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MAG-nificent return to MATTA Travel Fair

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KUALA LUMPUR, 2 April 2026 The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) announces the return of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) as its Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor for the upcoming MATTA Fair April 2026.

As a key partner of the Fair, MAG’s continued presence reflects its commitment to enhancing travel accessibility and elevating the overall visitor experience. 

Visitors to MATTA Fair — taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026 at MITEC Kuala Lumpur — can look forward to a dynamic showcase by MAG, featuring its latest offerings, travel innovations, and exclusive deals across its airline network, including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal by Malaysia Airlines.

MAG will unveil its largest-ever presence with the return of the MAG Arena, expanding to an impressive 46,000 square feet — nearly three times larger than its participation in September 2025, creating Asia’s largest airline-led consumer and trade pavilion within a travel fair. The expanded arena will feature over 100 booths, allowing visitors to experience an immersive journey into travel, discover technology-led cabin experiences, and enjoy the signature warmth of Malaysian Hospitality in a dynamic and engaging environment.

In conjunction with the Fair, Malaysia Airlines will offer special fares across its domestic and international networks, including popular regional destinations such as Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi, Singapore and Bali, as well as key international gateways such as London, Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo and Auckland. Complementing this, Firefly will introduce attractive fares across its network, operating from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) and Penang International Airport to destinations including Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru, and Alor Setar, offering greater flexibility for travellers to plan their journeys.

Beyond fares, travellers can also enjoy added value through thoughtfully curated offerings across the MAG ecosystem — from savings on seat selection and prepaid baggage to integrated flight and hotel packages via MHholidays, as well as exclusive deals on Journify, MAG’s travel and lifestyle platform. Selected promotions will feature instant savings of up to MYR105 on flights and up to MYR320 off travel packages, enabling travellers to enjoy a more seamless and rewarding end-to-end journey.

This partnership brings together two essential elements of travel, attractive holiday packages and competitive airfare promotions, allowing visitors to maximise value when planning their trips. In the lead-up to the fair, MATTA and MAG will also be sharing more on upcoming initiatives and promotions designed to make travel more accessible and rewarding for Malaysians, including enhanced benefits through MAG’s loyalty programme, Enrich. 

Members can enjoy an additional 5% off flight purchases, up to 30% off redemptions and 10% Points back on oneworld redemptions, alongside lifestyle rewards of up to 60% off gift cards and e-vouchers and 20% off Enrich Xperience bookings. Members can also earn up to 3X Bonus Enrich Points via co-branded cards and 50% Bonus Points on hotel bookings, further enhancing value across flights, stays and curated experiences.

MATTA President Nigel Wong.

“We always look forward to having MAG at the MATTA Fair. Their presence brings a dynamic energy to the Fair, and it is always a pleasure to work together in creating a more engaging experience for visitors,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

“This partnership is ultimately about helping Malaysians make the most out of their travel plans, spending less while gaining more from the overall experience,” he added.

Confirmed as Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair, offers something for anyone, serving as a central platform for exhibitors and industry players. The 58th edition of the Fair spans a total exhibition space of 40,820 square metres across 10 halls.

Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business Dersenish Aresandiran said: “MATTA Fair remains an important platform for us to engage travellers and showcase the strength of Malaysia Aviation Group’s network and offerings across the Group. This year, the MAG Arena will introduce a new generation of travel engagement — from immersive destination storytelling to interactive travel technology — allowing visitors to experience the excitement of discovering their next journey even before they board the aircraft. Travel today is no longer just about getting from one place to another, but about discovery, connection and meaningful experiences along the way.”

The Fair will feature 2,043 booths from 330 participating organisations, including 210 tour and travel agencies offering a diverse range of curated travel packages. Visitors can engage with six National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), 11 local State Tourism Organisations (STOs), 64 hotels and resorts, 11 theme parks and 29 other travel-related service providers. This creates a comprehensive and dynamic platform for discovering new destinations and experiences.

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my. 

(Source: MATTA)

AI and Uzbekistan Airways ink codeshare pact

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 2 April 2026: Following the signing of a codeshare pact, Air India places its ‘AI’ designator code on Uzbekistan Airways’ flights operating on key India–Uzbekistan routes, including Delhi-Tashkent, Mumbai-Tashkent, and Goa-Tashkent (seasonal route).

The new codeshare partnership provides Air India passengers with seamless access to Tashkent from major Indian gateways, with convenient onward domestic and international connections on Air India’s extensive route network processed on a single ticket. At the same time, baggage is checked through to the final destination.

Air India and Uzbekistan Airways also maintain an interline partnership, which further provides onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal said: “We are delighted to partner with Uzbekistan Airways as we continue to expand Air India’s global footprint. Tashkent is an increasingly important destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel, and this partnership allows us to offer our guests more choice and convenience while strengthening India’s air links with Central Asia.”

The codeshare flights are open for bookings on all channels, including Air India’s official website, its mobile app, and through travel agents.

(Source: Air India)

Global tourism encounters extreme headwinds

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BANGKOK, 2 April 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association has released its PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026-2028, which shows that inbound arrivals to the Asia Pacific region are projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2026 onward, with the baseline reaching 761.2 million by 2028. 

However, in light of the evolving geopolitical crisis and hostilities in the Middle East, the outlook also considers a lower-bound scenario in which international visitor arrivals could reach 599.7 million by 2028, representing approximately an 88% recovery from 2019 levels.

Photo credits: PATA.

“International tourism is entering a more complex phase where growth continues, but under increasing pressure,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “At PATA, we recognise both sides of the equation — the positive momentum driven by strong regional demand, and the downside risks arising from geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions.

“In this environment, growth is no longer linear or guaranteed. Destinations and organisations must be prepared for multiple scenarios, able to adapt quickly, recalibrate strategies, and respond with agility. Decision-making must be grounded in real-time data and a clear understanding of risk.

“Ultimately, resilience and preparedness will define how well the industry navigates this next phase of uncertainty.”

The report was developed in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at SHTM PolyU, with additional contributions from PATA destination members and regional data partners. It offers inbound visitor forecasts for 39 Asia-Pacific destinations, providing a detailed analysis that reflects the diversity of recovery and potential growth across regions and sub-regions. 

Drawing on current data and scenario-based modelling, the study outlines a period of structurally constrained and uneven growth shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related disruptions, evolving aviation and visa policies, and rapid digital and AI-driven transformation across the tourism economy.

In addition to the regional outlook, individual destination reports have also been published for all 39 covered destinations, each providing detailed market-specific projections and localised analysis.

Highlights from the report

Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to pose downside risks to travel demand and cross-border mobility.

Destinations are encouraged to diversify source markets and strengthen public–private collaboration to build greater resilience.

China, the United States, and Türkiye are projected to remain the top three destinations through 2028.

China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and Korea (ROK) continue to rank among the region’s leading source markets, despite ongoing air capacity and cost pressures.

Japan and Hong Kong SAR show notable improvement in destination rankings in the post-pandemic period.

Mongolia, Japan, Chile, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are leading recovery performance, each exceeding 150% of their 2019 levels.

By 2028, 27 of the 39 destinations covered in the forecast are expected to surpass their pre-pandemic arrival volumes.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028 is now available. Based on the level of membership, access may be granted either directly through the PATA Info Hub or via the PATA Publications using a discount code. 

To request the code or to confirm membership-level access, contact the PATA Membership Team at [email protected].

Additionally, detailed data and projections related to the lower bound forecast are available upon request for eligible members. Members in this group may contact the PATA Project Management Department at [email protected] for more information and to request access.

Non-members can purchase the reports at PATA Publications by visiting the following link: www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2026-2028

The full recording can be accessed via the following link: www.pata.org/calendar/asia-pacific-tourism-outlook-20262028-growth-under-global-uncertainty

For further information, visit www.PATA.org.

(Source: PATA)

Celebrate Easter with joy at Funtasea Wonderland

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Your Stories
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PATTAYA, Thailand, 1 April 2026: Royal Cliff Hotel Group’s Royal Café at the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel makes this Easter even more magical at the Funtasea Easter Wonderland on Sunday, 5 April 2026.

Step into a vibrant wonderland where Funtasea Kid’s World comes alive with festive Easter decorations, colourful surprises, and joyful activities. Little ones can enjoy creative workshops, fun-filled games, and exciting Easter-themed experiences designed to keep them smiling all day long.

Bring your children to celebrate the season with laughter, creativity, and unforgettable moments of Easter fun.

Event Sessions:

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Rates (per person):

In-house Guest: THB550

Outside Guest: THB600

In-house Guest (with complimentary voucher): THB450. Prices are net.

Choose Your Fun Package:

Package 1 – Creative Easter Fun

• Easter Cookie Decorating

• Easter Egg Decorating

• 2 Fun Easter Games

Package 2 – Little Artist Workshop

• Easter Bunny T-shirt Painting or Easter Bag Painting

• Easter Egg Decorating

• 2 Fun Easter Games

Elevate Easter celebrations with an exclusive themed chocolate collection, featuring exquisitely crafted Easter eggs and charming bunny-shaped chocolates, available at Royal Café, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, from 1 to 6 April 2026 only.

Don’t miss out on this magical Easter experience! Secure your child’s place today by contacting Funtasea – Kids World via email at [email protected], calling +66 38 250 421, or chatting with the Royal Cliff team on Line ID @royalcliff and Facebook www.facebook.com/royalcliff. Alternatively, visit https://www.royalcliff.com/news/easter-wonderland/ for more information.

Sarawak to host tourist guide conference

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 1 April 2026: Sarawak will host the 3rd Southeast Asian Tourist Guides Conference 2026 from 13 to 15 October 2026 at Kingwood Hotel in Sibu, strengthening ASEAN guiding standards and positioning Sarawak as an impact-driven business events destination.

Following the success of the inaugural conference in Kuching in 2024, and in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the upcoming conference is expected to attract 1,000 delegates from across Southeast Asia. Organised by the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association in collaboration with the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the conference will serve as a strategic intervention to address challenges in the tourist guiding industry and enhance collaboration among tourism frontliners in Southeast Asia.

Photo credit: BESarawak. Press Conference Announcement for the 3rd Southeast Asian Tourist Guides Conference 2026 to be held in Sibu.

Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, Sarawak targets a 7.5% annual growth in visitor arrivals by 2030. Achieving this will depend not only on attracting visitors but on delivering quality experiences. Tourist guides play a critical role in ensuring that this growth translates into real value, sustainability, and meaningful impact. However, the profession is facing increasing challenges, including the rise of digital and AI-driven travel tools, evolving visitor expectations, and a shortage of qualified guides.

“Sarawak is setting its sights on welcoming 5 million visitors by 2026 — but beyond the numbers, our priority is ensuring the quality of experience we deliver,” said Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan. “Tourist guides are storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and the frontline of how our destination is understood and remembered. 

“Sustaining this growth requires a highly skilled, future-ready tourism workforce. That is why we are positioning this conference as a dedicated platform for learning and professional development, while accelerating the training of new Registered Regional Specific Tourist Guides and Sarawak Park Guides to build a strong, resilient talent pipeline for the future,” the Deputy Minister continued.

“The role of a tourist guide is becoming more demanding in a fast-changing, digital world. This conference focuses on strengthening regional networks and building meaningful collaborations to elevate the profession,” said Sarawak Tourist Guides Association Honorary Chairman Edwin Lim. “We have chosen Sibu as the host city to support inclusive tourism development, creating opportunities and sharing the benefits of tourism and business events across Sarawak. Through this, we aim to create impact beyond Sarawak and contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s and Southeast Asia’s tourism.”

“Business events today must deliver more than attendance. They must deliver impact,” commented BESarawak Acting Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo. “Regional collaboration among tourist guides is key to that impact. Through this conference, we are strengthening legacy outcomes and advancing a high-value tourism economy while positioning Sarawak as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo.”

As part of the conference programme, delegates will take part in an immersive outdoor learning experience, including a cultural exchange that offers firsthand insight into community-based tourism. This allows domestic and international tourist guides to understand better their role in preserving cultural identity and delivering respectful, authentic experiences.

The 3rd Southeast Asian Tourist Guides Conference 2026 is organised by the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association in collaboration with the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council, and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). 

For more information, visit Sarawak Tourist Guides Association. 

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

TransNusa boosts flights to Singapore

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Newsdesk
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JAKARTA, 1 April 2026:  TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa) will introduce additional scheduled flights to Singapore from Jakarta and  Bali. 

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said that the additional daily flight between Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and Singapore Changi Airport will start on 17 April, while the additional flight from Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Singapore’s Changi Airport will start on 2 May. Ticket sales for the additional scheduled flights started last week. 

The additional flights are part of TransNusa’s broader strategy to expand regional connectivity and respond to the growing demand for travel between Indonesia and Singapore — two markets with strong economic, cultural, and tourism ties. 

“Singapore is one of the region’s vital aviation and commercial hubs, and these additional flights will provide travellers with greater flexibility while supporting trade and tourism between the two countries,” Datuk Bernard noted. 

“The Jakarta–Singapore corridor is one of the busiest international routes in the region, serving millions of travellers each year. By increasing capacity on this route, we aim to provide a more seamless connection for passengers travelling across Southeast Asia and beyond”. 

Flight schedules

TransNusa’s additional scheduled flight, 8B155, will depart Jakarta at 1945 from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and arrive at the Singapore Changi Airport at 2225. 

The return flight, 8B156, will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 2320 and arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 0010. 

With the launch of this additional service, TransNusa will operate three daily flights from Jakarta to Singapore, effective 17 April. 

On the Bali-Singapore route, TransNusa adds a second daily flight. The new scheduled flight, 8B553, will depart Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 1020 and arrive at Changi Airport at 1315. 
The return flight, 8B554, will depart Changi Airport at 1415 and arrive in Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 1755.

The second daily flight between Bali and Singapore will begin on 2 May.  

The Bali-Singapore route is served by eight airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar, AirAsia Indonesia, and KLM. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD160.

TransNusa deploys an Airbus A320 with 174 seats on both routes. 

Aero Dili inaugurates route to Kuala Lumpur

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 April 2026: ASEAN’s newest airline, Aero Dili, inaugurated flights between its home base in Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital, and Kuala Lumpur on 28 March.

According to the airline’s Facebook post, it schedules twice-weekly flights on Tuesday and Saturday using a 122-seat Airbus A319-100. 

Photo credit: Aero Dili. Inaugural flight reception at KLIA.

“As we grow, we hope to continue opening more routes and connecting even more destinations across the region, providing tourists and business travellers with a more convenient travel option between Dili and Kuala Lumpur,” the airline noted. “Landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport marks an important step in increasing connectivity between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, thus stimulating trade, tourism and people-to-people ties.”

The new DIL-KUL service figured prominently in the airline’s sales promotions at the NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore, held last weekend.

ASEAN officially welcomed Timor-Leste as its 11th member last October 2025.

Aero Dili launched operations with daily flights to Bali, Indonesia, in May 2023, and followed with a weekly flight from Dili to Singapore in February 2024. Media reports suggested it also flies to Fuzhou, China, but the service does not show on online flight timetables or on the airline’s website booking page.

Aero Dili plans to expand to Darwin, Australia, possibly in May 2026, with twice-weekly flights competing with Qantas, which schedules daily flights on the route. It is also considering flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Manila, the Philippines. 

Aircraft TypeCountConfigurationPrimary Use
Airbus A320-2001162–168 seatsBali (DPS), Singapore (SIN)
Airbus A319-1001122 seatsKuala Lumpur (KUL), Darwin (DRW)
Cessna 20718 seatsDomestic charters

(Source: Aero Dili)

Air India Express unveils flying canvas

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 1 April 2026: Air India Express unveiled ‘The Flying Canvas’, a special art‑wrapped Boeing 737‑8 aeroplane (VT‑BWV), extending the airline’s long‑standing tradition of celebrating India’s cultural heritage through evocative aeroplane liveries. 

At the heart of this latest creative milestone is internationally recognised contemporary artist Osheen Siva, known for her distinctive practice that blends heritage, identity and speculative futures. 

Photo credit: Air India Express.

The collaboration is a result of Air India Express’ multi-year partnership with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India’s first and largest international exhibition of contemporary art. 

Wrapped in an original artwork created by Osheen Siva, whose work reimagines heritage as a living, evolving force, ‘The Flying Canvas’ transforms into the fastest-moving cultural installation. 

The art livery features a Tamil figure carrying memory and heritage into the future, adorned with traditional motifs that symbolise lineage, identity and continuity. As India’s first full‑aircraft contemporary art wrap, this initiative brings a bold new dimension to Air India Express’ long‑standing commitment to celebrating India’s culture across the skies.

Air India Express Chief Marketing Officer Siddhartha Butalia commented on the concept and campaign: Art is one of the most powerful universal languages – it transcends borders, cultures, and geographies to connect people in ways few things can. With the Tales of India and its extension to The Flying Canvas project, we are literally taking that idea to the skies, transforming an aircraft into a moving expression of living cultural identity. This initiative reflects how we see travel – not just as a journey between destinations, but as an opportunity to experience, interpret, and connect with culture and communities in meaningful ways. As one of the most culturally engaged airlines globally, we are proud and delighted to create spaces where art, travel, and human connection come together.”

During the previous edition of the Biennale, Air India Express unveiled a bespoke tail art on one of its Boeing aircraft. This association laid the foundation for deeper engagement with India’s contemporary art ecosystem and continues with a fully aircraft-wrapped in art for the 2025–26 edition.

(Source: Air India Express)

JLL names head of investment sales

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 1 April 2026: JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has promoted Julien Naouri to Head of Investment Sales, Asia, effective 1 April. 

Based in Singapore, Naouri will lead the firm’s hotel investment sales strategy and operations across Asia, reporting to JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific CEO Nihat Ercan.

Photo credit: JLL. Julien Naouri.

He joined JLL in 2020 as Vice President in the Singapore Investment Sales team and has since established himself as a key leader within the platform. To his expanded role, he brings nearly two decades of industry experience, having worked in hotel brokerage since 2008 and been based in Asia since 2010.

Since joining JLL, Naouri has played a leading role in executing numerous high-profile mandates across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. His notable transactions include landmark hotel sales in the Maldives, including the W, Sheraton, Amari, and The Standard. In Singapore and Indonesia, his successes include Parkroyal Kitchener Singapore, Frasers Suites Jakarta, Pullman Jakarta and Waldorf Astoria Jakarta. More recently, he has expanded the firm’s presence in Malaysia, delivering several successful transactions, including the Thistle Johor Bahru.

JLL estimates USD13.3 billion in hotel investment volume for 2026, supporting the strong activity observed in the first quarter.

(Source: JLL)

Japan’s cherry blossom bookings bloom

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 1 April 2026: With the arrival of Japan’s cherry blossom season, digital travel platform Agoda notes a 36% rise in domestic accommodation searches for prime blossom-viewing destinations. 

This increase, observed in February for check-ins during the peak blooming period from mid- to late March, suggested that many travellers preferred to finalise their plans closer to the bloom dates to ensure they capture the full splendour of the blossoms.

Hiroshima observed the highest growth in travel interest during the March cherry blossom season, with a 48% increase in accommodation searches, followed by Nagoya with a 42% increase. Other popular destinations include Kanazawa (+39%), Kyoto (+36%), Kochi (+31%), and Wakayama (+26%).

These locations offer prime viewing spots for the cherry blossoms, such as Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden and Kyoto’s Maruyama Park, where the iconic weeping cherry tree draws visitors for both daytime and nighttime viewing. Nagoya’s Tsuruma Park and Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden provide picturesque settings with cherry-lined paths. 

The allure of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms extends beyond its borders, attracting international travellers eager to witness this natural spectacle. Agoda’s data highlights that South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines are the top markets showing interest in visiting Japan during this season.

Agoda Regional Director, North Asia, Jay Lee shared: “Our data shows a clear growth in last-minute travel interest to experience Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. We see travellers from all corners of the world eager to experience this fleeting beauty, and we’re thrilled to help them find the perfect spot to enjoy these breathtaking blossoms. Agoda’s easy-to-use platform and search filters provide the flexibility travellers need to seize these unique opportunities.”

Cherry blossom season (sakura) in Japan typically occurs from late March to early April for major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

(Source: Agoda)

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