SINGAPORE, 14 January 2025: Shanghai is the fastest-growing destination for attracting travellers from Asia, says digital travel platform Agoda.
Jeju (South Korea), Paris (France), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Fukuoka (Japan) take second to fifth place on the podium.
Agoda’s New Horizons ranking, released annually in January, compares the accommodation bookings in destinations over the past two years to identify the hot spots most popular with travellers from Asia.
Agoda Country Director Angel Huang said: “Shanghai’s re-emergence as a travel favourite… Being the top trending destination on Agoda following China’s tourist visa waivers is powerful proof of that. Whether travellers want to explore Shanghai or elsewhere, Agoda is here to help with great rates on accommodation, flights, and activities.”
MANILA, 14 January 2025: Despite a hefty cut in its promotional budget, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) “remains firm in its commitment to increase tourist arrivals” during 2025, the Philippines News Agency reports.
PNA quoted Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco during a briefing in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon last Friday, saying DOT could continue its global campaign “Love the Philippines” despite a limited budget for promotions in 2024. She implied it was business as usual, even with budgets slashed for a second year.
During 2024, DOT missed its 7.7 million tourist arrival target, reaching 5.94 million, 9.15% higher than the 5.45 million foreign visitors recorded in 2023.
Frasco blamed the below-target performance mainly on the massive slowdown in Chinese arrivals in 2024. By the close of 2024, the Philippines welcomed just 300,000 Chinese nationals, well below the 1.74 million Chinese who had visited the Philippines in pre-Covid 2019.
Frasco argued that in the wake of “various matters beyond our control, we persevered and diversified our tourism products, focused on our top source markets, and ensured that tourism spending was high.”
This resulted in a record-high PHP760 billion tourist spending in 2024. Frasco emphasised that the DOT was concentrating on improving tourism receipts, the trip spending of foreign visitors, and the length of stay.
All of these factors increased in 2024 based on independent data released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
DOT takes a leaf out of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) that forecast a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in the Philippines, with its economic contribution, job numbers, and visitor spending all reaching new highs.
According to WTTC data, the sector’s contribution to the national economy surpasses PHP5.4 trillion in 2024. marking an almost 25% year-on-year growth and soaring 7.1% above the previous 2019 peak.
Travel & Tourism represents more than one-fifth (21.3%) of the country’s economy, underscoring the sector’s critical role in supporting the nation and its local communities.
The data also signals a remarkable year for employment, growing beyond the 2019 peak to surpass 9.5 million jobs — 20% of the national workforce.
Both international and domestic visitor spending in 2024 exceeded previous records, reaching PHP715.6 billion and PHP3.7 trillion, surpassing 2019 levels by 5.7% and 1.8%, respectively.
This growth is a testament to the government’s efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure, with efforts underway to upgrade regional airports to alleviate congestion at Manila’s main airport and make travel more accessible, WTTC noted.
Promotions budget cut
The PNA report noted that the “cuts in the DOT’s branding and promotions budget for 2025 from the proposed PHP500 million to PHP100 million would impact the agency’s promotion efforts in key markets, especially at a time when the country is trying to recover its pre-pandemic arrival figures.”
This is not the first time DOT has suffered a severe budget cut in its branding campaign. In 2024, its promotional funding programme dropped to PHP200 million from PHP1.27 billion in 2023.
“We anticipate that it could impact tourism arrivals,” said Frasco, “considering there will be fewer opportunities to market the Philippines and fewer chances to reach as many markets as we would wish.”
HANOI, 14 January 2025: More flight connections, open visa policies and tourism promotions helped to push Vietnam’s international visitor arrivals to more than 17.5 million in 2024, up by 39.5% compared with 2023.
In 2024, international visitor arrivals by air were more than 14.8 million, accounting for 84.4%. Overland arrivals reached: 2.5 million (14.2%) and by sea 248,000 (1.4%).
International visitors by the month of 2024. Compiled by the General Statistics Office. (Thousands)
By region, international visitors to Vietnam from Asia accounted for 79.6%. Europe: 11.3%, Americas: 5.7%, Oceania: 3,1%, Africa: 0.3%.
Top 10 source markets
South Korea remained the biggest source market in 2024, with 4.5 million arrivals (26%). China ranked second with 3.7 million (21.3%).
Among the top 10 markets were the USA (780,000 arrivals), Japan (711,000), India (501,000), Malaysia (495,000), Australia (491,000), Cambodia (475,000) and Thailand (418,000).
Notably, India’s outbound market recorded significant growth in the last few years, from 138,000 arrivals in 2022 to 392,000 arrivals in 2023 and 501,000 arrivals in 2024, an increase of 2.6 times in just two years.
Key growth drivers
Big markets in Northeast Asia were key drivers of international visitor growth in 2024. In particular, the Chinese market increased by 214.4% compared to 2023, followed by South Korea (+27.1%), Japan (+20.7%), Taiwan (+51.4%). Nearby markets in Southeast Asia grew well, including Indonesia (+74.7%), the Philippines (+73.6%), Laos (+23.3%), Cambodia (+18.0%), Malaysia (+5.4%), Singapore (+5.9%). The Thai market decreased by 14.5%.
Positive growth was also seen in European markets, such as the UK (+20.8%), France (+29.4%), Germany (+24.5%), Italy (+55.8%), Spain (+20.1%), Russia (+84.9%), Denmark (+22,1%), Norway (+23.0%), Sweden (+33.0%). These markets enjoy an open visa policy effective from 15 August 2023, which allows citizens to stay in Vietnam temporarily for up to 45 days.
Recovery compared to 2019
By region, the Oceania market exceeded 2019 levels (125%), Americas: 103%. Asia returned to 97% of pre-pandemic levels, while Europe recovered 92%.
The recovery of Asian source markets was mainly attributed to positive results in specific markets. They included South Korea (106%), Taiwan (139%), as well as the robust performance of India (297%), Cambodia (208%), Indonesia (173%), Laos (151%), Philippines (148%), Singapore (112%).
However, the performance slowed in some traditional markets such as China (64%), Japan (75%), Thailand and Malaysia (82%).
Some of the strongest performers from Europe were Spain (+109%) and Italy (126%), while the UK and France recorded 97%.
JAKARTA, 14 January 2025: Indonesia’s tourism sector continues to show a positive trend, posting a 20% increase in foreign tourist visits to Indonesia from January to November 2024.
In its latest report, Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that in November 2024, foreign tourist visits reached 1.09 million. From January to November 2024, foreign tourist visits reached 12.66 million, an increase of 20.17% compared to the same period in 2023. The growth trend was the highest in the last five years.
“Joint efforts by the Ministry of Tourism together with all parties encouraged the performance of a quality and sustainable tourism sector that has a broad impact on society,” said the Ministry of Tourism Acting Deputy for Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini.
Since 1 January 2025, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy separated into two agencies — the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Creative Economy.
The Ministry of Tourism set two targets for its tourist arrivals in 2024 — a lower target of 10.41 million and an upper target of 14.3 million.
“There is still data pending for December 2024, due to be officially announced by BPS in February. We certainly hope that the tourism performance will reach our upper target,” said Made.
The Ministry of Tourism has also run a collaborative marketing program with various parties by organising familiarisation trips and the Wonderful Indonesia campaign through digital channels to strengthen the image of Indonesian tourism worldwide.
“In 2025, the Ministry of Tourism will maximise tourism marketing programmes by adopting new trends, for example, holidays to places that are not yet well-known (off-the-beaten-track), experiential tourism, special interest tourism, including gastronomy and luxury tourism, which are expected to have a maximum impact on achieving tourism sector targets,” Made concluded.
MANILA, 14 January 2025: The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) and AirAsia Philippines collaborate to promote Halal tourism offerings nationwide.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Isla led the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week at the DOT Central Office in Makati City. The MOU formalised the airline’s commitment to providing Halal-certified meals on all of its flights.
The DOT will provide training to enhance the airline’s services and recognise AirAsia as a partner in Muslim-friendly tourism projects.
This also makes AirAsia Philippines the first DOT-recognised Muslim-friendly airline in the Philippines.
Tourism Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs and Mindanao Promotions Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and AirAsia Philippines Santan Manager Pax Paloma witnessed the partnership signing.
HONG KONG, 14 January 2024: Cathay Pacific confirms flights to Rome will start this summer, making it the 12th European destination and another step closer to the group’s target of reaching 100 global destinations in 2025.
Direct flights to Rome will begin on 5 June 2025 as a three-times-weekly summer seasonal service.
Photo credit: Cathay Pacific. CX flies to Rome in the summer.
The Hong Kong-Rome route will be Cathay Pacific’s second direct connection between its home hub and Italy. The airline currently operates five weekly return flights to Milan, which will increase to daily flights this summer.
Visitors to Rome can look forward to exploring one of Europe’s most impressive historical and cultural centres, which boasts countless monuments, landmarks, museums, and churches. Cathay Pacific’s return to the city is especially timely, providing travellers from Asia with a convenient connection to the Italian capital as the Catholic Church celebrates the 2025 Year of Jubilee.
Once every 25 years, the Jubilee will see various events and celebrations in Vatican City and Rome throughout the year.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Cathay Pacific’s history in Italy stretches back close to 40 years when we first launched direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome in 1986. We know our customers have been eagerly anticipating the return of this route, and we are delighted to be returning to Italy’s marvellous capital this summer. Whether they travel for business, leisure or the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, we look forward to welcoming customers onboard our flights to experience our world-class service.”
Cathay Pacific’s Rome service deploys Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the route, which are configured with three cabin classes: business (flat beds), premium economy, and economy.
Flight schedules are as follows (all times local, subject to change and regulatory approval):
The Cathay Group has announced six cities are joining its global passenger network in 2025. In addition to Rome, Cathay Pacific is launching direct flights to Hyderabad in March, Dallas in April, Munich in June and Brussels in August this year. Meanwhile, the group’s low-cost carrier, HK Express, launches flights to Sendai in January. The two airlines project that they will operate passenger services to 100 destinations worldwide within 2025.
SINGAPORE, 13 January 2025: Emirates has embarked on an inspiring journey to officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, inviting customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience Emirates’ seamless services and personalised hospitality, making travel more accessible for all.
The inaugural designation is set to be formally awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months when more than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will have completed the initial training. Emirates also plans to roll out new standards and services that will improve the on ground and inflight travel experience for both customers on the autism spectrum and their families and companions, to be announced later in the year.
Accessible Travel for all
For many members of the global autism community, international air travel is a highly challenging experience or something to be avoided entirely due to the high level of sensory stimuli that can be involved.
A survey on AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations and that 94% of respondents would take more vacations if they had access to places where staff are autism-trained and certified. As part of Emirates’ mission to make travel more inclusive and accessible for all, this significant step also supports Dubai’s ambition to become the most accessible destination in the world.
What is the Autism Certified Airline™ designation?
Driven by its commitment to creating a welcoming travel experience for all customers, including individuals with autism and those with sensory sensitivities, Emirates worked collaboratively with IBCCES, a leading organisation in autism and neurodiversity training and certification, to conduct an onsite review and comprehensive audit.
As part of a vast research endeavour, IBCCES surveyed more than 14,000 people with a variety of disabilities, including people with autism, those with sensory sensitivities and their families and caregivers. The survey data was collated alongside numerous interviews, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) industry survey, and feedback from 1,200 industry professionals – helping develop the most beneficial standards for passengers and airline staff. In addition to the feedback collated, IBCCES experts conducted several Emirates flight audits on long and short-haul routes.
The collation of detailed data ensured input from key stakeholders including the lived experiences of people with autism, global thought leaders, industry professionals and healthcare experts – combined to create new industry standards that accommodate passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities during air travel. Using a data-driven approach, Emirates and IBCCES partnered to create a new blueprint for serving passengers with accessibility requirements, encompassing the entire journey – from ground services to in-flight services. Emirates will lead the way in bringing these new standards into practice in aviation for the first time. The thorough certification process includes ensuring that at least 80% of customer-facing staff complete the dedicated training and a commitment to ongoing training and improvements.
As part of the designation, Emirates’ ground staff and cabin crew will undertake new, focused training on autism and sensory awareness to equip them with the understanding and skills to address the needs of travellers with autism and sensory sensitivities, along with their families. The training educates Emirates’ teams on the spectrum of autism, misconceptions and challenges faced, the myriad ways to assist customers dependent on their needs, and potential stimuli and triggers that staff should be aware of. The new training builds on the foundations established by the Emirates ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities training, completed by 23,000 staff in 2023.
Emirates’ new standards and services for customers with autism
Throughout 2025, Emirates will be introducing new standards and services for customers with autism and sensory conditions that will ensure more enjoyable and accessible travel. One such service is the introduction of ‘sensory guides’ – digital aids developed as part of the audit conducted by IBCCES in collaboration with Emirates that empower travellers to make informed decisions about the various environments encountered and plan what suits their needs and preferences. The guides were created by conducting comprehensive facilities audits across Dubai locations and the inflight experience, measuring sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells. Another development expected in 2025 will introduce neurodiverse sensory products for customers on Emirates flights – sensory fidget toys or aids that can encourage focus, help to reduce self-stimulatory behaviour and help to de-stress.For bookings and airline information, visit www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 13 January 2025: Khao Yai, home to Thailand’s first national park and a landscape of rolling hills and tropical forests, is a truly enchanting destination where travellers can escape the heat of Bangkok and unwind amid fresh mountain air.
Just three hours’ drive from the Thai capital, this lush landscape is home to local vineyards, 18-hole golf courses, and natural landscapes of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where wild elephants roam.
Nestled amid this scenic region, ROUKH KIRI KHAOYAI blends luxury hospitality with an organic concept for guests to unwind in nature. Managed by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, this five-star boutique retreat was crafted by Onion, the award-winning architecture company, to create an upscale country village with a collection of low-rise barns, gardens, terraces, and pools, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Khao Yai’s misty mountains.
Guests can stay in tranquil, barn-style accommodations, ranging from the 80-sqm Mountain View Villas and Pool Villas to the stunning 434-sqm, two-bedroom Grand Residence, all of which blend characteristic interior and natural elements with luxurious furnishings. With semi-outdoor bathrooms featuring indulgent outdoor bathtubs and organic amenities, plus spacious alfresco dining terraces and stone-clad private pools in most villas, every visitor will feel a deep connection with the Earth.
In December 2024, ROUKH KIRI KHAOYAI will unveil its new top accommodation category: two breathtaking Barn Residences, ‘Chan’ and ‘Tawan’. Each offers over 270 square metres of indoor and outdoor space with two bedrooms, a private pool, exclusive services, and plenty of room for friends and families to relax and reconnect with each other in comfort and style.
During their stay at ROUKH KIRI KHAOYAI, guests can also discover nature’s bounty at the hotel’s organic farm. This eco oasis produces an abundant crop of seasonal Thai produce and more experimental ingredients such as lemons, rosemary and avocados, which are used to craft the innovative menus at Roukh Cuisine, a farm-to-table restaurant. In the cool season months, guests can comfortably warm up next to an impressive fireplace at the open living area. In the warm summer, an outdoor saltwater pool provides the perfect place to cool off with a scenic swim overlooking the tranquil landscape.
With an intimate cluster of just 13 villas and residences, ROUKH KIRI KHAOYAI can be booked in its entirety, creating a one-of-a-kind destination for life’s most important occasions, including family gatherings, celebrating parties and corporate events. Business escapes can be enhanced with a meeting space designed for 20 delegates and complemented with a separate breakout room.
ROUKH KIRI KHAOYAI’s contemporary concept and stylish design has been recognised with a series of prestigious awards, including Conde Nast Traveller’s “Readers’ Choice Award” in 2020 and a place on the 2021 “Hot List”. Most recently, it was named the “Best Upcountry Hotel in Thailand” at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific in 2023 and 2024.
“ROUKH KIRI KHAOYAI is a unique barn resort that immerses guests in the organic wonders of Khao Yai, central Thailand’s ‘green lungs’. With its fresh mountain air and luxurious yet minimalistic design, visitors could be mesmerised by the solidarity of the surrounding nature. This makes it a perfect option for couples and groups of friends and families seeking a break from the busy streets of Bangkok. With the launch of our two new Barn Residences this December, we look forward to welcoming our prestigious guests to ROUKH KIRI KHAOYAI,” said the resort’s General Manager Aree Phonjarern.
For more information and to book your escape at ROUKH KIRI KHAO YAI, visit www.roukh.com.
SINGAPORE, 13 January 2025: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2024 global passenger demand, indicating total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), improved by 8.1% compared to November 2023.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 5.7% year-on-year. The November load factor was 83.4% (+1.9 percentage points compared to November 2023), an all-time high for November. International demand rose 11.6% compared to November 2023.
Capacity was up 8.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.4% (+2.3 ppt compared to November 2023). Strong carrier performance in Europe and Asia-Pacific drove this double-digit expansion in demand.
Domestic demand rose 3.1% compared to November 2023. Capacity was up 1.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.5% (+1.2 percentage points compared to November 2023).
“November was another month of strong growth in the demand for air travel with an overall expansion of 8.1%. The month was another reminder of the supply chain issues preventing airlines from getting the aircraft they need to meet growing demand,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
“Capacity growth lags demand by 2.4 percentage points, and load factors are at record levels. Airlines are missing out on opportunities to serve customers better, modernise their products and improve their environmental performance because aircraft are not being delivered on time. The 2025 New Year’s resolution for the aerospace manufacturing sector must be finding a fast and durable solution for their supply chain issues”.
Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets
All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in November 2024 compared to November 2023. Europe had the highest load factors (85.0%), while Asia-Pacific led on growth with a 19.9% year-on-year expansion in demand.
Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 19.9% year-on-year increase indemand. Capacity increased 16.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.9% (+2.6 ppt compared to November 2023).
European carriers had a 9.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.0 % (+1.8 ppt compared to November 2023).
Middle Eastern carriers saw an 8.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 3.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.0% (+3.6 ppt compared to November 2023).
North American carriers saw a 3.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 1.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.0% (+1.1 ppt compared to November 2023).
Latin American airlines saw an 11.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 11.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.4% (-0.4 ppt compared to November 2023).
African airlines saw a 12.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.0% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 72.9% (+4.1 ppt compared to November 2023).
MUMBAI, 13 January 2025: Thomas Cook India and its group company, SOTC Travel, announce the launch of “special direct flights” from Ahmedabad to Bhutan, commencing in early May 2025.
This pioneering initiative establishes a charter flight series between Gujarat and Bhutan, addressing a significant market gap and reinforcing Thomas Cook and SOTC’s position as leaders in driving innovation within India’s outbound travel sector.
Photo credit: Thomas Cook India. https://www.thomascook.in/
Initially, three charter flights are scheduled for 4, 11 and 18 May for the inclusive six-night itinerary with a starting price of INR92,000 (USD1,068). Sales are underway at the Thomas Cook Group outlets in five cities in Gujarat. More charter flights could be added to the series depending on demand.
Currently, the travel route requires residents of Gujarat residents to take connecting flights via Kolkata or Delhi, which entail layovers and the inconvenience of multiple flights, airport/terminal transfers and several check-ins.
The new direct charter flights from Ahmedabad to Paro in Bhutan will offer passengers a more seamless and convenient travel experience.
Recognising Gujarat’s strong appetite for outbound travel, the special direct flights allow travellers to explore Bhutan conveniently. The six-night itinerary has been designed to incorporate Bhutan’s distinctive experiences with authentic Gujarati cuisine.
Tour Highlights
• Memorable experiences: archery, riverside lunch in Punakha, dressing in traditional Bhutanese attire, dinner in Thimphu with a cultural performance, bonfire, light and music show
• Gujarati chefs stationed in Bhutan to ensure the preparation of authentic Gujarati cuisine, including vegetarian/Jain options — meeting a critical demand for Gujarati travellers
• Assistance of an experienced Gujarati-speaking tour manager from Ahmedabad, ensuring familiarity and comfort throughout the trip
Bhutan, one of the happiest and greenest countries, is the world’s first carbon-negative nation. It offers scenic vistas, iconic monasteries, romantic spots, nature reserves, Himalayan terrain, lush valleys, hot-stone baths, and culture and warm hospitality.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Our special direct flights from Ahmedabad to Bhutan represent a game-changer in Gujarat’s travel market. Gujarat remains one of our most important source markets, and with Bhutan’s increasing popularity, we are positioned to deliver value by offering a seamless travel experience that addresses the specific needs of Gujarati travellers. We are optimistic that this launch will drive substantial growth from the region in 2025.”
SOTC Travel Limited, President & Country Head Holidays and Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar added: “Our first-ever direct flights from Ahmedabad are a strategic response to market demand and an opportunity to unlock growth in this high-potential region. We are setting a new benchmark for travel experiences.”
“Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s direct flights from Ahmedabad to Paro make travel to Bhutan easier and more convenient for our friends in India,” Department of Tourism Bhutan Chief Marketing Officer Carissa Nimah commented. “We’ve seen growing interest from Gujarat, and this new route provides the perfect opportunity for more travellers to discover Bhutan’s serene beauty, vibrant traditions, and timeless charm. It also deepens the cultural and personal ties between our two nations.”
