Trip.com and Google tell us Why Travel

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October 10, 2025

SINGAPORE, 10 October 2025: Travellers are rewriting the rulebook on why they travel, opting for meaning over mileage, and experiences over rote itineraries.

Trip.com Group and Google explore this shift in “Why Travel?”, a new global consumer report that examines the intersection of purpose, people, and place in travel.

By combining Trip.com Group’s global booking intelligence and proprietary booking data with Google’s research and search insights, the report uncovers how travellers are seeking deeper purpose and richer connections through culture, community, and technology to create more experience-focused journeys in 2026 and beyond.

The Why Travel report highlights five key themes that are shaping tomorrow’s journeys: Travel as Expression (where identity and aesthetics drive choices), Travel with Purpose (where curiosity and meaning replace cookie-cutter itineraries), Travel to Heal (where wellness and restoration become the agenda), Travel to Connect (where music, sport, and multigenerational moments bring people together), and Travel of Tomorrow (where AI and immersive technologies redefine inspiration and discovery).

Key Insights from the Why Travel? Report

Travel as Expression: Social media channels are driving travel bookings. In markets like Thailand, Indonesia, and India, over 75% of travellers say they watch travel-related livestreams. Over 40% and up to 76% viewers in some markets say they’re likely to book travel directly through links in livestreams.

Travel with Purpose: Travellers increasingly crave cultural experiences with a more thoughtful sense of exploration. Google searches for “Japanese tea ceremonies” show a 53% year-over-year increase, demonstrating the enduring power of traditional rituals and cultural practices to evoke a sense of purpose.

Travel to Heal: Wellness trips are evolving into a combination of physical challenge and restorative indulgence. Searches for “golf & spa resorts” grew by +300%, and “ski & spa” packages rose by +250% year-over-year.

Travel to Connect: Travel is no longer a solo pursuit; it’s a shared experience. Friends, families, and fan communities are influencing where people go, with concerts and sports as key travel drivers. Two-thirds of travellers are willing to travel abroad for concerts, while endurance tourism sees a fivefold increase with runners, cyclists, and Hyrox competitors crossing borders to compete and connect.

Travel of Tomorrow: Technologies like AI become the co-pilot as consumers’ confidence in using technology to plan a trip grows. “Help planning my trip” searches grow by +190% YoY.

“Travel in 2026 will be more than movement; it’s about meaning. At Trip.com Group, we are seeing travellers fly across the globe for fitness events, discover cities through local food scenes, and make booking decisions driven by social influence. By working with Google, we uncover the cultural shifts that explain not just where people go, but why they travel,” said Trip.com Group Vice President Han Feng

“We’re seeing a clear shift in how and why people explore the world, seeking deeper purpose, richer connections and experiences enhanced by technology. Google’s AI tools like Gemini, AI Mode on Search and Google Translate are emerging as travel collaborators to help people plan and make decisions,” said Google LCS Specialists team Managing Director, Greater China Joyce Zhang. “AI is an essential tool also for the industry, enabling partners like Trip.com Group to capture the immense opportunities that lie ahead in 2026 and beyond”.

Trip.com Group is doubling down on comprehensive concert travel packages and continues to expand AI-driven planning tools such as ‘Trip. Planner’ to deliver seamless, personalised journeys. Looking ahead, the next wave of consumer growth will be driven by emotional alignment, cultural fluency, and tech-enabled flexibility – the foundations of the future of travel.

Download the full Why travel? report here

(Source: Trip.com)

Airfares are rising in the Asia-Pacific

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Newsdesk

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October 10, 2025

HONG KONG, 10 October 2025: Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), the trade association representing airports, has released the 2025 edition of the Airfare Trends for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, highlighting the rising cost of air travel.

The analysis, developed with the assistance of Flare Aviation Consulting, offers a data-driven perspective, highlighting markets that have experienced significant increases in airfares and examining the factors behind this surge in two of the world’s most dynamic aviation regions.

Despite a substantial recovery of passenger traffic across the region, an increasing trend is observed from H1 2019 to 2025, in contrast to the decreasing pattern seen during the pre-pandemic years. The surge is driven mainly by inflation (as measured by the CPI) and reduced airline competition in specific key sectors.

The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed an average increase of +8% from H1 2019 to 2025, compared to an average decrease of 18% observed during H1 2014 to 2019. However, the increase reported over the first half of the current year has been much more acute at the country level, especially in the Oceania and ASEAN regions. The Middle East has seen a 15% surge in H1 2019 to 2025, compared to an average 9% decrease observed during H1 2014 to 2019.

The report once again demonstrates the marginal role of airport charges in influencing changes in airfares. Airport charges and turnaround costs (including government taxes) have generally increased below CPI levels. Interestingly, in markets where airport charges have moderately decreased, airfares have continued their upward momentum.

Key findings

Airfares have surged across all markets, except China.
Southeast Asia and Oceania experienced the highest increases, with airfares rising 20% and 30% above pre-pandemic levels, respectively.
Oceania is the most expensive region for air travel.
India and China are currently below the regional average in terms of airfare levels.
International fares increased by 17% above pre-pandemic levels, especially in Southeast Asia and Developed East Asia.
Domestic fares surged more than 30% above 2019 levels, especially for short-haul LCC routes, where reduced competition allows for higher pricing.
Economic travellers bear the most significant share of these increases.
Routes with low airline competition saw airfares increase up to 13 percentage points above the regional average.
The US-China market remained stable in 2025, with no significant impact on airfare.
Airfare variations are primarily influenced by inflation (CPI) and airline competition, factors that are outside the airport’s control.
Airfares increased by 9% to 28% across the markets in the regions, even in markets where airport charges had decreased.

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci said: “The objective of this analysis is to assess the market dynamics and its impact on aviation, as well as provide transparency into the rising cost of air travel. This study also demonstrates that lowering airport charges does not necessarily result in a reduction in ticket prices; instead, it limits airports’ ability to invest in capacity and technology to enhance service quality. To make air travel more affordable from a consumer perspective, policymakers should focus on liberalising markets such as open skies, market access and efficient slot policy that can strengthen airline competition. At the same time, ensuring airports can continue to invest to build capacity to support the growth in the coming years.”

(Source: ACI)

Three shifts every traveller will notice

By

Andrew Wood

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October 10, 2025

BANGKOK, 10 October 2025: Travel is about to undergo three significant shifts, each introduced by a different global body: the European Union, in collaboration with IATA (airports and airlines), the World Travel & Tourism Council (hotels), and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (destinations and data).

These initiatives may sound technical, but this article sets out to educate travellers, managers, and front-line staff about what is happening and why it is important.

*Photo credits: AJW. Biometrics at work at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.*

At their heart, all three are about consistency, to use the phrase, helping us measure apples with apples. Think of it as creating a Michelin-style guide for tourism, where everyone recognises the same standard, no matter where they go. Without such a common yardstick, airports, hotels, and countries all operate on different terms, making comparison unfair or even impossible.

1. Biometric Borders and Seamless Travel

Led by: The European Union and the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System will soon replace passport stamping with fingerprint and facial scans. At the same time, IATA’s “One ID” programme aims to link check-in, security, and boarding into a single, document-light journey.

Objectives: Make border checks faster by introducing digital enrolment.

Speed up repeat trips once travellers’ biometrics are stored.

Link the entire airport journey with minimal paper handling.

From personal experience, I have already seen the impact at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where biometric gates are in place. The first enrolment takes longer, but subsequent trips save minutes rather than seconds when moving through queues. It is not just about efficiency, either. Stronger identification helps guard against those who would use airports for disruption or worse. In an age where security concerns remain high, biometrics serve both convenience and protection.

The litmus test: We will know this shift has been successful when first-time enrolments take only a few minutes, and repeat visitors consistently clear airports faster than they did under the old manual passport system.

*Biometric gates are becoming a common sight at airports worldwide.*

2. Hotel Sustainability Basics: A Common Language for Responsible Travel

Led by: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

“Hotel Sustainability Basics” is a new set of 12 minimum actions designed for every hotel. These include linen reuse, waste reduction, and tracking water and energy use. Over 5,000 hotels in 80 countries are already on board.

Objectives: Establish a universal baseline for responsible hotel operations.

Offer low-cost verification, particularly for independent contractors.

Give buyers, booking platforms, and corporate clients a single standard to look for.

This is where apples-with-apples comparability really counts. Until now, the sustainability field has been cluttered with competing eco-labels. Guests and companies struggle to determine which hotels are truly eco-responsible. The Basics provide clarity, simplicity, and fairness. For hoteliers, the benefits are also commercial: as booking sites start to highlight these verified properties, those without recognition may lose visibility or contracts.

Litmus Test (the proof of success): We will know this standard has achieved its goal when major booking platforms use it as a filter, and hotels without verification are at a disadvantage in winning business.

3. UN Tourism’s Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

Led by: United Nations Tourism (formerly UNWTO)

For decades, tourism has been primarily measured by arrivals and spending. The UN’s new Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) changes that. It requires governments to also account for jobs, community benefits, and environmental impacts, such as water use and waste.

Objectives: Standardise how all nations track tourism’s impact.

Allow meaningful global comparisons.

Link tourism planning to climate policy and community wellbeing.

As the old saying goes, “If you can measure it, you can manage it.” The MST is about moving beyond headcounts to a richer, fairer picture. For managers and operators, this will result in more data requests and reporting. That may feel like extra work, but the benefit is clear: Destinations will be able to design policies based on facts, not assumptions.

Litmus Test (The proof of success): We will know MST has taken root when destinations routinely report not only tourist numbers but also community income, job creation, and environmental impacts, and when those numbers influence real planning.

*Travel is about to undergo three critical shifts.*

Although they address very different areas, borders, hotels, and destinations, the three initiatives share a common goal: order, fairness, and comparability in a fragmented industry.

For travel businesses, preparation is essential. Tour operators should brief clients on biometric enrolment and allow more time for first trips. Hotels should review themselves against the 12 Basics now. Operators of all sizes should start preparing their data in anticipation of government requests.

One way to accelerate adoption would be for these organisations to promote friendly competition, such as awards for the fastest airports, the most improved hotels, or the most transparent destinations. Recognition can motivate change just as effectively as regulation.

Ultimately, the travel industry is entering an era where convenience, sustainability, and accountability are no longer extras. They are expectations. Those who adapt early will gain trust, efficiency, and resilience.

Connecting the names to the news

For clarity, here are the formal names once again:

Biometric borders in Europe: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and IATA’s One ID.

Hotel sustainability: The WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics.

Tourism measurement: UN Tourism’s Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST).

I have already felt the difference in Bangkok, where biometric gates save time and staffing at security. These changes may sound like bureaucracy, but they are already becoming part of daily travel. The question is not whether change is coming, but how prepared we are to embrace it.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a former hotel general manager with over 35 years of experience in hospitality and travel. Born in Yorkshire, England, he is a graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, and has lived in Thailand for over 34 years. A past president of both Skål International Asia and Skål International Thailand, Andrew is a regular guest lecturer at universities and is a well-known travel writer and tourism speaker. He contributes to numerous regional publications, sharing insights on tourism, hotels, airlines, and hospitality across the region.

MSC Cruises opens sales for second Alaska season

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Newsdesk

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October 10, 2025

SINGAPORE, 10 October 2025: MSC Cruises opened sales this week for its Summer 2027 Alaska cruises on MSC Poesia following an extensive upgrade that is underway.

Starting 26 April 2027, MSC Poesia will sail from Seattle, offering seven-night itineraries to some of the region’s most breathtaking destinations, departing each Monday through September 2027.

*Photo credit: MSC. Sales are now open for Alaska sailings in summer 2027.*

MSC Poesia will undergo one of the most significant upgrades in MSC’s cruise fleet history, including the addition of the MSC Yacht Club, two speciality restaurants, Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar, All-Stars Sports Bar, a newly refreshed MSC Aurea Spa, and an enhanced MSC Gym Powered by Technogym.

Guests sailing aboard MSC Poesia will be able to enjoy these new features on MSC Cruises’ inaugural season in Alaska, starting in May 2026, as well as the ship’s second season in the region, with sales opening today for Summer 2027.

MSC Poesia’s Alaska itineraries will explore some of the region’s most picturesque destinations, including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau (Alaska), along with Victoria (British Columbia, Canada), and the natural beauty, spectacular landscapes, magnificent wildlife and rich Alaska Native culture heritage.

Before her Summer 2027 Alaska season, MSC Poesia will reposition from Miami to Seattle over an 18-night cruise departing 8 April 2027. The sailing will include a crossing of the Panama Canal.

(Source: MSC)

Thailand’s gold–baht conundrum

By

Andrew Wood

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October 9, 2025

BANGKOK, 9 October 2025: Thailand’s economy in 2025 tells a complicated story. Gold exports have soared nearly 70% in the first seven months of the year, helping push the baht to its strongest level in five years.

At the same time, tourists, who bring billions in invisible export earnings, are finding the country less affordable. This is the gold–baht conundrum: success in gold and finance weakens competitiveness in tourism.

*Photo credits: AJW. Thailand’s 2025 paradox — searching for balance*

Gold inflows lift the baht

Global investors are rushing to safe-haven assets, and Thai traders are riding the wave. In the first seven months of 2025, gold exports exceeded THB254 billion (approximately USD8 billion). As dollars flowed in, the baht strengthened by over 8% against the US dollar, dropping from around THB34 per dollar to as low as 31.70.

Other currencies tell the same story. Against the pound, one sterling (UKP1) now buys about THB43 to 44, making a British couple’s holiday in Phuket more expensive than a year earlier. The euro and yuan have also slipped, and Indian travellers in particular feel the squeeze.

It is worth noting, however, that Thailand is not a significant gold mining country. Most of the bullion comes from abroad, often imported from Switzerland, Hong Kong, or Singapore, before being refined and re-exported through Bangkok’s huge jewellery and bullion markets. Thailand is essentially a global hub, not a gold producer.

Why gold alone doesn’t drive the baht – but gold is the spark

Economists stress that correlation does not mean simple cause and effect. In 2025, gold exports jumped nearly 70%, while the baht appreciated by more than 8% against the US dollar. One study reported a correlation of 0.88 — with a value of 1.0 indicating perfect correlation. In plain terms, when gold moves up, the baht almost always follows. Yet, because the link is not one-to-one, other forces are clearly at work, including returning tourists and speculative investors, as well as China’s slowdown and global trade tensions. Gold is the spark, but not the whole fire.

A strong baht brings mixed results

For gold traders and financial markets, this is a triumph. For tourists and the businesses that depend on them, it feels like a squeeze. A London family booking two weeks in Phuket suddenly finds meals and hotels pricier, not because local rates have changed, but because the pound now buys fewer baht.

The result is Thailand’s loss, as holidaymakers look to cheaper alternatives in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Indonesia.

Economists call it Dutch Disease

There is a well-known name for this kind of imbalance. Economists call it Dutch Disease, a term coined in 1977 when the Netherlands discovered natural gas in the North Sea. The gas boom sent the Dutch guilder soaring, but Dutch manufacturers became less competitive abroad.

Thailand’s conundrum looks strikingly similar. The gold boom lifts the baht, but the stronger currency makes tourism less affordable and factory exports less competitive. Car production has already slipped this year, a sign of how quickly rising currencies can hurt other industries. The rise of imported EVs is also a factor.

*The gold-baht paradox lies in the contradiction between a strong baht and tourism that requires competitive exchange rates.*

Tourism is an export?

Tourism is often referred to as an invisible export because no container ships leave port, yet billions of dollars flow in. In Thailand, it accounts for a significant share of GDP (20%) and supports millions of livelihoods.

The challenge is that tourism is highly price sensitive. Families on tight budgets notice quickly when the baht strengthens. Indian travellers may choose Kuala Lumpur over Bangkok. Even if total arrivals rise, spending per head can fall. For tuk-tuk drivers, street food vendors, and family-run hotels, the difference is immediate.

Who gains, who loses

The winners are easy to see. Gold traders and refineries are enjoying record business. Financial markets applaud a baht that signals strength and stability. The government welcomes healthier reserves and revenues.

The losers are just as visible. Tourists feel squeezed, local businesses see thinner margins, and communities already struggling with crowded beaches or waste disposal find the rewards smaller when visitor spending power shrinks.

Avoiding the conundrum

The solution is not to restrict gold flows or artificially weaken the baht. Instead, Thailand must adapt by making its tourism less vulnerable to price shifts.

This means targeting travellers who are less price sensitive and more experience-driven. Wellness and medical tourism, gastronomy, cultural immersion, and high-end journeys, such as the new Blue Jasmine luxury train to Chiang Mai, are all ways to broaden appeal.

Thailand can also improve its infrastructure, manage visas effectively, and invest in sustainability to enhance its value. If these steps are taken, the country can soften the conundrum and prove that gold and beaches do not have to be in conflict.

Conclusion

The gold–baht conundrum illustrates how prosperity comes with hidden costs. Gold exports and safe-haven flows have lifted the baht, but more substantial currency risks could undercut tourism and manufacturing.

Other factors, including speculative inflows and the Chinese slowdown, as well as concerns about tariffs and global instability, also play a role. Handled poorly, the winners in trade will be outweighed by the losers in tourism. Handled wisely, Thailand can balance its visible and invisible exports, turning this conundrum into an opportunity for growth.

About the Author
Andrew J. Wood is a former hotel general manager with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries. Born in Yorkshire, England, he has lived in Thailand since 1991. A long-time resident of Bangkok, Andrew is the Past President of Skal International Asia, Skal International Thailand, and has twice served as President of Skal Bangkok. He is a regular guest lecturer at universities and a writer contributing to regional publications.

Radisson expands presence in Bali

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Newsdesk

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October 9, 2025

SINGAPORE, 9 October 2025: Radisson Hotel Group has announced a key milestone in its expansion in Indonesia with the signing of Atiara Ubud Bali, A Radisson Collection Resort. It marks the debut of the group’s luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection, in Indonesia.

*Photo credit: Radisson Hotel Group. Rendering of Atiara Ubud Bali, A Radisson Collection Resort.*

Located in the lush jungle landscapes of Ubud, Bali, Atiara Ubud Bali, A Radisson Collection Resort is set to open in 2027, featuring 52 rooms, including six dedicated wellness suites with outdoor terraces, private yoga decks, and Jacuzzis. A 530 sqm Presidential Suite, complete with expansive terraces and a private pool, adds an exclusive touch.

Designed for wellness-focused travellers and international visitors seeking tranquillity, the resort is a 90-minute commute from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and a 30-minute transfer to the island’s most iconic attractions.

Indonesia is a priority growth market for Radisson Hotel Group within the Asia-Pacific region. It currently operates three hotels in the country, with four more under development. Strategic expansion is focused on the nation’s key destinations, including Jakarta and Bali, with multiple new projects in the pipeline.

The group has also confirmed Radisson Nusantara in Indonesia’s new capital city, where construction is set to begin in late 2025.

Looking ahead, Radisson Hotel Group aims to add 20 more hotels in Indonesia by 2030, further strengthening its presence in both established gateways and emerging destinations.

(Source: Radisson Hotel Group)

Air India Express expands Delhi hub flights

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Newsdesk

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October 9, 2025

DELHI, 9 October 2025: Air India Express has announced the launch of multiple new direct flights from its Delhi hub starting 26 October 2025.

The airline will operate direct services from Delhi to Goa (Dabolim), Imphal, Lucknow, and Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), followed by Amritsar on 28 October 2025, and the introduction of new routes to Jodhpur and Udaipur from 1 November 2025.

The new flights will improve access to the capital from culturally and economically significant cities across the country. Bookings are now open on the airline’s website, mobile app, and other primary booking channels.

The new flights are part of the airline’s focus on enhancing direct connectivity from major metropolitan cities to other cities in South Asia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

By linking historical cities, tourism and heritage hotspots, and fast-growing regional centres with Delhi, the airline is furthering its vision of building a truly inclusive and accessible travel network.

This announcement follows the airline’s recent expansion, which has introduced new destinations and domestic and international routes, particularly from its largest hubs, Bengaluru and Delhi.

With a fleet of 115 aircraft and over 500 daily flights connecting 43 domestic and 17 international destinations, Air India Express continues to strengthen its role as a vital connector of India’s cultural and economic landscape.

From Delhi: Air India Express operates over 400 weekly flights from Delhi (IGI) connecting directly to 24 domestic destinations including Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Guwahati, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Udaipur, and Varanasi and two international destinations: Muscat, and Sharjah.

Air India Express also operates over 60 flights from Hindon, Delhi NCR (Ghaziabad) to nine domestic destinations, including Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, and Varanasi. From 26 October 2025, all Air India Express domestic flights will operate from T1, while all international flights will continue to operate from T3.

(Source: Air India Express)

Agoda payout to travel creators

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Newsdesk

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October 9, 2025

SINGAPORE, 9 October 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has launched the Agoda Ambassador programme, a new initiative designed to strengthen commercial ties with travel creators on social media.

The initiative will see Agoda working directly with travel creators to inspire their audiences to book travel through the platform.

Under the programme, participating travel creators will be given unique promo codes to share with their followers.

For every booking made using these codes, a commission will be awarded. Agoda will also offer sponsored stays and activities valued at up to USD225 per month, enabling them to showcase firsthand experiences of Agoda’s partner hotels and destinations of their choice.

The programme also aims to enhance exposure for creators by featuring them in Agoda campaigns, thereby expanding their reach.

Agoda Chief Marketing Officer Matteo Frigerio shared: “Travel creators play an increasingly important role in how travellers discover and choose their next trip. By giving them the tools to share authentic experiences and rewarding them for the bookings they generate, we’re building a partnership model that benefits travel creators, travellers and our hotel partners alike.”

Rewards range from earning profits and receiving exclusive Agoda swag packs to winning special trophies and accumulating travel credits of up to USD1,000. Creators can explore and sign up on the Agoda Ambassador page via Agoda.com/agoda-ambassador.

(Source: Agoda)

PIA resumes flights to the UK

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Newsdesk

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October 9, 2025

SINGAPORE, 9 October 2025: Pakistan International Airlines has confirmed it will resume flights to the UK after a five-year pause due to safety restrictions imposed by the UK government.

Arab News reported that the decision to resume flights between the Pakistan capital, Islamabad and Manchester, UK, “came hours after the UK Civil Aviation Authority issued a Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit to PIA and cleared the final administrative hurdle for the carrier to resume flights to Britain.”

*Pakistan International Airlines Facebook page promotion.*

The airline’s Facebook page confirms that it will deploy a Boeing 777-200ER with 321 seats on the service to Manchester, UK, which resumes on 25 October. The airline plans to fly the route twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturday. Bookings are already open on the PIA website. The airline quotes a return fare of USD836.76.

It’s Facebook post announced: “The wait is over! Pakistan International Airlines proudly reconnects Islamabad and Manchester, bringing hearts, homes, and horizons closer once again.”

Flight schedule

PK701 departs Islamabad (ISB) at 1220 and arrives in Manchester (MAN) at 1600
PK702 departs Manchester (MAN) at 1800 and arrives in Islamabad (ISB) at 0650, plus a day.
(online schedules data)

Britain lifted restrictions on Pakistani carriers in July 2025, nearly half a decade since grounding them following a 2020 PIA Airbus A320 crash in Karachi that killed 97 people. The disaster was followed by claims of irregularities in pilot licensing, which led to bans in the US, the UK, and the European Union, Arab News reported.

After resuming flight operations to Manchester, the airline intends to add flights to Birmingham and London in the near future.

Malaysia and Myanmar activate visa-free stays

By

Newsdesk

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October 9, 2025

BANGKOK, 9 October 2025: Myanmar’s junta confirmed in an announcement on 6 October that Malaysian citizens have been eligible to enter the country visa-free for a stay of 14 days since 1 October.

Malaysia announced that it would allow Myanmar citizens to visit Malaysia for a visa-free stay on 1 October, while the public announcement by the Myanmar junta took a few more days to reach the public domain.

For Malaysian Citizens, Myanmar has granted visa exemption for Malaysian passport holders for up to 14 days for short-term social visits. Travellers must enter and depart through designated international entry and exit points.

For Myanmar Citizens visiting Malaysia, Myanmar passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for short-term social visits to Malaysia for up to 14 days.

Important Note: The Malaysian Embassy in Yangon emphasised that the visa exemption does not guarantee entry into Malaysia, as admission is still subject to the approval of the immigration officer at the designated entry and exit points.

The 14-day visa-free entry for Malaysian citizens to Myanmar aligns with the standard visa-free period for all ASEAN nations. It is intended to have a positive impact on Myanmar’s tourism sector, thanks to the simplified travel process.

Removing the visa requirement eliminates the need for Malaysian travellers to go through the application process (which previously involved a visa or an e-Visa). This makes spontaneous, short-term travel much easier and more appealing.

Encouraging Short-Stay Tourism: The 14-day limit is ideal for a typical vacation or a short break. It encourages Malaysians to visit Myanmar for brief cultural and sightseeing trips without the commitment of a lengthy visa process.

While the policy is a positive step, its ultimate impact will be viewed within the context of Myanmar’s current tourism environment.

Political and Security Concerns: The tourism sector in Myanmar has been significantly affected by ongoing political instability and civil unrest since 2021. For the visa-free policy to have a significant impact, travellers’ safety and security concerns need to be addressed.

Myanmar already offers visa-free entry for up to 14 days to citizens of ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Thailand), with ASEAN member countries Singapore and Vietnam receiving a 30-day exemption. The extension of this policy to Malaysian citizens rounds off the visa-free offering to all ASEAN bloc nations.

Targeted Entry Points: To qualify for visa-free entry to Myanmar, Malaysian travellers must enter and exit through specific international airports such as Yangon, Mandalay, or Nay Pyi Taw.

Tourism in Myanmar came to a halt after the 2021 military coup, and the 2025 earthquake further reduced tourist arrivals to a fraction of the 2019 levels.

In the past, Myanmar focused its visa-free and visa-on-arrival expansions on major tourism markets outside of ASEAN, such as China and India, to boost its tourism sector. The focus on markets with high-volume tourism potential may have taken precedence over completing the final ASEAN member arrangement.

Myanmar’s embassy announcement

Trip.com and Google tell us Why Travel

Airfares are rising in the Asia-Pacific

Three shifts every traveller will notice

MSC Cruises opens sales for second Alaska season

Thailand’s gold–baht conundrum

Radisson expands presence in Bali

Air India Express expands Delhi hub flights

Agoda payout to travel creators

PIA resumes flights to the UK

Malaysia and Myanmar activate visa-free stays

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