Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Disney-loving parents are hacking their way to affordable family vacations — even as park costs soar
By now, parents like Tarah Chieffi are used to the news delivered each year in October, sure as the changing leaves but not nearly so welcome: Disney is raising prices on tickets to its beloved theme parks for 2026, in some cases to more than $200...


Skyscanner Reveals 7 Travel Trends That Will Shape 2026
As 2026 approaches, travel is becoming more about identity than itinerary. According to Skyscanner’s new Travel Trends 2026 report, next year’s trips will be deeply personal, passion-led, and more curated than ever. With the cost of living still...

Kyoto: New accommodation tax for tourists of up to 10,000 yen per night
Accommodation tax to increase from 2026 – Revenue expected to more than double The Japanese city of Kyoto has announced that visitors will be charged a new accommodation tax of up to 10,000 yen (about $65) per night, as part of the city's efforts...

Government to fund tourism language training
The Ministry of Higher Education, Labor and Skills Development signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Monday with Maldives National University (MNU), and Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) to train Maldivians in foreign language...

Traveler shares video of surprising amenities on high-speed train: 'Love this'
"Just make[s] sense!" by Christine DulionOctober 13, 2025 A traveler's TikTok is leaving viewers in awe because of a jaw-dropping bathroom setup on a Japanese high-speed rail line that looks more like a futuristic hotel suite than public transit....

Mainland tourists drive WeChat’s growth during National Day
Cross-border transactions in Weixin Pay increased by 21% year-on-year Weixin Pay’s cross-border transactions increased by 21% year-on-year (YoY) during the first five days of October 2025, according to data from Weixin. Overseas transport...

The Rise of ‘Skip-Gen’ Travel in APAC – Grandparents, Grandkids, and No Parents
Grandparents and grandchildren are increasingly traveling together—often without parents in tow. According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, skip-generation (skip-gen) holidays are rapidly growing in popularity across Asia Pacific. A skip-gen...

These are the best hotels in Asia in 2025 according to Condé Nast Traveller
Hotels are a big part of the travel experience, and sometimes, we just want to splurge and book the best of the best. If that sounds like you, take note: Condé Nast Traveler has just released its list of the Best Hotels in Asia 2025, and it's a...

Kyoto travel alternative: The “little Kyoto” of Shuzenji【Photos】
Sometimes great travel experiences come in little-Kyoto packages. With its cultural importance and elegant aesthetics, Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. However, Kyoto is currently receiving more visitors than ever, and many would say...

Hennessy Paradis Zodiac Miniatures Collection lands in Asia Pacific Travel Retail
Moët Hennessy Travel Retail has announced the launch of the Hennessy Paradis Zodiac Miniatures Collection, the brand’s first collectible miniature set, available exclusively in Travel Retail Asia Pacific. The collection features twelve...

Qatar Calendar events for 2025-2026 reflect country’s vision for tourism
On the occasion of the launch of the Qatar Calendar events 2025-2026, Ahmed Al-Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, spoke to Gulf Times. “In today’s event we announced the latest statistics about Visit Qatar, we showcased our...

Holiday Inn Express helps guests rise and shine with The Breakfast Alarm Clock
Given how global travellers are struggling to wake up fresh on the road, IHG Hotels & Resorts brand Holiday Inn Express introduces a playful new way to get up and go with The Breakfast Alarm Clock. Now available for a limited time at participating...

Agoda and Saudi Tourism Authority Team Up to Attract Visitors from Asia
Digital travel platform Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has announced a long-term strategic collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority to highlight the country’s offerings to travelers across the...

Why Monaco Should Be at the Top of Every Brit’s Travel Bucket List
Monaco, a tiny yet dazzling principality nestled along the French Riviera, offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and stunning scenery that makes it a must-visit destination for British travellers. Despite its small size, Monaco packs in a...

Japan Bear Attacks On The Rise - What's Causing It? Extreme Weather, Declining Human Population Seen As Culprit
Japan is facing a sharp rise in bear attacks, with incidents spreading beyond mountain forests into rural towns and even the fringes of cities. The surge has unsettled communities across northern Honshu, where encounters once considered rare are...

Bangkok Dubbed Best Holiday Destination in Asia for 2025, Bali Voted Second
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thai capital Bangkok has been voted as the best holiday destination in Asia for 2025 by the online global travel magazine, Smart Travel Asia. The city secured the highest number of votes, maintaining its top position for the...

American Express hikes Platinum card fee by $200; adds $3,500 in new travel, dining perks. Details here
American Express (AmEx) has confirmed that it is increasing the annual fee on its Platinum and Business Platinum cards by $200, bringing the total to $895 a year, up from the previous $695. The credit card giant says the higher cost will be...

TRAVELING TO KYOTO WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE DUE TO ACCOMMODATION TAX
Japan's allure, even beyond the beloved cherry blossom season, continues its powerful draw, with tourism numbers reaching impressive levels, though not without consequence. In 2024, international visitor counts jumped to 36.9 million – quite a...

Greece Ranks 2nd Globally for Preferred Holiday Destinations
Behind only Japan, Greece was named the second most desired country by tourists in this year’s 38th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, followed by Portugal, Italy, Spain and Turkey. The selection was made by 757,109 readers votes...