Japan first introduced its International Tourist Tax (sometimes called the “sayonara tax”) in January 2019 and has now confirmed it will triple the tax as part of a government initiative to combat overtourism and improve regional infrastructure. 

However, the threat of overtourism is fast diminishing due to a dramatic fall-off in tourist arrivals from China and the wider impact of the Gulf Crisis, which has seen airfares blow out by 15 to 20%.

The increase in the international travel tax applies to all passengers — both foreign visitors and Japanese citizens—departing the country by air or sea. 

Japanese citizens must pay the tax when flying abroad. Foreigners resident in Japan on a work or study visa still pay the tax when they leave for a vacation or a business trip.

The tax will be automatically bundled into the price of the airline or cruise ticket.

There are exceptions: Children under the age of two and transit passengers who depart Japan within 24 hours of their arrival do not pay the levy.

Initially, in the original announcement on the tax increase, the  Japanese government said it would use the additional revenue (estimated at JPY130 billion during the 2026 fiscal year) to fund “overtourism” countermeasures. 

It identified improving crowd management in popular cities like Kyoto, enhancing multilingual support at attractions, and promoting travel to lesser-known rural regions.

Connecting Flights

If you fly from a regional Japanese airport ( such as Sendai) to an international hub (such as Narita) to catch a flight to New York, you only pay the tax once on the international sector leaving Japan.

Local accommodation taxes

While the International Tourist Tax applies only to leaving the country, travellers pay an accommodation tax when staying in  Japanese cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and, as of 1 April 2026, Hokkaido).

A local city tax of JPY100 (USD0.63) to JPY500 (USD13.13) per night applies to everyone staying in a hotel, including domestic travellers. It is usually paid directly to the hotel at check-in or check-out.

(Source: Trip.com and VisaHQ)

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De Brito brings more than 30 years of international hospitality experience to the role, with a strong track record in hotel openings, operational leadership, and commercial performance across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

Before joining Pullman Ninh Binh, he served as Area General Manager for Accor in Japan, where he oversaw operations across a portfolio of hotels, including Grand Mercure Ise Shima. 

The 283-key Pullman Ninh Binh is a new landmark in the heart of this up-and-coming Vietnamese destination. De Brito will be responsible for leading the overall operations and strategic direction of Pullman Ninh Binh, with a focus on establishing the hotel as a leading address for both business and leisure travellers in Northern Vietnam. 

(Source: Pullman Hotels & Resorts)

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Chiang Mai, Thailand*

Chiang Mai is not just about temples and mountains; it’s also a burgeoning nightlife destination. The city offers a mix of traditional Thai bars and modern cocktail lounges, making it a perfect spot for those looking to explore a different side of Thailand. Visitors can enjoy a night out in the bustling Nimmanhaemin area, where creativity and culture blend seamlessly with the nightlife.

*Warning: Chiang Mai, Thailand, ranked as the most polluted major city globally, on 26 March 2026. Smog continues to plague the destination. 27 March, 2026: Chiang Mai among top 10 most polluted cities in the world. 

Osaka, Japan

Known for its culinary delights, Osaka is also gaining fame for its eclectic bar scene. From hidden speakeasies to bustling izakayas, the city offers a diverse range of drinking spots. Visitors can enjoy local sake and craft cocktails while soaking in the energetic vibe of this Japanese city. The Dotonbori district, with its neon lights and lively atmosphere, provides a unique backdrop for an unforgettable bar-hopping experience.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang is quickly becoming a favourite for nightlife seekers. The city’s bar scene is a blend of beachfront bars with stunning views and cosy pubs with live music. The dynamic atmosphere and affordable drinks make it an attractive destination for those looking to experience Vietnam’s nightlife. The Han River area, with its vibrant night markets and riverside bars, offers a picturesque setting for a night of exploration and enjoyment.

Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya offers a unique bar-hopping experience with its mix of traditional and contemporary bars. The city’s vibrant districts are hubs for nightlife, where visitors can enjoy local beers and cocktails in a lively setting. Nagoya’s blend of history and modernity provides a distinctive backdrop for a night out. The Sakae district, known for its entertainment options and bustling nightlife, is a must-visit for those seeking a diverse and exciting bar scene.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island’s nightlife is as diverse as its natural beauty. The island boasts a variety of bars, from chic lounges to quirky themed bars. With a friendly local crowd and a wide selection of drinks, Jeju Island is an exciting destination for those looking to explore South Korea’s vibrant bar scene. The Seogwipo area, with its coastal charm and unique bar offerings, provides a refreshing escape for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and excitement.

Agoda Regional Director, North Asia, Jay Lee, shared: “Across Asia, more and more cities are redefining nightlife on their own terms, and offering visitors the best of post-sunset adventures. Agoda is thrilled to spotlight these destinations, offering travellers a chance to explore new and exciting bar-hopping experiences across a range of locales in the region.”

(Source: Agoda)

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Located in Nha Trang’s newly developed northern coastal precinct, just 10 minutes from Tran Phu Street, the 31-floor voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang is a member of the premium collection of IHG Hotels & Resorts. 

Set along the shoreline, the 250-room property offers access to the city’s key attractions while providing a more relaxed coastal setting, with all guestrooms featuring ocean views.

“We are thrilled to open voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang and bring a reliable but different stay experience to the lively coastal city. The hotel reflects the brand’s thoughtful, unstuffy and charming personality, with a focus on hosted service and sustainability. Our bayfront location offers guests the best of both worlds: the tranquillity of the coast and easy access to Nha Trang’s vibrant attractions.

We look forward to contributing to the city’s continued growth as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic coastal destinations,” shared voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG General Manager Justin Malcolm.

The hotel’s five outlets offer a taste of the “voco life”. Infini Bleu, the pool bar with sea views, sets the stage for relaxed sunset moments with sips by the skyline. 

The hotel’s speciality restaurant, ‘La Bonita’, brings Mediterranean dining with Italian and Spanish flavours, while ‘The Show’, an all-day-dining restaurant, delivers live cooking performances. Socialite, the hotel’s lobby lounge, transitions from a relaxed daytime café into an intimate evening bar, offering craft beverages and light bites.

(Source: IHG)

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The conference will feature two full days of in-depth discussions on Southeast Asia’s dynamic travel landscape. Curated to reflect the evolving demands of today’s travellers, the programme brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and key decision-makers to explore emerging trends, regional opportunities, and strategic developments across the Leisure, MICE, and Corporate sectors, all within a focused, business-driven environment.

Buyer registration is now open for decision makers with high procurement volume in Indonesia’s outbound travel. Buyers enjoy pre-scheduled meetings with international exhibitors, attend insightful conference sessions, and access exclusive buyers-only networking.

Other shows from ITB

ITB India

1 – 3 September 2026

Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India

ITB India is an annual B2B travel trade show focusing on the Indian and South Asian travel market in MICE, corporate travel, leisure and travel technology.

ITB Asia

21 – 23 October 2026

Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore

The annual three-day B2B trade show and convention will feature exhibiting companies from around the world, covering MICE, Leisure, and Corporate Travel.

MICE Show Asia

21 – 23 October 2026

Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore

An unmissable event for the meeting industry in APAC, MICE Show Asia is where the incentive travel, meetings and events industries come together to connect and build the future of MICE.

Travel Tech Asia

21 – 23 October 2026

Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore

Travel Tech Asia is where the latest technologies, emerging trends, leading travel brands, and innovative startups converge, creating new possibilities for travel.

The post Travel Meet Asia 2026 appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The new Almaty to Shanghai service was launched on 29 March 2026 and initially operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. 

A further new China service between Astana and Guangzhou will commence on 2 June 2026, with twice weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays. New services between Astana and Larnaca (Cyprus)  will launch on 2 June 2026, and from Almaty to Larnaca from 4 June 2026. All services will be operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft.

Gradual increases in flights from Astana and Almaty to Beijing, Istanbul and Antalya (Turkey) are expected during the Summer Schedule period. Flights from Astana to Frankfurt will operate daily starting in May. Fights from Almaty to Urumqi (China), Tbilisi (Georgia) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan) are also expected to increase.

Seasonal flights are resuming from Almaty to Nha Trang and Da Nang (Vietnam), Batumi (Georgia), Podgorica (Montenegro) and Bodrum (Turkey), as well as from Astana to Nha Trang and Da Nang, Podgorica, Tbilisi, Bodrum and Tashkent and from Atyrau to Tbilisi. Seasonal flights from Almaty to Male (Maldives) have been extended until the end of May.

(Source: Astana)

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This collaboration marks a significant step towards positioning Malaysia as a leading destination for adventure tourism, combining MATTA’s extensive tourism network with BASE Malaysia’s expertise in extreme sports and BASE jumping activities.

Under this partnership, both parties will work together to organise and promote key tourism and adventure events scheduled for August and September 2026. These include the highly anticipated World Base Cup 2026, set to take place at Menara 118, and Bazaar MATTA, which will be held at Stadium Merdeka in conjunction with the event.

The MOU aims to promote safe, responsible, and sustainable adventure tourism in Malaysia, while enhancing visibility and engagement among both local and international travellers.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, MATTA President Nigel Wong noted that the collaboration reflects MATTA’s commitment to diversifying Malaysia’s tourism offerings and tapping into the growing global interest in adventure tourism. He added that by working with BASE Malaysia, MATTA aims to create impactful experiences that attract new segments of travellers while ensuring safety and sustainability remain at the forefront, including through initiatives such as the Bazaar MATTA led by the MATTA Kuala Lumpur Chapter.

BASE Malaysia President, Dann Lee Chee Seong, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting that the collaboration will bring world-class BASE jumping events to Malaysia. He added that it will not only showcase the country’s iconic locations but also strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading hub for adventure tourism.

As part of the collaboration, both parties will also undertake joint promotional efforts, including marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and media outreach to maximise awareness and participation in the upcoming events.

The MOU, effective until 31 December 2026, reflects a shared vision to drive innovation and growth in Malaysia’s tourism industry, particularly within the adventure tourism segment. 

(Source: MATTA).

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Spanning 40,820 square metres across 10 halls, the 58th edition of the MATTA Fair made travel more accessible through a diverse showcase, featuring 2,051 booths from 332 participating organisations, marking a groundbreaking milestone for the association.

Visitors browsed through the fair’s wide range of offerings, displayed by 210 tour and travel agencies presenting curated travel packages, alongside participation from six National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and 11 State Tourism Organisations (STOs). The fair also featured 64 hotels and resorts, 11 theme parks, one participating airline, and 29 other travel-related service providers, reflecting the depth and vibrancy of the tourism industry.

 “We are proud to feature Johor as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination and Macao as our International Favourite Destination, both showcasing rich experiences that inspire travellers to explore with greater curiosity,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong. “Our collaboration with Malaysia Aviation Group, as the  Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor, enhanced the fair with greater connectivity and exciting travel possibilities, while RHB Bank, as the Official Bank Partner, added a layer of convenience and value to the overall travel planning experience.”

As an advocate for sustainable travel through its MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), MATTA also featured its signature MESTI Pavilion at the fair, located in Level 1 (Domestic Hall) with 21 booths from nine participating organisations.

“Despite global uncertainties, Malaysia’s tourism industry remains resilient. Travellers continue to see Malaysia as a safe, well-connected, and diverse destination, with strong appeal across nature, culture, and community experiences. This resilience gives us confidence in achieving our visitor targets while promoting meaningful and sustainable travel experiences. MATTA Fair continues to serve as a trusted platform for travellers to plan their journeys with confidence and purpose,” said Wong.

(Source: MATTA)

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All flights to and from Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors established in close coordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

Flight schedules are subject to change or cancellation due to operational, regulatory, safety, or other circumstances beyond the airline’s control. 

To view the schedule, click here.

Passengers who currently hold a confirmed booking on a flight to the destinations listed in the new schedule will be contacted with new flight information. 

The airline advises passengers to check the “Flight Status” tool in the Qatar Airways app or on the website before heading to Hamad International Airport, as schedules are still subject to sudden changes. 

Qatar Airways advises that it is now embarking on a significant network restoration following the severe operational disruptions in March. While many scheduled flights are back in the air, the situation remains fluid.

Flights successfully departed this week from Doha to major hubs including London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Bangkok (BKK), and Shanghai (PVG).

Airspace corridors

All current operations are conducted through “dedicated flight corridors” established in coordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to safely navigate ongoing regional constraints.

The airline has filed plans to resume or increase frequencies to several key destinations this month.

Flights resuming early April

Service to Seoul (ICN), Phuket/Penang (HKT/PEN), and Clark (CRK) is scheduled to restart the first week of April.

From 16 April 16, the airline intends to resume flights to Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Geneva (GVA), and Stockholm (ARN).

Ongoing suspensions

Several routes from Doha remain suspended for the remainder of April, including Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Bahrain (BAH), and Beirut (BEY).

Booking flexibility

For travellers affected by the recent disruptions (specifically those with bookings through 15 June 2026), Qatar Airways is offering complimentary date changes (within 14 days of the original date) or full refunds for unused ticket values.

Aircraft changes

Airbus A380 operations have been removed from the schedule for the first half of April, with most long-haul routes currently being serviced by Boeing 777-300ER or Airbus A350 aircraft.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

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Operating five times per week, the new service extends the airline’s passenger network in North America to nine destinations.

As part of Cathay’s 80th-anniversary celebrations, the inaugural Hong Kong-Seattle flight was operated by the airline’s special-edition Airbus A350 aircraft, featuring its iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery, honouring eight decades of moving its home city, people and customers forward since 1946.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “As we celebrate ‘80 Years Together’ and connect Hong Kong with the world, the launch of our Seattle service highlights the deepening ties between two global centres of innovation, culture, and commerce. 

“Through the Cathay Group’s investment of well over HKD100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, we are committed to offering customers a seamless and elevated travel experience, whether they are travelling to Hong Kong or connecting to onward destinations through our global network covering more than 100 destinations worldwide. This new service not only enhances connectivity for business and leisure travellers, but also reinforces our role in supporting Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.”

Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Seattle service uses an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured with business class, premium economy, and economy cabins. Flight schedules are as follows:

30 March – 31 May 2026; 16 September – 24 October 2026

This summer, Cathay Pacific is operating close to 120 return flights per week to nine passenger destinations across North America, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

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