Asia Vacations - Travel, Tourism - Info & Review

Editor's Note: Skift launched a new series, Gateway, as we broaden our news coverage geographically with first-hand, original stories from correspondents embedded in cities around the world. We are featuring regular reports several times per week from Beijing, Singapore, Caracas and Cape Town, and look for us to add other cities soon. Gateway Singapore, for example, signifies that the reporter is writing from that city although her coverage of the business of travel will meander to other locales in the region. Read about the series here, and check out all the stories in the series here. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will mark its 50th anniversary in August and the Jakarta-based organization has unimaginatively launched a Visit [email protected]: Golden Celebration tourism campaign. This is the third Visit ASEAN year. The first was in 1992 when ASEAN turned 25; the second was the odd Visit ASEAN Millennium Year 2002. Many industry players yawn at anoth

US-based researcher Arif Jamal argues that President Donald Trump cannot defeat radical Islam by excluding Saudi Arabia and Pakistan from his contentious move barring US entry to people from some Muslim nations. For many experts, US President Donald Trump's "Muslim ban" is not only unconstitutional and dangerously divisive, it also contradicts what the new US leader claims he aims to achieve through this move - stopping terrorist attacks perpetrated by foreigners on US soil. Trump's ban targets seven predominantly Muslim countries - Syria, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen - whose citizens have so far not been involved in mass killings in the US. On the contrary, all major terrorist groups that have attacked the United States and other Western countries over the past couple of decades – from al Qaeda to the Taliban to the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) – can trace their roots back to Sunni-led countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and

Reading Time: 2 minutes After US President Donald Trump's radical executive order to ban Muslims from certain countries from entering the US and extend vetting against others, outraged voices could be heard from the two major Muslim countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on January 29 that his country "deeply regrets" Trump's plans for "extreme vetting" of Muslim people under the new immigration order. While Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, is not among the seven nations whose citizens face restrictions, Marsudi said: "We have deep regrets about the policy." Indonesia has close relations with the US and many of its citizens think highly of former US President Barack Obama, who spent part of his childhood in Jakarta. According to Marsudi, there were "hundreds of thousands" of Indonesians living and working in the US. Most of Indonesia's 2

Unless you are a big fan of international gambling vacations, it's probable you have never even heard of Macau. I hadn't until someone said it's like Vegas meets colonial Europe. I thought – I must see this. I mean who doesn't like spending your days at UNESCO World Heritage sites and your nights throwing down at the glitzy Vegas style casinos. First lesson I learned; it's not cheap. Second lesson I learned; it's totally worth it. Source: paiteeo.blogspot.com Macau is located on a small peninsula on the south tip of China and also includes two islands off the coast. Until 1999, it was a Portuguese colony and it still retains much of the European character today. While technically part of China, Macau's government has no restrictions on gambling making it a great center of Asian tourism. The biggest changes have occurred in the last ten years or so since the local monopoly on gambling was disbanded. Source:wendywutours.com.au In 2003, Las Vegas hit Ma

Skift Take Chinese New Year is big business for the travel industry. The country's travelers are expected to take more 3 billion trips during this year's festivities. — Jeremy Kressman It's probably no surprise by now that more travel marketers are catering to the world's growing audience of Chinese travelers. But understanding when and why they travel is often less well understood, particularly when it comes to big annual events like Chinese New Year. This annual celebration dedicated to family, tradition and culture is increasingly becoming one of the most popular times of the year for Chinese citizens to hit the road. And much like Americans during long holiday breaks, they're doing it in huge numbers. In fact, many experts are predicting Chinese revelers will make more than 3 billion trips during this year's celebrations. How can travel brands capitalize on this massive spending burst? And what do they need to know about travelers' habit

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre continues its 40th Milestone Season in 2017 with the commissioned World Premiere of INCIDENT AT HIDDEN TEMPLE, running now through February 12, 2017 at the Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row in New York City (410 W. 42nd Street). The official opening is tonight, January 26, at 7:30PM. Building on the success of 2015's FILM CHINOIS by Damon Chua, an atmospheric mystery in the genre of film noir, INCIDENT AT HIDDEN TEMPLE focuses on China 1943 with the historic US Flying Tigers squadron and the presence of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. The play throws open a window into the critical role played by American pilots in China during WWII, and hinges upon three Chinese women - who cross paths unwittingly in a secret quest. The sterling cast includes veteran artists Rosanne Ma (FILM CHINOIS, SHOGUN MACBETH), Dinh James Doan (DOJOJI, FILM CHINOIS) and Ying Ying Li, Tim Liu, Jonathan Miles, Nick Ryan, and Briana Sakamoto. Playwright Damon Chua says: "My ta

According to Jess Roberts -- the girlfriend of Nathan Basista -- they gave up their drinking and partying lifestyle, worked multiple jobs and saved just enough money to live camping and in affordable accommodations to see the rest of the world. The Aurora Borealis is the highlight of their first year of traveling the Western Hemisphere.(Photo: Gardar Olafsson/ YouTube Screenshot/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_037xabLLAI) For these two young kids, traveling is more important than the short-term euphoria drinking and nightlife could bring. Nathan Basista and Jess Roberts decided during one fateful day they would see the rest the Earth has to offer by avoiding additional expenses and saving up for their grand vacation spanning 12 countries in a year. According to Metro UK, the couple decided to save "every single moment during college" and even "worked several jobs" to accelerate their vacation savings fund. Drinking and partying were immediately out of the que

Makoto Shinkai's your name is a huge international success. The film is currently China's highest-grossing Japanese-made movie ever, and currently the most successful Japanese animated film in history. The film is such a huge success, that the Japanese government is helping organize a tour for foreign anime tourists! The official your name tour will include several of the film's locations in Gifu and Tokyo. The tour is a collaboration between the Japanese government's Cool Japan Initiative and Tokyo's Anime Tourism Association. They have opened an official website as well. It is available in several languages, including English, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Thai, and Malay. Visiting the real-life locations depicted in the hit anime film "Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa)" in the Hida region of Gifu and Tokyo. Many places in Japan serve as settings for anime and manga. The purpose of this tour is to bring foreign tourists to personally

SATTE, South Asia's leading B2B travel trade show, is all set to kickstart its 24th edition. The show, to be held from February 15-17, 2017 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, expects to surpass its last visitor numbers of 21,000+ across three days. This year the exhibition will be spread over 17,500 sqm gross, thus making it India's biggest travel and tourism event, and expects to feature over 850+ exhibitors and the representation of over 50 countries. Speaking about the growth of the exhibition over the years and this year's latest developments, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, "SATTE has now become an institution and has evolved as a truly global exhibition in this part of the world. In spite of worldwide uncertainties this year, it stands taller than ever before. SATTE has an expected turnout of over 20,000 qualified travel professionals -- each visiting the expo with a high expectancy from the event and its innovative, solution-driven features like

Residents of Singapore have five options to choose from when looking to book a ticket with a Singapore-based airline. In large part, the decision will depend on the destination. Singapore Airlines serves destinations like New York, London, and Paris while regional airlines, like Tiger Air, focus on serving Southeast Asian destinations like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila. Regardless of your destination, however, you will likely be asked at checkout whether or not you would like to purchase a travel insurance from the airline. Are these products worth your money? Airline Destinations Singapore Airlines 64 SilkAir 51 TigerAir 40 JetStar Asia Airways 28 Scoot 23 Travel Insurance's Value Travel insurance can cover almost every facet of your travels from the cost of canceling the trip, trip interruptions, trip delays or medical costs overseas. This insurance can even cover the cost of evacuation for you and your family during a natural disaster or to bring your re

Home» Multimedia » Photos Saturday, 21 January 2017 15:55 Posted by Jibran Abbasi Photo Credit: Max Muench Max Muench is a talented 24-year-old freelance photographer, pianist and traveler currently based in Berlin, Germany. By following his passion to travel, Max shoots a lot of adventure, landscape and outdoor photography. Always looking for a fresh perspective and the unique light. Copyright Business Recorder, 2017 Source: Breathtaking Travel Photography by Max Muench

Tax Free World Association reports that this year's Singapore TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore is shaping up well as the 'must visit event' for all those involved in the duty free and travel retail sector in Asia.                                           Due to be held from 7 to 11 May 2017, this year's event is expected to be every bit as successful and well attended as last years when exhibitor numbers were up by 9% and visitor numbers by 12%. TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: "When it comes to looking for growth and opportunity, all eyes have been on Asia for many years. In 2015, two of the top three countries for sales were in Asia and an impressive six out of the top ten.  "There is no doubt that Asia will have maintained its dominant position in 2016. In the first quarter of 2016, while some regions were experiencing a fall in sales, Asia Pacific saw growth of 5%." TFWA

Standard Chartered Bank and Allianz have formed a 15-year bancassurance partnership for the distribution of Allianz's general insurance products, including travel, personal accident, fire and motor insurance products, to Standard Chartered's retail banking clients in five key markets across Asia. The new partnership arrangements in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China will be implemented during the course of 2017. "In addition to Standard Chartered's extensive branch network, Allianz products will also be available for distribution via a proprietary digital bancassurance platform for an integrated, data-driven and highly tailored customer proposition," said Allianz in a statement. "Bancassurance is a key focus for Standard Chartered, as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings that meet the evolving needs of our clients in branches and online," said Karen Fawcett, CEO, Retail Banking, Standard Chartered Bank. "Throug

Kei Nishikori has some advice for Asian players aspiring to crack the Top 10—move. In the aftermath of his 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Jeremy Chardy in the Australian Open second round, Nishikori was asked if an Asian man could make the Top 10 and contend for major titles while based in Asia. Watch: Pospisil Drills Stepanek in Doubles Nishikori, who was born in Shimane, Japan, but moved to Bradenton, Florida as a teenager to train at the IMG Academy, said the extensive travel required to reach tournaments makes it a tough assignment for Asian-based men to make a major impact. "Yeah, for me, was really lucky that I moved to the U.S., able to hit with all the top players in IMG Academy," Nishikori said. "I think that helps a lot to see how they playing. I realized that when I was young. It was really big step for me. "Well, I don't want to say that it's impossible if you're staying in Asia to make top 10, but I think it's still toug h, based o

Travel with us to the ancient Kingdoms of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in Southeast Asia, famously popular destinations for gap year travellers and it isn't hard to see why. The countries provide a world of unimaginable beauty offering the perfect setting for an adventure that will take you everywhere – from buzzing night bazaars full of jewel-bright lanterns, to pearl-white sand beaches and picture perfect vistas; from dazzling temples to formidable sunken Buddha statues hidden by a riot of rainforest vegetation; from refreshing waterfalls in breathtaking landscapes, to the remains on an ancient citadel; you will experience all this, and combine your journey with a 28-day beach conservation or teaching and community development project (if you can't decide between the two projects try a combination of both). This adventure trail takes in the best sites in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, and will lead you to the highlights of these unmissable destinations. Who could resis

Singaporean passport-holders can now access 156 countries visa-free The Singapore passport is now the strongest in Asia, in terms of the number of countries its holders are able to access without a visa. According to the latest report by Passport Index, Singapore, with a visa-free score of 156, overtook South Korea (152) to become Asia's highest ranked passport. Japan (154) rose to second, pushing South Korea down into third position. The Marshall Islands was the biggest winner in 2016, adding 35 more countries to its visa-free score. Other Pacific island nations, including Micronesia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, also saw significant improvements. Germany holds the world's most powerful passport, with a visa-free score of 157. Swe den is tied with Singapore in second place. World's Most Powerful Visas 1)        Germany (157)2=)     Singapore, Sweden (156)4=)     Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, UK, USA (155)12=)   Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Aus

Photo Inside the Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino. Credit Larry Hanna/Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino From baccarat and pai gow poker to noodle restaurants, it's no secret that Las Vegas has long been courting travelers from Asia, particularly China. But by this Chinese New Year — Jan. 28 — visitors will find a more intense focus on Asian tourists on and around the Strip as businesses aim to increase international traffic. The first direct flight from Beijing to Las Vegas, launched Dec. 2 by Hainan Airlines, is viewed as a major step toward the goal the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority has set to push international visitation to 30 percent over the next decade. International visitors currently account for 16 percent of traffic. Some 207,000 Chinese travelers visited Las Vegas in 2015, a figure that has nearly quadrupled since 2006. Asians accounted for roughly 13 percent

The Asia Backpacker Index for 2017 reveals the cheapest cities for budget travel. Simply Holiday Deals, along with Price of Travel, has released an infographic highlighting the top 10 destinations. United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 14 January 2017 Based on updated research compiling general travel costs for travellers, the Simply Holiday Deals infographic announces Pokhara, Nepal, as Asia's cheapest travel destination for 2017. You can see the full infographic at http://simplyholidaydeals.co.uk/travel-blog/asias-cheapest-cities-for-2017-travel-infographic/. Price of Travel's Asia Backpacker Index ranks 31 of the most popular tourist cities, from cheapest to most expensive. It reveals that the most budget-friendly destinations are, ultimately, comparable in price to each other. This means there's ample choice for travellers this year, from Vietnam's charming Hoi An to up-and-coming Yangon, in Burma. Research for the Asia Backpacker Index includes per day prices for an

10 hot travel destinations to consider for 2017 This year's trending places to visit. Start planning now. By Monruedee Jansuttipan | Jan 13, 2017 It seems like our social media feeds were filled with images of Hokkaido, Iceland and the northern lights in the past week. If you missed out on being the hip traveler going to all the hottest destinations for the year, make sure you start planning early. Forget about that flakey friend of yours who keeps saying "It's still early" and get on planning that trip you've always wanted to go on. Here are some of what we believe will be this year's hottest travel destinations. Vietnam Fansipan, Vietnam. Photo credit: clkao There's a convenient new way to scale the "Roof of Indochina." Lao Cai, the mountainous province in Northern Vietnam that's home to eco-tourism hot spot Sa Pa, has just welcomed the world's longest three-rope cable car system. Measuring 6,282 meters, the cable f

Despite the presence of all of the good people who want you to experience the best trip of your life, there are still some who would tend to make you fall on their dirty little tricks and stole everything from you – from your money to your identity.(Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images) The overwhelming growth in the number of tourists around the world comes with bigger possibility of travels scams and modus operandi - from stealing your luggage and other valuables to offering you overpriced commodities and transportation fees. These scams will surely play you as a fool and thereafter ruin your whole trip which you have dreamt of for years. Some people may say that they already known how to outsmart the scammers that they might encounter during their travel. But what if the scammers have already thought of other ways to improve their methods of tricking travellers? Here are some of the travel scams that even the smartest tourist must watch for. Bait fares. There are travel agency web