Asia Vacations - Travel, Tourism - Info & Review

American singer-songwriter John Legend is set to perform in Southeast Asia in March as part of the tour for his latest album, Darkness and Light. Legend's first solo show in Southeast Asia is slated to be held at Resorts World Genting in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia, on March 17. The Star reported that the upcoming show would be Legend's third performance in Malaysia. Previously, the R&B singer was part of the lineup at the 2011 Sunburst Music Festival and had also performed at Plenary Hall in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in 2014. Read also: John Legend, Chrissy Teigen vacation in Bali After Malaysia, the Grammy winner is slated to perform at Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, the Philippines, on March 21 and Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Bangkok, Thailand, on March 23. The husband of model Chrissy Teigen was recognized for hits such as "Ordinary People", "All of Me" and "Green Light". His latest album, Dar

MUMBAI (NewsRise) -- India's domestic airline traffic continued to grow in double-digits in November, buoyed by the onset of the main travel season, even as concerns linger over rising fuel prices and crippling airport infrastructure. The number of passengers flown last month jumped almost 17% on year to 10.5 million, according to government data. Air travel in India traditionally records a spurt from October through March, rebounding from a lean period in the previous months. Air travel in Asia's third-largest economy has grown at an annual pace of more than 20% in the past few years as rising incomes and the advent of no-frills carriers prompted more people to shun trains for long-distance travel. Last year, India became the largest aviation market behind the U.S. and China with domestic traffic touching 100 million passengers. "We are optimistic that this double-digit growth will continue in the coming months, driven by economical ticket prices, increasing c

It's worth taking a closer look at any travel experiences involving animals, including the operators and the type of offering. Photo: Shutterstock Mostly, travel is great. It's a highly enjoyable pursuit, a never-ending highlight reel of places and experiences and people. Sometimes though, it's also kind of annoying. There are trends within the travel industry that tend to bug you after a while, that you really wish would just disappear like England's Ashes dreams, that would vanish and never be seen again. So as 2017 makes its way over the horizon, and we usher in the potential greatness of another 12 months on this beautiful planet, it's worth pausing to consider the most annoying travel trends that are out there, and making a group pledge to get rid of them. Begpacking Photo: Alamy This insane practice of travellers begging or busking for spare change in developing countries, leaning on the kindness of strangers in order to make their way around th

Oman Air took home two awards at the World Travel Awards, which took place last week at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam, claiming the titles 'World's Leading Airline – Economy Class' and 'World's Ultimate Service Award in Hospitality'. The awards were received by Hamad Al Harthy, acting regional vice president – Far East, on behalf of Oman Air. The year 2017 has been a stellar year for Oman Air; the airline has been presented with a multitude of awards and accolades from renowned organisations around the globe, including four World Travel Awards.   Earlier this year, Oman Air was named the 'Middle East's Leading Airline, Business Class' and 'Middle East's Leading Airline, Economy Class' in the World Travel Awards Middle East 2017. Acting CEO of Oman Air, Abdul Aziz Alraisi, said: "This is a fantastic way for Oman Air to conclude the year; winning four World Travel Awards, along with various other awards i

Marina Nazario Thanks to the Internet, we have the world at our fingertips. But sometimes it's not that easy. Misfortunes happen on the road and you'll need to zero in on those survival skills because (God forbid) something happens to your phone, there's no WiFi or no one speaks your language. When you travel you need to be confident in your ability to navigate foreign subway systems, communicate with locals, ask for help, learn where to find great places to eat (a must) or where to see sights to see that aren't 100% filled with tourists. Travel helped me become a more effective problem solver, more attentive to my surroundings and more assertive in finding the best hot dogs in the world. I'm more trusting of people Marina Nazario Before I set out on this trip, my faith in humanity was really low. I kept seeing (and still do) how the media reports on all the terrible things happening around the world. But where was the good in the world? It

The Abraaj Group, a leading investor operating in growth markets, has acquired, through its Anatolia Growth Capital Fund, a minority stake in Biletal İç ve Dış Ticaret, one of the leading online travel agents (OTAs) in Turkey.  The transaction marks the first-ever technology investment undertaken by a private equity or venture capital fund outside of Ankara in the Anatolia region of Turkey, reflecting Abraaj's continued support to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country. This is the third investment made from the Anatolia Growth Capital Fund.  Established in 2006, Biletall began its operations by selling intercity bus tickets online and has since grown to become one of Turkey's leading OTAs and ticketing platforms. Today, the Company sells tickets for more than 170 intercity bus companies, over 120 domestic and international airlines, domestic ferry and train services. Through its combination of online and offline sales channels, Biletall achie

1/11 Singapore's Top 10 Travel Searches in 2017 Want to know which destinations Singaporeans were 'wanderlusting' over in 2017? Scroll through to find out! 2/11 #10 Taipei Only in Taipei for a short trip over the weekend? Check out our 48-hour Taipei travel guide here!  3/11 #9 Batam Thought Batam was all about bland, subpar resorts? Think again. Here are the best luxury stays on the island that you'll definitely want to splurge on! 4/11 #8 London London, as a city, is absolutely infectious: there is an inexhaustible list of things you can delve into while you're there. Visit its iconic landmarks like the Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, enjoy a laidback afternoon at its famous parks like the Richmond Park and Primrose Hill and for something a little different, head down to the London Dungeon for a spot of spooky fun! 5/11 #7 Seoul If you're wondering how to make the most out of a short trip to Seoul, here's

New Year's celebrations in Singapore.Unsplash/Shubhankar Sharma New Year's Eve — the one night a year when the whole world comes alive to celebrate the year just gone, the year ahead, and the people they love most. Some people spend months planning an action-packed New Year's Eve, while others prefer to retire to somewhere quiet and watch the festivities unfold with a blanket and a hot drink. Business Insider asked 20 esteemed travel professionals — each of whom has travelled the globe and seen New Year's Eve celebrated in all manners of ways — for the most breathtaking and under-the-radar places to spend New Year's Eve. The answers include everything from tried-and-tested retreats to dreamy tropical islands which have either been the setting for unforgettable festivities our experts have attended in the past or are lusted-after celebrations they dream of attending in the future. Regardless of their location, level of popularity, and score on the party sca

Online travel industry will remain the biggest segment for digital spend in Southeast Asia and experience fourfold-growth by 2025. Source: Shutterstock SOUTHEAST ASIA is the world's third-largest Internet economy, according to a report by Google and Singapore's state-backed investment company, Temasek Holdings Ltd. The Internet has taken Southeast Asia by storm, according to the first-of-its-kind study by the two firms, and digital will help drive what was once one of the most under-developed regions of the world into a US$200 billion economy by 2025. Rich with talent, customers and capital, the region is expected to reach US$50 billion in 2017 driven largely by the e-commerce and online travel. #GOOGLE Indonesia launches all-encompassing online portal for tourists Google and Temasek's report – building on top of the success of their 2015 edition – is filling a data void on more information about Southeast Asia, so it's no surprise t

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii Ethics Commission has fined four top current and former Hawaii Tourism Authority executives more than $12,000 for failing to report that they received free travel upgrades from international airlines. The commission fined current CEO George Szigeti $1,750 for receiving courtesy upgrades to business class from Japan Airlines in 2015. HTA Chief Operating Officer Randy Baldemor was fined $6,000 for receiving free upgrades to business class from Japan Airlines, China Airlines and Air China between 2015 and 2016. The commission said former HTA Vice President David Uchiyama also received free business class upgrades from China Airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines, resulting in a $2,500 fine. Jadie Goo, the HTA's marketing director for China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South East Asia was fined $2,000. None of the executives reported the upgrades, worth more than $200 each, on their mandatory annual gift disclosures. "State off

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes paid tribute to his staff for winning two awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2017 Grand Finals. The airline was named the World's Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fifth year in a row. It also won the WTA's inaugural World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew award at the ceremony held at the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in Vietnam. Fernandes said he was proud to receive the fifth WTA World's Leading Low-Cost Airline award in as many years "I've always said we are the world's true low-cost champion, and I'm thrilled to see I'm not the only one and the industry agrees with me," he added. Fernandes said that AirAsia will get better as it continues on its digitalization journey in order to better understand the demands of its guests and provide them with a richer and more enjoyable flying experience as well as world-class service at the lowest fares. AirAsia edged out budget air

Home to stunning beaches and one of the world's most creatively ambitious new luxury design hotels, the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is on the up in the hospitality sector. With new flight connections via TUI Airways and Bangkok Airways, complementing Vietnam Airlines' existing daily services, and major ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, the destination is set to become a leading attraction in south-east Asia. Moreover, it offers beautiful beaches blessed with almost year-round sunshine, and with no need for a visa, it is easy to see why Phu Quoc is set to be top of the luxury travel class this winter. Named Asia's Leading New Resort soon after opening earlier this year, Vietnam's fantastical, academia-inspired JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is the spectacular, award-winning vision of 'the Willy Wonka of hotel design', famed architect and designer Bill Bensley. Letting his imagination run wild, Bensley dreamt up the fictional 'Lamar

At the Phocuswright Conference, a travel industry meeting recently held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, blockchain and artificial intelligence were touted as the flying cars and robot maids of the future. But the present looked alluring, too, with attention heaped on alternative lodging, beaches, tours and hurricane recovery. The annual event, now in its 24th year, explored the innovations and interests helping to expand the travel universe. Among the forward-thinkers: some of the biggest names in travel (Priceline, Kayak, Google and TripAdvisor, among others), as well as many start-ups (Beachy, TWIP, Luxtripper) wishing upon a star to become the next Airbnb or Uber. Here are some of the top trends to keep an eye - or booking finger - on. 1. Online booking sites are expanding into tours and excursions. "Until just a few years ago, this content was very difficult to find and book online," said Douglas Quinby, senior vice president of research at Phocuswright, a travel industr

Japan's popularity among Muslim travelers is said to increase following a study by MasterCard-CrescentRating Japan Muslim Travel Index (JMTI) 2017, which  estimated that the country would welcome more than 1 million Muslim visitors in 2018. Last year, 700,000 Muslim travelers reportedly visited Japan. Sixty percent of the Muslims who traveled to Japan came from Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, which made up 27 percent of Muslim travelers. Read also: Japan targets Muslim travelers in upcoming travel fair The study also said that the key drivers of the Muslim travel growth in Japan included its visa-free policy for Indonesians and Malaysians, an increased number of halal restaurants and prayer rooms, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Tokyo is considered the best-prepared destination in the country for accommodating Muslim travelers, followed by Osaka and Hokkaido. The MasterCard-CrescentRating's Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), which was f

THE Mount Agung volcano in Bali erupted for the first time in more than half a century in November, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee the Indonesian island's "danger zone." Hundreds of flights were cancelled and up to 120,000 travellers were stranded as huge plumes of thick, dark ash spewed high into the sky – here's the latest from the Indonesian island. AP:Associated Press A view of the Mount Agung volcano erupting in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia, on Monday, November 27 When did Mount Agung erupt? The Bali volcano erupted for a second time in November sending a plume of volcanic ash and steam over 6,000 metres into the skies. Indonesia issued a red aviation warning, with Lombok airport closed and scores of flights cancelled. Virgin Australia cancelled all flights to and from Bali as a precautionary measure until conditions stabilise. Indonesia's disaster agency said Bali is "still safe" for tourists apart from a six-mil

In the span of eight years, what used to be a cool German slang used by teenage punks and tech geeks has become something else entirely: a global ride sharing company that now operates in more than 700 cities. Uber – which is based in California – has come a long way, evolving from its initial model of private black cars-for-hire to allowing people to drive using their own cars. Then came the revolutionary carpooling service UberPOOL, and now with UberEATS, 15 minutes is all it takes to get an avocado salad delivered to your door. Our point is, everyone knows Uber. Heck, even many of our grandparents would have heard, or are even possibly regular users of the app. In Singapore, a city already plagued with less-than-agreeable traffic conditions, what is its impact on the country?   Related Source: Is Ride Sharing The Solution to Asia's Horrible Traffic Congestions?

Tourists enjoy a wobbly ride in wooden washtubs called "tarai-bune" in Ogi town on Sado Island. There is much more to Japan than big cities and cherry blossoms. Jump on board the new Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train to explore some Japanese regions that are off the beaten track but have plenty to fascinate tourists. FUKUI Step out of Fukui railway station and you are confronted by a group of dinosaurs. Life-size animatronic creatures pay tribute to the many dinosaur remains found in the region and to the local museum, one of only three in the world devoted entirely to the prehistoric creatures. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in the nearby town of Katsuyama is one of the largest museums in Japan and children delight in the many dioramas and robotic replica dinosaurs. READ MORE:* A crazy 24-hour tour of Tokyo  * Japan travel tips for beginners: Things you need to know* Lonely Planet's Japan: the 10 highlights of a world apart* Top 10 reasons J

THE Mount Agung volcano in Bali erupted for the first time in more than half a century last month, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee the Indonesian island's "danger zone." Hundreds of flights were cancelled and up to 120,000 travellers were stranded as huge plumes of thick, dark ash spewed high into the sky - here's the full lowdown on what the current situation is. AP:Associated Press A view of the Mount Agung volcano erupting in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia, on Monday, November 27 When did Mount Agung erupt? The Bali volcano erupted for a second time in November sending a plume of volcanic ash and steam over 6,000 metres into the skies. Indonesia issued a red aviation warning, with Lombok airport closed and scores of flights cancelled. Virgin Australia cancelled all flights to and from Bali as a precautionary measure until conditions stabilise. Indonesia's disaster agency said Bali is "still safe" for tourists apart from

Travellers in the Asia-Pacific region are a resilient lot. So, too, regional tourism and business travel, which bounce back no matter what unpleasant disruptions nature throws their way. Many Asia-Pacific destinations are set to hit record visitor numbers this year, despite 2017 whipping up some nasty weather - back-to-back typhoons that lashed East Asia, snow storms in northern Japan, epic floods in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Malaysia, winter smog in India and Bali's cranky Mount Agung. And the forecast is not sunny. Extreme weather events are increasing, driven by man-made climate change. Twin this with rapid growth in business and leisure travel, and that means more people face disruptions in the future. "Weather-related disruptions are becoming more and more frequent. Where we see a big impact happening is on the travellers who are based in Asia," said Mr Akshay Kapoor, senior director of multinational sales (Asia-Pacific) for Carlson Wagonlit Travel. He

Brooklyn, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/01/2017 -- Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Vacation Rental Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports. The global Vacation Rental Software market is undergoing a phase of transition. A detailed overview of this market has been offered in the research report, emphasizing on the main factors impacting the market's growth. The factors that influenced the growth of this market have been assessed thoroughly to estimate the future size and valuation of this market. It has also studied the effect of Porter's five forces on the progress of this market. This report studies the global Vacation Rental Software market, analyzes and researches the Vacation Rental Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeKigoLodgifyVreasyBookingPal365villas.comXoteliaAv

THE Mount Agung volcano in Bali has erupted for the first time in more than half a century, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee the Indonesian island's "danger zone." Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and up to 120,000  travellers have been stranded as huge plums of thick, dark ash spews high into the sky - here's the full lowdown on what is going on. AP:Associated Press A view of the Mount Agung volcano erupting in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia, on Monday, November 27 When did Mount Agung erupt? The Bali volcano has erupted for a second time sending a plume of volcanic ash and steam over 6,000 metres into the skies. Indonesia has issued a red aviation warning, with Lombok airport closed and scores of flights cancelled. Regional authorities heightened flight warnings on Sunday as ash covered the surroundings and a red glow of what appeared to be magma was seen overnight. It is believed the activity of Mount Agung has entered the magma