Agoda presents Asia’s top river cruises

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March 12, 2026

SINGAPORE, 12 March 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest ranking reveals the top destinations where travellers can enjoy a river cruise in Asia, according to activities booked through Agoda between January and February 2026.

Experiences are at the heart of travel, and river cruises offer travellers a unique way to experience Asia’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines, from the bustling waterways of Bangkok to the serene vistas of Halong Bay.

Here are the most popular river cruise destinations in Asia, based on Agoda data.

1. Chao Phraya, Bangkok, Thailand

The Chao Phraya dinner cruise in Bangkok offers an unforgettable evening with a buffet that blends Thai and international cuisines. Guests can dine on deck while enjoying the stunning views along the riverbank. Cruises often feature live entertainment, such as a cabaret show with performers in traditional costumes, making them a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

2. Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay’s breathtaking scenery is best experienced on a day tour where you can enjoy a sunset cruise and party with tea, cakes, fresh fruit, and music, along with access to a Jacuzzi pool. Tours can also include stops to explore caves, nearby islands, and kayaking activities.

3. Han River, Da Nang, Vietnam

A relaxing evening cruise on the Han River offers stunning views of Da Nang’s most famous attractions under the night sky. Passengers can admire the iconic Han River Bridge and Dragon Bridge while savouring fresh fruits, making it a serene escape from the city’s hustle.

4. Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Saigon River offers a variety of cruise options, from dinner cruises to daytime sightseeing cruises. Those seeking a romantic atmosphere can opt for a sunset luxury cruise with live music and cultural shows, while sightseeing cruises provide unique views of the city’s major landmarks.

5. Clarke Quay, Singapore

Cruising from Clarke Quay allows passengers to glide past iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion, taking in Singapore’s dazzling skyline. With hourly departures until 9 pm, the vibrant atmosphere of Singapore can be experienced from the water, with famous attractions such as Raffles’ Landing Site and the colourful shophouses at Boat Quay along the route.

6. Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, SAR

Victoria Harbour offers panoramic sunset or night views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Guests can indulge in snacks and drinks on a spacious open-air raft while enjoying the world-famous Symphony of Lights show. For those looking to commemorate the moment, professional photography services are available to capture breathtaking sights against the harbour backdrop.

Agoda Senior Vice President Supply, Andrew Smith, shared: “Experiences and activities bring a destination to life. With Agoda’s extensive selection of activities, travellers can personalise their adventures to fully immerse themselves in Asia’s awe-inspiring scenery and cultural heritage. Whether it’s a serene sunset cruise along the Saigon River or a city tour with unparalleled views of Singapore’s iconic skyline, Agoda helps travellers make every journey extraordinary.”

(Source: Agoda)

Thomas Cook opens sales outlet in Gwalior

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March 12, 2026

MUMBAI, 12 March 2026: Thomas Cook (India) Limited has expanded its network by opening its first outlet in Gwalior. This newly launched outlet expands the company’s presence to six outlets across Madhya Pradesh.

Located in the heart of Gwalior’s city centre, the new store offers convenient access for customers across the city and nearby towns of Morena, Dabra, Datia, Shivpuri, creating a strong catchment for Thomas Cook India’s holiday business.

Positioned close to key commercial hubs and residential neighbourhoods, the outlet is expected to attract strong footfall while offering seamless access to diverse customer segments, including multi-generational families, couples, Young India’s millennials & GenZ, and GenS (seniors).

The location will cater to a broad spectrum of travellers – from value-conscious holidaymakers to premium customers seeking curated travel experiences.

Additionally, Gwalior’s proximity to Delhi drives strong demand for popular domestic sectors such as Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh and other northern destinations, and the new outlet will effectively support this growing travel demand.

Thomas Cook’s Gwalior outlet offers end-to-end travel services, including international and domestic holidays (group tours, personalised holidays, cruises), as well as value-added services such as travel insurance. Additionally, Thomas Cook’s AI booking platform helps customers plan personalised vacations in real time by checking availability and making reservations in minutes.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Madhya Pradesh is an important source market for us at Thomas Cook India. The launch of our first outlet in Gwalior enables us to deepen our strategic presence in the state. Strategically chosen for its central location, this new outlet will enhance our ability to serve the growing and diverse needs of customers in the region for destinations within India and internationally.”

Gwalior/Madhya Pradesh Travel Trends

Top destinations

International: Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong.

Domestic and Indian subcontinent: Leh-Ladakh, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andamans, North East, Kerala, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.

Holiday duration has increased from three days to five and eight days for short trips; from five days to 10 and 15 days for longer trips.

Unique preferences: Cruise vacations are emerging as a preferred format for consumers seeking experience-rich, all-inclusive holidays. Demand for experiential travel such as Northern Lights in Scandinavia, self-drive holidays, island stays (Maldives, Mauritius), and adventure travel to Ladakh and the North-East.

Pilgrimage/Spiritual Tourism in demand: Char Dham, Ayodhya-Prayagraj, aerial darshans to Kailash Mansarovar

Emergence of fresh new destinations: Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Morocco

Top traveller segments: Multi-generational families, couples, Young India’s millennials & GenZ, GenS (seniors)

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Madhya Pradesh is an important source market for us at Thomas Cook India. The launch of our first outlet in Gwalior enables us to deepen our presence in the state. Strategically chosen for its central location, this new outlet will enhance our ability to serve the growing and diverse needs of customers in the region for destinations within India and internationally.”

Contact Details

Thomas Cook (India) Limited

1st Floor, Ananddeep Building

Near Airtel Office, Main Road

City Centre, Gwalior – 474011

Contact no: 0751 4613555 / 4602777

(Source: Thomas Cook India Limited)

SriLanka returns to Riyadh and Dubai

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March 12, 2026

COLOMBO, 12 March 2026: SriLankan Airlines resumed its daily flights to Riyadh on 9 March and Dubai on 10 March, while continuing to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East.

SriLankan Airlines stated they are continuing to “closely monitor the situation in the Middle East” and will prioritise passenger and crew safety. Future schedules may still be subject to change based on regional stability.

Other UL Middle East Routes: Earlier in March, other routes (including Dammam, Doha, and Kuwait) also faced cancellations. If you are travelling to these cities, it is recommended to verify the current status of those specific flights.

Booking and Status: You can check real-time flight status on the SriL a nkan Airlines official website or via their 24-hour contact centre at +94 11 777 1979

The airline’s contact details: 1979 (within Sri Lanka); +94 11 777 1979 (international); WhatsApp +94 74 444 1979 (chat only); or your travel agent.

The following UL flights are operating

UL265: Colombo–Riyadh 1815

UL266: Riyadh–Colombo 2235

UL231: Colombo–Dubai 1240

UL232: Dubai–Colombo 1700

Current Status: Dubai Airports

Dubai has not “fully” reopened to its normal, pre-conflict capacity. While both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum (DWC) airports are open and flights are operating, they are currently operating at restricted capacity and with limited schedules.

The situation is currently in a “phased reopening” stage following the recent regional tensions and airspace closures. Here is the breakdown of what that means for you:

Limited Flights: Airlines such as Emirates and flydubai are gradually restoring their networks, but many routes remain on reduced frequencies. As of yesterday, Emirates was running about 60% of its usual global network.
Restricted Airspace: UAE airspace is not yet fully open. Flights are currently being routed through “restricted corridors” via Saudi Arabian and Omani airspace, which can lead to longer flight times and technical delays.
Strict Passenger Rules: Authorities are advising travellers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking and have received direct confirmation from their airline that the flight is still scheduled.
Transit Restrictions: If you are transiting through Dubai, you may board your first flight only if your connecting flight out of Dubai is confirmed to operate.

The “partial” status reflects ongoing monitoring of the security situation in the Middle East. While SriLankan Airlines has resumed its daily service to Dubai (UL231/UL232), these flights are subject to last-minute changes depending on safety assessments.

(Source: Sri Lankan and additional reporting)

Taiwan showcase at NATAS Travel Fair 2026

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March 12, 2026

SINGAPORE, 12 March 2026: Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) will participate in the upcoming NATAS Travel Fair from 27 to 29 March 2026, with an enhanced Taiwan Pavilion that underscores the destination’s strong tourism ties with Singapore.

The participation comes amid a sustained recovery between Singapore and Taiwan, reflecting Singapore’s continued position as one of Taiwan’s key inbound visitor markets in Asia.

*Photo credit: Taiwan Tourism Administration.*

Tourism flows between Singapore and Taiwan remain strong and consistent. According to TTA, Taiwan welcomed around 1.35 million visitors from Singapore between 2023 and 2025, reaffirming Singapore as a high-value source market for Taiwan.

The sustained volume of visitors highlights continued outbound interest among Singapore travellers, supported by Taiwan’s diverse travel content and convenient accessibility.

This momentum is supported by strong air connectivity with wide flight options across multiple Taiwanese gateways, positioning Taiwan as an accessible and convenient short-haul destination for Singapore travellers seeking food, culture, nature and seasonal experiences.

Taiwan’s participation in NATAS Travel Fair 2026 is a commitment to strengthening bilateral tourism exchanges and engaging directly with both consumers and trade partners in Singapore.

A refreshed Taiwan Pavilion at NATAS will present “Taiwan 100 Ways” and “Taiwan, Always On” creative concepts.

A key expression of these “100 Ways” is the “Taiwan, Always On” experience. As an always-on destination, “Taiwan is safe to explore 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across all four seasons.”

Pavilion highlights

FOCASA Circus Performance: Taiwan’s first professional contemporary circus company will present a dynamic performance inspired by the island’s rhythm from dawn to late night, featuring swinging ladders and juggling.

Experience the Creative Soul of Taiwan: Visitors can discover their own “Taiwan Way” through interactive cultural workshops, including Indigenous Costume Bookmark Weaving, Sustainable Paper Art and Mosaic Coaster DIY – immersive experiences that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainable living.

Complementing the consumer-facing showcase at NATAS, TTA will host the Taiwan Tourism Workshop on 30 March 2026. The workshop will bring together Taiwanese tourism stakeholders and Singapore’s travel trade to exchange market insights, explore product development opportunities, and strengthen industry collaboration.

The workshop will feature a Taiwanese delegation of nearly 30 exhibitors – including tourism boards, hotels, and travel agencies. They will engage directly with Singapore’s travel trade to support the development of new itineraries and packages tailored to Singapore travellers.

Taiwan’s participation in NATAS Travel Fair and the organisation of the Taiwan Tourism Workshop reflect a broader strategy to sustain momentum in Singapore–Taiwan travel and support continued growth in visitor arrivals.

By presenting both consumer-facing and trade-focused initiatives under a cohesive narrative, the upcoming activities aim to reinforce Taiwan’s presence in the Singapore market while deepening engagement across the travel ecosystem — from travellers and media to trade partners.

(Source: TTA)

Air India hikes fuel surcharges

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March 12, 2026

GURUGRAM, India, 12 March 2026: Air India Group is increasing its fuel surcharges on domestic and international routes, necessitated by the steep rise in jet fuel prices driven by the war in the Middle East.

Since early March, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), which accounts for nearly 40% of an airline’s operating costs, has seen a significant price increase due to supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

In India, this pressure is amplified by high excise duty and VAT on ATF in major metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, thereby increasing costs and placing substantial strain on airline operating economics.

The new fuel surcharges are being implemented in three phases, covering travel on all flights, including those operated by Air India Express*.

Phase 1 (for all new bookings made from 0001 India Standard Time on 12 March 2026)

Phase 2 (for all new bookings made from 0001 India Standard Time on 18 March 2026)

Phase 3 will apply to and from Far East markets, namely Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, pending a future announcement.

Tickets issued before the above times will not incur the new surcharge unless customers request date or itinerary changes that require a fare recalculation.

Air India says in its statement that it “regrets the need to increase fuel surcharges in this manner but emphasises that factors outside its control necessitate it.”

*Air India Express currently does not levy fuel surcharges on any of its flights.

Air India adds flights to and from West Asia

Meanwhile, Air India and Air India Express together operated 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on 11 March.

The two carriers continued to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on 11 March, operating eight flights to and from Jeddah, and Air India Express operating 14 scheduled flights to and from Muscat.

Air India operated one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, and Air India Express flew one round-trip each from Hyderabad and Kozhikode to Jeddah.

Air India Express flew its scheduled services to Muscat, including one round-trip each from Delhi, Mumbai, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirappalli, and two round-trips from Kochi.

Additional ad-hoc flights

In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express operated 36 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

All Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions continue to operate per schedule, with 78 additional flights to and from Europe, the US, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives through 18 March 2026.

(Source: Air India)

Air Japan calls it quits

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March 12, 2026

SINGAPORE, 12 March 2026: After just two years flying the Air Japan flag, the low-cost airline is calling it quits on 29 March with its last international flight departing Singapore’s Changi Airport on 29 March.

It’s been slightly more than two years since the airline flew its inaugural flight from Tokyo to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport on 9 February 2024, promising passengers a hybrid airline experience on international medium-haul routes under the ANA Holdings Group banner.

*Photo credit: Air Japan. On 9 February 2024, Air Japan’s first Narita-Bangkok flight took off from Tokyo Narita.*

The experiment ends at 0055 on 29 March, when its B787-8 aircraft departs Singapore Changi Airport for Narita International Airport. Its two Boeing Dreamliners, configured with an all-economy class cabin, will return to the All Nippon Airways fleet on 1 April, the start of the airline’s new fiscal year.

ANA Group said its decision, first announced on 30 October 2025, was due to several operational challenges, including the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on flight routes and delays in aircraft deliveries.

The airline ends operations with two flights:

NQ2 (Bangkok to Narita) departing at 0010 on 29 March and NQ4 (Singapore to Narita) departing at 0055 on 29 March.

Services to popular tourist destinations in Asia will be flown under the ANA flag, with future bookings open directly on the official AirJapan website.

In its official statement, ANA said: “While we have operated flights under both the AirJapan and ANA brands, we will operate ANA-branded flights exclusively from the next fiscal year onward (1 April).”

Air Japan’s history

World Air Network Co Ltd registered the airline on 29 June 1990, and on 5 July 2000, the company name changed to Air Japan Co Ltd.

On 1 July 2010, it was merged with ANA & JP Express Co Ltd, and on 30 March 2018, it took delivery of its first of two Boeing 787 aircraft.

By 8 March 2022, ANA announced yet another change, adopting a new AirJapan branding. The new livery was launched on 9 February 2024, coinciding with the inaugural Dreamliner flight from Tokyo Narita to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Head Office: ANA Narita Sky Centre 3B, Narita International Airport, Narita City, Chiba, Japan

Capital: 50 million yen (as of 1 April 2025)

President & CEO: Hideki Mineguchi

Number of Employees: 1,299 (as of 1 April 12025)

ANA announces new President and CEO

Meanwhile, All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced changes to its board. Juichi Hirasawa, Representative Director, Senior Executive Vice President, will succeed Shinichi Inoue as ANA Holdings Inc President and CEO from 1 April 2026, while Inoue will become Senior Advisor of ANA Holdings Inc on the same date.

Hirasawa joined ANA in 1986. During his tenure with the ANA Group, he has held multiple positions, mainly in business planning and corporate strategy. Notably, as an Executive Officer since 2018, he has played a pivotal role in formulating and executing management strategies, effectively navigating the company through the COVID-19 crisis. He currently serves as Representative Director and Executive Vice President of ANA Holdings Inc, focusing primarily on industrial policy, government affairs, and economic security.

Inoue was appointed President and CEO of ANA in April 2022. Under his leadership, ANA contributed to the Group’s record-high operating revenue in FY2024, while maintaining its SKYTRAX 5-Star rating.

(Source: ANA)

Sarawak supports national partnerships

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March 11, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 March 2026: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak has reaffirmed its support for business events organisers throughout Malaysia, emphasising that collaboration between Sarawak and other parts of the country will be key to the next four years of Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

The message was highlighted during Business Events Sarawak’s (BESarawak) Ramadan engagement series in Kuala Lumpur, part of a broader initiative to strengthen partnerships with the national business events ecosystem, expand future bid pipelines, and position business events as a strategic driver of long-term economic and social impact.

YB Datuk Snowdan addresses partners from Peninsular Malaysia, reaffirming the Ministry’s support to organisers from across Malaysia.

The engagement also comes at an important moment as Sarawak enters the final phase of its development roadmap. As the strategy nears its end, working with industry partners across Malaysia will be key to turning strategic goals into real results for the industry and communities.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, through Business Events Sarawak, remain committed to supporting organisations across the country that wish to bring impactful business events to Sarawak,” stated The Honourable Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, who represented the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Kuala Lumpur engagement session.

“Collaboration has always been the driving force behind Sarawak’s success as a business events destination,” said Jason Tan Chin Foo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak. “Through our legacy impact initiatives and comprehensive support for business event organisers, we aim to strengthen the contributions of every industry player and foster meaningful partnerships that deliver lasting legacies for Sarawak, Malaysia and beyond. Initiatives such as the Academic Mobility Programme also enable universities to organise study tours and technical visits to Sarawak, further connecting academia with industry and supporting our vision to position Sarawak as the Legacy Capital of Business Events in Malaysia and Borneo.”

Sarawak builds stronger ties with Malaysia’s industry, discussing on how to expand current collaborations to support PCDS 2030.

The Academic Mobility Programme is a new initiative that enables universities to organise and host study tours and technical visits to Sarawak. The aim is to strengthen the bridge between research and local priorities, allowing students, researchers and academic institutions to engage directly with Sarawak’s industries, communities and development sectors.

About Business Events Sarawak
Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is a strategic advisor driving legacy impact through business events. As a Sarawak Government non-profit, we provide advice, support, and services to develop and host impact-driven events that deliver lasting value.
The business events industry is a key contributor to Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), with BESarawak trusted to facilitate outcomes that support Sarawak’s sustainable growth and advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). More at www.businesseventssarawak.com.

(Source: BESarawak)

Marriott signs first St Regis in New Zealand

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March 11, 2026

Marriott International has announced a signed agreement with PHC Queenstown Limited to debut St Regis Hotels & Resorts in Queenstown, New Zealand, with its opening scheduled for late 2027.

The hotel will be located on a prominent corner site in central Queenstown, with views to The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.

*Photo credit: Marriott. Rendering of St Regis Queenstown*

This new-build luxury hotel with 145 rooms is set to be Marriott’s inaugural foothold in Queenstown as the first St Regis hotel in New Zealand.

The St. Regis Queenstown will feature The Drawing Room, The St Regis Bar, an all-day dining venue and an event space.

The St. Regis Spa is also slated to offer a hydrothermal facilities zone and a relaxation and wellness lounge, complemented by the hotel’s indoor heated pool and fitness centre.

The St Regis Queenstown will join Marriott’s growing pipeline of St Regis Hotels in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific (ANZP) region, and marks the company’s third signing for the brand in the region.

(Source: Marriott International)

GHA partners with Tokyu Hotels

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March 11, 2026

TOKYO, 11 March 2026: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has signed an agreement with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts Co Ltd, which signals a major step in GHA’s strategic growth in Asia, particularly in Japan’s thriving travel and tourism market.

GHA brings together 50 independent hospitality brands through GHA Discovery, a multi-brand loyalty programme that leverages a shared technology platform. This agreement paves the way for more than 40 hotels operated by THR in Japan to benefit from GHA DISCOVERY and its more than 34 million members globally.

*Photo credit: GHA. (Left) Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA and (right) Takashi Takei, President and Representative Director of Tokyu Hotels & Resorts.*

Tokyu Hotels’ properties are located in popular destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Okinawa, offering a range of hotels from beach resorts to premium business properties.

Japan has consistently ranked among the world’s top destinations. In 2025, Japan welcomed 42.7 million international visitors, with Tokyo named among the top five most visited cities globally. The country’s blend of traditional culture, modern cities, beautiful nature and warm hospitality continues to captivate travellers worldwide.

“With Japan seeing a sustained boom in tourism, our agreement with Tokyu Hotels is both timely and strategic,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “We look forward to welcoming such an authentic and well-established Japanese brand into the GHA family – it will mark a key milestone in expanding our presence in one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world.”

Tokyu Hotels has long been synonymous with Japanese elegance and exceptional service, operating a portfolio of hotels since 1960, renowned for blending contemporary comfort with cultural authenticity. As the founders and previous owners of the Pan Pacific brand back in 1989, with whom they retain a marketing agreement for four hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, Tokyu Hotels is familiar with the value of hotel alliances.

“This partnership is a natural step forward in our international strategy,” said THR President and Representative Director Takashi Takei. “As a hotel chain rooted in Shibuya – one of Tokyo’s most dynamic and attractive destinations – we are pleased to join forces with GHA

to offer our guests greater benefits through GHA DISCOVERY while introducing our unique Japanese hospitality to a broader global audience in the future. Through our diverse portfolio across Japan, we aim to serve as a gateway for international travellers to gain a deeper understanding of Japan. We’re excited to become part of a network that shares our commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction.”

(Source: GHA)

Vietnam hosts 2.5 million visitors in January

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March 11, 2026

HANOI, 11 March 2026: Vietnam welcomed nearly 2.5 million international visitors in January 2026 – the highest monthly figure ever recorded – signalling a strong start to the year and a decisive shift from recovery to sustained growth.

According to Vietnam’s Tourism Information Technology Centre, the total represented a 21.4% increase from the previous month and an 18.5% rise year-on-year, reflecting robust global travel demand and Vietnam’s growing appeal as a safe and diverse destination.

Vietnam National Authority of Tourism posted the data on its website, showing Asia remained the largest source region, contributing approximately 1.8 million arrivals and accounting for more than 73% of the total.

South Korea retained its position as Vietnam’s top inbound market with nearly 490,000 visitors. Growth from this market has been supported by extensive flight connectivity and strong demand for beach holidays, golf tourism, and family-friendly travel.

Japan also recorded encouraging growth, particularly among higher-spending travellers, indicating a recovery in quality segments. Meanwhile, although arrivals from China dipped slightly year-on-year, the market maintained significant scale with nearly 460,000 visitors, reaffirming its role as Viet Nam’s second-largest source market.

Southeast Asia continued to demonstrate dynamic growth. Visitor numbers rose sharply from the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia, while Cambodia recorded the most notable surge, with arrivals more than doubling year-on-year. These gains underscore the effectiveness of ASEAN tourism cooperation frameworks and the advantages of geographic proximity, affordable travel costs, and convenient regional transport links.

India emerged as one of the most promising growth markets, reaching nearly 88,000 visitors in January — an 80.5% year-on-year increase. The rapid rise highlights the success of Vietnam’s efforts to diversify source markets and tap into India’s expanding outbound travel demand, supported by new air routes and targeted promotion.

Top 10 source markets in January 2026 (thousands of arrivals)

Source: Compiled from the National Statistics Office’s data.

Europe stood out as a major growth driver, welcoming around 424,000 visitors, up nearly 60% compared to the same period last year. Key markets, including Russia, the UK, France, and Germany, all recorded double-digit growth. Russia and Poland showed particularly strong rebounds.

Favourable visa policies, expanded direct flight routes, and Viet Nam’s appeal as a warm, long-stay winter destination contributed to the surge. European travellers are also known for longer stays and higher spending, generating substantial value for the tourism economy.

Long-haul markets showed stable performance. The Americas delivered steady gains, led by the US with over 103,000 arrivals, while Oceania recorded healthy growth, largely driven by Australia. These markets are considered relatively stable and less sensitive to short-term seasonal fluctuations.

(Source: Tourism Information Technology Centre)

Agoda presents Asia’s top river cruises

Thomas Cook opens sales outlet in Gwalior

SriLanka returns to Riyadh and Dubai

Current Status: Dubai Airports

Taiwan showcase at NATAS Travel Fair 2026

Air India hikes fuel surcharges

Air Japan calls it quits

Sarawak supports national partnerships

Marriott signs first St Regis in New Zealand

GHA partners with Tokyu Hotels

Vietnam hosts 2.5 million visitors in January

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