Asian travellers embrace solo journeys

Interest in solo travel is rising across Asia, digital travel platform Agoda reports. 

Agoda notes a 16% increase in solo accommodation searches compared to last year. 

This trend underscores a growing movement of travellers embracing the freedom and adventure of solo journeys, it says.

When planning their trips, solo travellers gravitate towards major cities in Asia. 

Tokyo (Japan) leads the pack, ahead of Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka (Japan), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) rounding out the top five destinations. 

These urban hubs offer a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to world-class dining and lively entertainment, perfect for those looking to explore at their own pace. 

At the forefront of this trend are travellers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, who make up the top five solo travel groups in Asia, Agoda's data show. 

While Japanese travellers dominate in numbers, interest in solo travel has grown the fastest among Indonesians with a 72% increase in searches. 

Thai travellers follow close behind, with a 37% rise in solo travel interest. This growth highlights a transformative shift in how individuals across Asia are redefining their travel experiences and looking beyond traditional group trips.

"The rise in solo travel across Asia has become a defining trend in 2025 that reflects a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion," says Jay Lee, regional director for North Asia at Agoda said. 

"Agoda is thrilled to support these journeys by offering a wide array of options tailored to solo travellers, ensuring they have everything they need to make their trips unforgettable."

See Agoda.com for more information.

Image: Terran Goodwin, Scop.io

Hit the road: US rolls out new travel campaign

The United States’ destination marketing organization is rolling out a new campaign to bolster travel demand in key markets,.

Brand USA’s global campaign America the Beautiful launched this week in London at Brand USA Travel Week, aimed at connecting US destinations with international buyers and media after reduced visitor numbers in the first half of the year.

The campaign, first unveiled in June, followed cuts to Brand USA’s federal funding at a time when political rhetoric and restrictive policies have curbed international tourism to the US, travel news hub Skift reported.

The campaign will roll out on connected TV, streaming, out-of-home, digital, and social media platforms across nine major markets: the UK, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

It is timed to promote growth ahead of 2026, a year marked by the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the Route 66 centennial.

"The United States remains the top international destination for long-haul leisure travel in the world, reflecting the enduring appeal of our varied and unique destinations and experiences," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.

“With America the Beautiful, we're delivering a fresh invitation to explore the USA in new and exciting ways. 

"As we look ahead to 2026 and the decade of mega events on the horizon, we remain laser-focused on maximizing international tourism opportunities to drive economic impact and job growth while inviting the world to celebrate 250 years of America the Beautiful.”

The message sounds a little Trumpian.

"America the Beautiful tells the story of America bigger, bolder, and more beautifully than ever before -balancing the power of place with the depth of human connection,” said Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer of Brand USA.

“Every element, from powerful creative storytelling to AI-powered planning tools, is designed to inspire travellers to see America in new ways and to turn that inspiration into action.

"We're not asking people to simply visit America; we're inviting them to feel it, taste it, and carry home experiences that become core memories.”

Brand USA Travel Week India (January 18-23, 2026) and Brand USA Travel Week South America (March 16-20, 2026) will be key events in markets with strong potential for inbound travel growth.

To learn more about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com.

Major travel player is banking on AI technology

Can Artificial Intelligence help deliver a better travel experience?

That is something the Trip.com Group is banking on.

Personalised experiences are what travellers are looking for today, the Trip.com Group said as it shared strategic insights on how it is redefining the traveller's journey through AI-powered tools.

Focused on creating value and customised experiences for travellers, the company showcased its latest features, data insights and strategies at ITB Asia 2025, held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

On-trend jargon was full throttle at a panel gathering "Driving Innovation in Travel through Technology" presented by Edmund Ong, senior regional firector, SEA and general manager, Singapore, for Trip.com Group.

He said the company is staying ahead of change by harnessing AI for personalised travel experiences and highlighted how travellers can receive "highly tailored" recommendations through AI-powered tools such as TripGenie.

Last month, TripGenie's traffic rose 125% year-on-year, with over 200% increase in users and conversations made.

"When we look at the traveller journey, we see the power of AI in enabling personalised experiences for our users who are seeking the best options at the best value," Ong said.

"To do so, we believe that collaboration is the right way forward. It allows us to leverage the strengths of our partners to build a trusted and tailored experience for our customers from end-to-end."

In a "deep-dive session" called "How Intelligent Personal Technology is Reshaping the Traveller's Journey" – Trip.com Group's senior product director Amy Wei shared how AI can transform the travel experience into "one that is personal, intelligent and anticipatory".

She said consumers today expect hyper-personalisation, from real-time travel inspiration to dynamic itinerary crafting. "With tools like TripGenie, travellers now have an intelligent travel co-pilot that provides a simplified and frictionless overall experience".

Call me old fashioned but on the evidence I have seen AI has a long way to travel.

"There is a huge change in how we interact with technology today," Wei said.

"Generic travel searches have evolved into AI-driven discovery and natural conversations. We designed TripGenie with this in mind, re-architecting the entire traveller journey. This allows travellers to instantly turn their travel inspirations into bookable itineraries and recommendations that cater to their preferences and needs at every step."

Hmm. Still not convinced.

* Image: Tarran Goodwin, Scop.io  

Tasmania's charms grabbing global attention

Tasmanian tourism is having a moment in the sun, with increased visitation and global recognition.

Tourism Tasmania's latest Visitor Data Snapshot shows Australia's smallest state welcomed 1.35 million visitors for the year ending June 2025, with those travellers spending more than $3.6 billion during their stay.

This was a 3.5% increase in visitor numbers and a 3.6% growth in spending compared with the year ending June 2024. 

Visitors stayed 12.79 million nights and spent on average $2,671 each, both equal with the previous year.

International visitors spent a record $648.6 million, representing a 23% increase from last year despite a slight reduction in visitor numbers. 

This was above the national spend increase of 18%. The USA and UK led international visitor numbers and spend, surpassing pre-Covid levels.

Interstate visitor numbers, spend and nights were all up on June 2024, with visitors from Victoria, NSW and Queensland leading all three categories.

Tasmania was also recently named the world's second-best island in Condé Nast's 2025 Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. 

It comes as renowned chef Gordon Ramsay also praised the state's produce in an interview with Condé Nast.

The Readers’ Choice Awards, voted on by over 500,000 global travellers, celebrate the best destinations, hotels, and experiences across the globe.

Tasmania came second in the World's Best Islands - Australasia and South Pacific just behind Bora Bora. 

Saffire Freycinet and Kittawa Lodge on King Island were also named in the World’s Best Resorts for the same region, coming in at fifth and 16th, respectively.

Adding to the recognition, chef Ramsay told Condé Nast he was impressed by the standard of Tasmania's produce during his visit to film the National Geographic TV series Uncharted. 

The praise was part of a video interview where he recounted his favourite food destinations around the world.

Image: Hobart waterfront 

Kyoto imposes massive tourism tax on visitors

The Japanese city of Kyoto, struggling to deal with overwhelming crowds of tourists, this week unveiled plans for a whopping increased accommodation tax. 

Taxes will rise to up to 10,000 yen (about $100) per person, per night - starting from March 1, city officials announced.

The new rate, a tenfold jump from the current 1,000 yen/$10 maximum, is designed to fund infrastructure improvements and initiatives aimed at easing congestion across the city’s popular districts, news hub Travel Mole reported. .

Under the new tiered system, the 10,000-yen levy will apply to hotel stays costing 100,000 yen or more per night. Kyoto will then have the highest lodging tax in Japan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said.

City officials say the measure comes after years of frustration over constant tourist crowds; from packed city buses to throngs of visitors overwhelming historic sites and narrow streets.

In its application to the ministry earlier this year, Kyoto argued that “tourists must also share the cost of measures against overtourism.” The increase marks the first adjustment since the tax was introduced in 2018.

Students and teachers on school trips will remain exempt from the taxes.

Following the increase, Kyoto expects its annual lodging tax revenue to nearly double from 5.9 billion yen this fiscal year to 12.6 billion yen next year, based on city projections. 

The change comes amid a surge in luxury hotel development. Tokyo-based Imperial Hotel Ltd. is set to open Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, in March 2026 in the city’s Higashiyama Ward. 

The property will incorporate the façade of Yasaka Hall, a registered cultural property in Kyoto’s Gion district; regarded as the heart of geisha culture. Room rates are expected to start at 164,500 yen per night.

Images: Winsor Dobbin

Dubai to make a splash with the world's tallest hotel

The world's tallest hotel will open its doors in November - and it also boasts the highest infinity pool. 

Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, will span floors and soar to a height of 377 metres. 

It is described as "an architectural masterpiece offering a new luxury hospitality experience defined by award-winning design, high-end guest experiences, exceptional facilities and stunning views".

So no guest expectations. 

Ciel Dubai Marina has been designed by award-winning architect NORR, featuring an “eye of the needle” shape (top image). 

The hotel will comprise 1,004 rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling glass windows showcasing panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai’s skyline.

To be managed by The First Group Hospitality, the hotel offers direct access to Dubai Marina’s world-class dining, shopping, stunning beaches, and renowned attractions. 

It is just minutes from Palm Jumeirah and Uptown Dubai. 

“We are extremely proud to witness our vision for Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection come to life in a truly idyllic location, with unbeatable views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline,” says Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group.  

“Ciel represents a landmark development that reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for tourism and business travel. Standing at 377 meters, the all-hotel tower will redefine upper-upscale hospitality, blending innovation, luxury, and creativity through its striking design, world-class amenities, and breathtaking vistas".

Ciel Dubai Marina will have eight dining "concepts" ranging from buffets to signature restaurants, casual cafés and award-winning international brands. 

Beyond dining, the hotel will offer a luxury spa on the 61st floor, a state-of-the-art (aren't they all nowadays) gym with panoramic views, and exclusive access to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah. Families will find tailored experiences for children, while business travellers can take advantage of the executive lounge and flexible meeting spaces.

This year has seen several major hotel openings in Dubai, including Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, a superyacht-inspired property with 386 rooms and suites, that began welcoming guests in March.

Other anticipated openings include the Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, which will have 259 rooms and suites in the Wasl Tower, as well as Zuha Resort Villas on the World Islands.

For more information, see www.cieldubai.com

Taiwan moves to increase visitor numbers from Australia and New Zealand

Taiwan is an increasingly popular destination for travellers from Australia and New Zealand.

The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) this week opened the Australian Taiwan Tourism Information Centre (TTIC) in Sydney.

The opening comes as recent visitor data shows a growing trend with visitor numbers from Australia and New Zealand up by more than 26% in the past year and forecast to climb a further 16% in 2025.

More than 60% of Australians and New Zealanders who travel to Taiwan do so for leisure, making it one of Asia's fast-growing leisure destinations.

Arrivals between January and May 2025 were already up 17.47% against the same period in 2024, and TTA anticipates a total of 150,000 ANZ visitors in 2025.

Located in the Sydney CBD at 22 Market Street, the new TTIC is designed to offer travel advice, cultural showcases and insider tips.

"Australian travellers are adventurous and discerning, seeking meaningful cultural encounters and authentic nature experiences, and Taiwan has it all," said Shih-fang Huang, deputy director general of Taiwan Tourism Administration.

"With the opening of our new TTIC Sydney office, we're making it even easier for Australians to discover Taiwan's beauty, flavours and culture, while strengthening our partnerships here and underscoring our commitment to the country."

Direct flights to Taiwan are available on China Airlines and EVA Air. 

See eng.taiwan.net.tw

Image: Taipei City

Drinks law that was rarely enforced is canned after 50 years

Thailand has lifted a decades-old ban on the serving of alcohol in the afternoon.

It was a law that most tourists knew nothing about, and was rarely enforced.

The scrapping of the prohibition, which banned alcohol sales in restaurants from 2pm to 5pm, brings an end to a regulation dating back to a 1972 Revolutionary Council Order.

Restaurants said it could spark higher sales and a be a boost to tourism and the economy, although that would seem debatable.

Sorathep Rojpojchanarat, president of the Restaurant Business Association, thanked both the former administration and opposition parties for “listening to the voices of business owners.”

Sorathep described the law as outdated, noting it had been in force for more than 53 years despite Thailand’s transformation into one of the world’s most-visited tourist destinations.

The lifting of the ban applies to restaurants only, not retail outlets such as convenience stores, which are still officially prohibited from selling liqour between 2-5pm.

The new rule will officially come into force in November.

Image: Black Ginger, The Slate, Phuket

"Las Vegas will bounce back" says airline chief

Las Vegas will bounce back from its recent slump in tourism numbers, a local airline head has predicted. 

Allegiant Airlines CEO Greg Anderson recognises Las Vegas, where Allegiant is headquartered, has recently seen a decline in visitor numbers with Canadian travellers avoid visiting the US and budget travellers seeing the city as too expensive. 

Anderson, however, told travel news hub Skift that budget carrier Allegiant is still seeing healthy demand for Las Vegas.

 “In terms of Vegas, I know there's been some headlines," Anderson said.

"I’d say for us in Allegiant, there’s been a lot of capacity that’s been pulled out of Vegas from other carriers, particularly some of the low-fare carriers. So I think that comes back overall in Vegas. 

"Vegas, we’re the hometown airline here, and we have a real strong position in the community in and around Vegas. We’re seeing some success here in Vegas, and we’ll continue to keep a close eye on it, as well as Florida and other areas throughout the network.

"It’s a resilient city, and they’ll continue to find ways to adapt to the environment. And long term, I think Vegas will continue to do very well. It’s in category one when it comes to your leisure destinations.”

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) recently released its numbers for July visitors, noting a 12% drop from last year, Fox News reported.

There were 3,089,300 visitors this July compared to over 3.5 million last year, while hotel occupancy on the Las Vegas strip dropped 7% from 86.5% last year.

To save money, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino has announced it will be abandoning live dealers, shifting to electronic table games. A sign of things to come?

Low-cost airline carrier cuts back on flights

Planning a European trip with low-cost airline Wizz Air? 

It might pay to make sure your travel insurance is up to date and to have a back-up plan. 

Wizz Air continues to rationalise its network and close bases as it faces financial difficulties, travel news hub Travel Mole reported this week.

Wizz this week announced the gradual closure of its base in Vienna, following a strategic review of its operations and fleet allocation.

The process will take place in two phases: two routes and two planes, serving Bilbao and London Gatwick, will be withdrawn on October 26. Three remaining aircraft and the rest of the routes from the Austrian capital will cease operation on March 15, 2026.

Wizz Air launched its Vienna hub in 2018 and it has been one of the most important bases for the carrier in Central Europe. Vienna’s current fleet comprises five Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Operating 28 routes to 20 countries, the fleet reflects the strong position Wizz Air has achieved in Austria.

Since the inception of Wizz Air’s Vienna base, however, airport costs and taxes have increased significantly.

Operating from Vienna has become incompatible with the airline’s ultra-low-cost business model, Wizz Air management said in a statement.

"The airport cost base in Vienna, as well as taxes and ground handling services, has risen significantly since our launch, making continued operations unsustainable," managing director Mauro Peneda said.

Founded in 2002 and based in Hungary, the airline group has its largest hubs at airports in Budapest, Bucharest and London Luton Airport. It currently flies to 194 airports and has a fleet of over 220 aircraft.

In July this year, the company announced the suspension of its operations from Abu Dhabi, saying it was caused by geopolitical turmoil, supply chain constraints, and regulatory barriers.

All flights to the region ceased on September 1.

Keen on flying with screaming infants? This carrier makes it easier

 

Are you keen on taking flights with even more screaming infants than usual?

There is one airline that virtually guarantees that experience.

British carrier Jet2.com has taken the brave - or foolhardy - step of offering completely free flights for kids under two. It is the first in the UK to adopt the policy.

Clearly Jet2 has young families as its target market, as it is hard to see mature leisure travellers, or business folk, being keen on the idea.

The new "fly free" policy for infants starts immediately for all new bookings, whether a package or flight only, news hub Travel Mole reports.

It means all infants must be carried on a parent’s lap.

As an extra incentive for families to fly with Jet2, the airline is offering the check in of strollers, travel cots and other baby gear exempt from excess baggage fees.

And infants will still get a 10kg baggage allowance.

“As a family-friendly airline and tour operator, we are always looking at how we can make the experience even better for families travelling with us,” said Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy,

“By putting our customers first, we are making travel even more accessible for millions of families.”

But less enjoyable for others.

# Jet2 it is the third-largest scheduled airline in the UK, behind easyJet and British Airways. Jet2 is also officially the largest tour operator in the UK.

Accor continues expansion in Thailand

Tourism numbers to Thailand may have suffered a recent blip, but global hotel group Accor is confident in the future.

Accor this week announced it is strengthening its footprint in Thailand with the signing of three new hotels in Bangkok and Phuket.

A partnership with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) will mark the debut of the Handwritten Collection in Bangkok, introduce the first Mercure hotel in Phuket, and expand Mövenpick's presence with a new resort on Kamala Beach.

With 70+ hotels and over 16,000 keys currently in operation across Thailand, Accor leads the premium, mid-scale, and economy hospitality segments.

The three hotels are scheduled to open between 2025 and 2027, collectively adding 585 keys in the country.

Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub

Expected to open in late 2025, Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub will become the first Mercure-branded hotel on the island. Located minutes from the beach in the island's liveliest precinct, the 198-room hotel aims to cater to both international and regional tourists.

Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach Phuket

Opening in late 2026, Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach will be a new-build 197-key resort that promises to "embrace a holistic approach to sustainability, while supporting community engagement" in a fast-growing tourism destination.

JonoX Sukhumvit 5 – Handwritten Collection, Bangkok

Handwritten Collection is a collection of hotels "with a unique personality". The 190-room JonoX Sukhumvit 5 - Handwritten Collection will be a new-build hotel that will offer convenient access to shopping, nightlife, business hubs, and medical tourism services. Scheduled to open in 2027, it will mark the debut of Handwritten Collection in Bangkok.

Andrew Langdon, Accor's Chief Development Officer, Asia, said; “Thailand has long been a key market for Accor, and our network is expanding in a strategic and considered manner.

"The signings of these three hotels with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) reflect our shared confidence in Thailand's continued growth, and the opportunity to introduce Accor's diverse brand experiences.

"Handwritten Collection, Mövenpick, and Mercure each bring unique hospitality concepts designed to meet evolving traveller expectations and celebrate Thailand's vibrant culture and unique offerings.”

Very boring image: Supplied 

New Zealand to tax foreign tourists

New Zealand is regarded as one of the most friendly, welcoming places on the planet. But the Prime Minister wants to change that.

Some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions will soon begin charging an entry fee for foreign tourists.

It could cost up to NZ$40 to visit most popular attractions such as Milford Track and Mount Cook.

Foreign visitors should contribute to the upkeep of popular national parks, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

The forecasted NZ$62 million in annual revenue raised would be invested into these locations, he said.

“I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free,” Luxon said. Which sounds dubious as you are rarely charged to visit natural attractions anywhere in the world.

“It’s only fair that at these locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution," Luxon adds.

Depending on the specific location, foreign tourists would be charged between NZ$20 and NZ$40 per person from next year.

The entry fee for foreigners will first be implemented at Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track and Mount Cook (above).

Luxon said about 80% of visitors at these attractions are foreign tourists

“At the same time, there will be no charge for New Zealanders to access the conservation estate,” he added.

“It’s our collective inheritance and Kiwis shouldn’t have to pay to see it.”

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka told The Guardian that the revenue would ensure sustained investment in New Zealand’s tourism infrastructure: “Those fees could generate NZ$62m a year so we can keep investing in the sites that underpin so much of our tourism sector.”

The fee is part of a broader shift in conservation and land-use policy under Luxon's government.

Alongside the entry charges, new laws have been passed to fast-track approvals for mining and infrastructure projects, and the government is also easing restrictions on commercial activity in conservation areas.

Image: Mount Cook, New Zealand Trails

Vietnam enjoying an air travel boom

Vietnam has seen strong growth in its air transport market over the past decade and is one of the fastest expanding in the region, analysis from IATA shows.

IATA indicates that Vietnam has advanced from being Asia Pacific’s 11th largest air passenger market in 2014 to the eighth largest in 2024.

It also registered the highest growth rate amongst the top 10 markets in the region, at 121% from 2014 to 2024.

This surge results from the country’s strong economic performance and growing appeal as a travel destination. Visa simplification for countries and the opening of new international routes have stimulated demand, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Vietnam is perceived as one of the last frontiers in Asia for foreign travellers, gaining market shares over its competitors, notably Thailand.

With 22 to 23 million foreign travellers expected in 2025, Vietnam is on track to become the third largest destination in south-east Asia, behind Malaysia and Thailand.

International passenger traffic surged by 26% last year. Data from the Vietnam National Statistics Office highlights that airlines transported 54.2 million passengers in 2024, of which 19.7 million were on international flights.

IATA stats show, seven of the top 10 international markets for travel to Vietnam more than doubled from 2014 to 2024.

As an example, traffic from India grew tenfold during this period.

South Korea is by far the largest source of international arrivals for Vietnam. It represents more than twice that of second-placed China.

Image: Alessandro Castiglioni, Scop.io   

A foreigner? You'll pay more to visit France's treasures

Visiting France? Want to see the Palace of Versailles, or go inside The Louvre?

If so, you can soon expect to pay more than the locals.

French minister of culture Rachida Dati says non-EU citizens will pay more from January 1, 2026, to visit national treasures and museums across France.

Among the destinations where visitors will pay more are Chambord Castle in the Loire Valley, the Opéra Garnier and several other sites managed by the National Monuments Centre (CMN).

Respected newspaper Le Monde reported this week that the ticket price for visitors is expected to be set at €30 (approximately $53 Australian).

Currently entrance for all visitors at The Louvre museum costs €22 while a visit to The Palace of Versailles costs €21.

The proposed differential pricing will act as a tool to generate funds for critical renovation efforts.

A recent report by the French Court of Auditors suggested the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra Bastille could temporarily shut down by 2027 due to deteriorating infrastructure and aging technical systems.

The Louvre Museum hopes the new pricing model will raise €20 million annually, helping to cover part of the urgent needed repairs as the institution is now close to 9 million visitors a year.

Crow call: Hackers target Russian airline

Pro-Ukraine computer hackers have hit Russia airline Aeroflot.

The Russian flag carrier was forced to cancel numerous flights this week after hackers launched a cyberattack, Travel Mole reported.

The Silent Crow group claimed responsibility as dozens of Aeroflot flights were cancelled on Monday.

“We declare the successful completion of a prolonged and large-scale operation, as a result of which the internal IT infrastructure of Aeroflot was completely compromised and destroyed,” Silent Crow wrote on Telegram. “Glory to Ukraine” Long live Belarus!”

The hackers said that a year-long infiltration of Aeroflot’s systems allowed them to steal 20 terabytes of data and destroy 7,000 servers.

There was some disruption to virtually all the airline's IT systems causing major flight schedule changes.

"Customers may encounter issues when accessing our services,” the airline said.

“We kindly ask passengers to monitor real-time updates on airport websites, information displays, and public announcements across the route network.”

Aeroflot's IT teams were "actively working to minimise the impact on flight operations and restore all services to as quickly as possible"

Both the Kremlin and the Russian Prosecutor General confirmed the cyberattack and a criminal investigation was launched.

Silent Crow said its motivation for the attack was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Super cheap airfares to Vietnam - but only for a couple of days

Serial sale sellers Vietjet are at it again. 

They have just launched another flash sale with zero notice. 

With these guys you are either quick, or you miss out. 

The budget Vietnamese airline is this week selling eco tickets from just $199 each way with 20kg of free checked baggage for all international flights. 

The promotional fares apply to the airline's six direct services linking Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth with Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney and Melbourne with Hanoi. 

The deals are available from Wednesday at 3am AEST until 2am on Saturday. 

The fares are available only for booking via ww.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app, for travel from September 4, 2025, to May 20, 2026. 

The extra 20kg of free checked baggage sounds ideal for anyone planning to spend an extended time in Asia. 

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 

Hotel group goes large with four new brands

 

I can’t think of anything the world needs less of than more new hotel brands.

Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator with more than 560 properties across 57 countries, disagrees.

Minor this week announced the strategic expansion of its brand portfolio with the addition of four new hotel brands, including the group’s first “soft” brands.

It says the newly launched brands will support Minor Hotels’ continued growth by enabling it to expand into new markets and provide distinctive hospitality offerings across the luxury, premium and select segments.

Soft brands are a hybrid between independent hotels and core-branded properties.  

The new brands include:

The Wolseley Hotels: a luxury brand that will blend British elegance with European flair and global influence. The aim is to create "elegant, immersive spaces that hum with the rhythm of cosmopolitan life".

Minor Reserve Collection: A "luxury soft" brand, Minor Reserve Collection is designed for travellers who seek "thoughtful, tailored stays that balance innovation and time-honoured hospitality".

Colbert Collection: A "soft" brand in the premium segment, will be aimed at those with a passion for "culinary excellence and genuine social connections". 

iStay Hotels: Will offer stays that are "fun and affordable, comfortable and convenient, delivered with minimal fuss". 

These brands join Minor Hotels’ existing portfolio of hotel brands - Anantara, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH Collection, Avani, nhow, NH and Oaks. 

“We have meticulously crafted each new brand to capture specific opportunities in the market, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers and owners alike," says Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels. 

"By expanding our brand offering to address new segments, we are empowering our partners, delighting our guests, and accelerating our global growth strategy. 

"These additional brands are instrumental in helping us reach our growth target of 850 properties by the end of 2027.”

The first property announcements for The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection and iStay are expected in the coming months.

Dual pricing in Thailand favours Thai nationals over visitors

Thailand's tourism sector continues to slump as foreign visitor numbers slide - but the government has opted to focus on boosting domestic travel, our Thai correspondent reports.

From January 1 to June 22, there was a 4.24% drop in arrivals compared to the same time last year, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported.

And, bizarrely, blame is still being cast on the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revised its forecast for the year, now predicting 37 million foreign tourists this year, falling short of the nearly 40 million record set in 2019.

But Thailand has just launched a campaign to spark domestic tourism: the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative for Thais only.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong unveiled the program this week, saying it aims to revive the tourism industry during the low season and aid "post-pandemic recovery".

The scheme will subsidise travel expenses and accommodation for locals. 

The government will cover up to 50% of accommodation costs. In primary cities, they'll subsidise 40%, while in secondary cities, they’ll cover 50% during weekdays and 40% on weekends and holidays.

Participants can accommodation for up to five nights using digital coupons, which are also redeemable at participating restaurants, shops, and tourist locations with subsidies capped at 3,000 baht per night ($138).

The government says the initiative is set to energise domestic travel and distribute economic benefits across Thailand, focusing particularly on secondary cities, while providing a significant boost to local tourism businesses.

In another Thai-only scheme, from September 30, Bangkok commuters can enjoy a 20 baht (under $1) flat fare on all eight electric train lines, including those in surrounding areas. This initiative aims to make public transport more accessible and ease city congestion.

But passengers must register through the Tang Rat mobile app to benefit - and complete the registration process to verify their Thai nationality. 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the project is on track. "The 20 baht fare cap is a public benefit, and we are ensuring everything is ready for a smooth launch," he said.

There is no mechanism for visitors to benefit, AseanNow.com reports, in contradiction to the aim of boosting overseas numbers