting the airline’s China–Vietnam network to seven new routes introduced in the first half of 2025.

These new services are aimed to appeal to Australian travellers looking to explore multi-stop itineraries across Asia with connections from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth via Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City into China. 

The launch also supports growing demand for trade, tourism, and business travel in the broader Asia-Pacific region.

To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is offering promotional tickets at super-saver fares viawww.vietjetair.com and via the Vietjet Air mobile app.

These new routes follow the recent launches connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as the Hanoi-Shanghai service. 

With the addition of Chengdu and Xi’an, Vietjet strengthens its position as a leading low-cost carrier providing direct access to China from Vietnam.

For Australians using Vietnam as a regional hub, Vietjet’s wider network recently includes direct flights from Vietnam to India (Hyderabad, Bengaluru), Japan (Nagoya, Fukuoka) and a new service between Phu Quoc Island and Singapore will also be starting at the end of this month. 

# Vietjet is a full member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. It is Vietnam’s largest private carrier.