Sunday, July 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 97

Karuizawa: ‘Four Seasons of the Year’ experience

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 15 January 2025: Japan’s picturesque resort town Karuizawa is stepping into the international travel destination spotlight at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025, exhibiting from 7 to 9 February 2025 at CentralWorld Bangkok. 

The resort town looks to attract more Thai travellers seeking natural and cultural experiences available through all ‘Four Seasons of the Year’ in Karuizawa.

Although Japan is well established as a popular outbound destination for Thais, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan is experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence, with 995,558 arrivals from Thailand in 2023. 

However, many hidden gems still wait to be uncovered around Japan, and Karuizawa remains relatively unknown in Thailand after attracting just 8,725 Thai visitors last year, according to 2023 data from Nagano prefecture.

This might not last for much longer. Located only 70 minutes by Shinkansen ‘bullet train’ from Tokyo, Karuizawa is one of Japan’s most renowned highland resorts tucked into an elevated plain (1,000 metres above sea level) at the foot of Mount Asama. It is a fascinating oasis for those who cherish natural mountain landscapes, changing seasons, plus a vibrant food and shopping scene to round out the town’s attractions.

Karuizawa’s popularity dates back to the late 19th century as a summer retreat for missionaries and diplomats based in Tokyo. It soon attracted the upper echelons of Japanese society — including members of the Imperial Family — becoming the highland resort town of choice to escape Tokyo’s blistering heat. Its excellent ski slopes and long golfing season, which runs into December, have also proved popular with Japan’s elite.

The town’s rich cultural heritage also attracts writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians year-round with its captivating art galleries and museums, plus an abundance of attractions that inspire creativity. It’s also home to the Karuizawa Tourist Hall, with its classic wooden exterior, and the nearby Alexander Croft Shaw Memorial Chapel, which dates back to 1888, both open year-round.

Top Tips to Enjoy Karuizawa 

Each year, Cherry Blossoms begin to bloom in April and herald the start of Spring, offering fantastic photo and selfie opportunities.

At Shiraito Falls, visitors can enjoy fresh green foliage in Spring, a cool misty breeze in Summer, and dazzling colourful leaves in Autumn.

In December Karuizawa transforms into a Winter Wonderland as soft snow for skiers and snowboarders blankets the town. There are also ice skating, curling rinks, and a dedicated sightseeing lift for non-skiers to enjoy the panoramic views. Bathers can enjoy the open-air hot springs at Sengataki-onsen and Hoshino-onsen year-round, but they are most appreciated in Winter.

Mount Asama offers different experiences year-round since the region’s foliage is ever-changing. Hikers can summit the active volcano, with an assent of 2,568 meters, throughout all four seasons.

Sports enthusiasts can find an activity for every season year-round: Horseback riding, golf, cycling, tennis, swimming or rollerblading in Spring, Summer and Autumn, to name just a few, or take a curling lesson at the Karuizawa Ice Park in Winter.

Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street is open year-round and features bakeries, coffee shops, and eateries. It has been a home of culinary delights since the late nineteenth century, especially its Soba and home-brewed sake and beer using local spring water.

Karuizawa Tourism and Economic Affairs Division chief Kazuto Sato said: “Karuizawa is exhibiting at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 because we see the opportunity for engagement and the potential to attract more Thais with a new destination in Japan that offers all-year-round experiences in an unspoiled natural environment.”

Find out more at the Karuizawa Administration Booth E8 at the JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 from 7 to 9 February 2025 at CentralWorld Bangkok.

Hamad clocks up 52.7m passengers

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DOHA, Qatar, 15 January 2025: Hamad International Airport (DOH) achieved significant milestones in 2024, serving 52.7 million passengers, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. 

The airport continues to strengthen its role as a key global hub for airlines and passengers. Aircraft movements also rose to 279,000, marking an 10% year-on-year increase, while a total of 2.6 million tonnes of cargo handled, a rise of 12% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the airport managed 41.3 million bags, reflecting a 10% increase in baggage handling efficiency.

According to the Airport Council International’s “ACI” Airport Industry Connectivity Report 2024, Hamad International Airport was the highest-ranked airport in the Middle East for connectivity, providing passengers with some of the best connection options through its award-winning facilities.

Local Market Expansion

In 2024, Hamad International Airport welcomed over 4 million travellers every month, reflecting its capacity to manage high volumes efficiently. Local passenger traffic grew by 16% — for the first time faster than transfer traffic — driven by Doha’s increasing appeal as a tourist destination and the joint efforts with Qatar Tourism to attract charter services. Notably, the airport handled over 12 million point-to-point passengers.

Partnerships and Regional Traffic Insights

In 2024, the airport expanded its global network to 197 destinations, with 55 total airlines operating from Hamad International Airport, including new airline partners like China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Akasa Air. Its hub carrier, Qatar Airways, added numerous destinations to its network, including Osaka, Hamburg, Lisbon, and Toronto.

Passenger volumes showed strong growth across both eastern and western markets. Traffic to China surged by 87%, while emerging Asian markets, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, also demonstrated robust growth. Mature European markets, including the UK, Germany, Spain, and France, achieved double-digit growth, reinforcing the airport’s global appeal.

Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Hamad Ali Al-Khater commented: “November and December 2024 witnessed Hamad International Airport’s point-to-point passenger volumes surpassing those during the FIFA World Cup 2022, highlighting Doha’s rising prominence as a premier destination. As we commemorate our 10th anniversary, we are dedicated to the next chapter — enhancing infrastructure by adding more gates for passenger convenience before mid-2025, fortifying global partnerships, and contributing to Qatar’s economic growth”.

MH sets out ‘Time For’ global sale

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 January 2025: Malaysia Airlines launches its global “Time For” signature marketing campaign, inviting travellers worldwide to enjoy fare discounts as part of an international sale ending on 22 January 2025.

The campaign sees Malaysia Airlines positioning Malaysia on the global stage with social media and advertising activations such as tram wraps in Melbourne, Australia and taxi and bus branding in the UK. These efforts align with Visit Malaysia 2026, showcasing the country’s appeal to international audiences.

The “Time for” marketing campaign offers a global sale with up to 20% savings on fares to over 60 destinations, available until 22 January 2025. 

Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Dersenish Aresandiran commented: “Our “Time For” marketing campaign is more than just a celebration of travel; it’s an invitation for the world to discover Malaysia and connect to the best of Asia and beyond.”

As part of the offer, travellers can tap all-in return economy class fares starting from MYR139 for domestic and MYR519 for international destinations. Business Class fares start at MYR779 for domestic and MYR1,549 for international destinations. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines will operate 102 additional red-eye flights between 24 January and 4 February 2025 to improve connectivity during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, bringing the total to 219 weekly flights to and from Sabah and Sarawak. Fixed all-in one-way fares starting at MYR349 are available exclusively on Malaysia Airlines’ official website and mobile app.

STB suspends eight travel agencies

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 15 January 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board suspended eight travel agents last month from conducting travel agency business activities under the Travel Agents Act 1975.

Seven companies were suspended for failing to submit their Audited Statement of Accounts (AA) and/or Annual Business Profile Returns (ABPR). Under the Travel Agents Regulations 2017, licensees must submit these documents within six months after the close of their financial year.

Photo credit: STB.

One company was suspended for failing to maintain the minimum financial requirement and failing to pay the outstanding financial penalty.

Eight in total represented the highest number of suspensions announced on a single day since the travel agency law’s business regulations were introduced in 2017.

The suspensions will remain in effect until the due payments and/or documentation are submitted or for up to six months, whichever is earlier. During the suspension period, the travel agents will be required to fulfil their existing customer obligations but will not be allowed to accept new travel bookings.

In the announcement on its website, STB reiterated its standing policy to adopt a “serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry.” 

The list of suspended travel agencies 

Agoda: Shanghai top trending destination

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

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.”

DOT faces Love the Philippines budget cuts

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

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.”

(Source: PNA)

Vietnam welcomes 17.5m visits in 2024

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

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%.

(Source: Tourism Information Technology Centre).

Indonesia monitors foreign tourist visits

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

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.  

(Source: Ministry of Tourism.)

AirAsia Philippines flies Halal meals

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

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.

Cathay Pacific returns to Rome

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

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.

1...969798...599Page 97 of 599

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.