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Travel to Japan is about to get more expensive
Travelling to Japan will become more expensive, as popular cities hike up accommodation taxes for visitors. Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications have confirmed that the new taxes will impact popular cities, like Kyoto as the city’s authorities struggle with surging tourist numbers. The increase is set to kick in from March 2026. Travellers could see price increases of as much as ¥10,000 (US$65.33 or A$100) per night following the updated taxes. The fee will scale in proportion to the room rate according to EuroNews. Rooms that cost under ¥19,999 (US$130.66) will be required to pay a ¥400 ($2.61) fee. Japanese newspaper, Asahi Shimbum, revealed that luxury stays above ¥100,000 ($653.32) will incur a maximum tax of ¥10,000 ($65.33). Accommodations below ¥6,000 ($39.19) will be responsible for paying a ¥200 ($1.31) fee. "The Accommodation Tax is used to cover costs involved in enhancing the attractions of Kyoto as an International Culture and Tourism City, and in promoting tourism," Kyoto's government wrote on its official website, which lists the old accommodation tax fees. Kyoto is best known for its temples and traditional architecture, with key attractions including the Sento Palace, Nis
Asia
China braces for end-of-holiday travel surge
China’s transport authorities are gearing up for one of the busiest travel days of the year as millions of people return home at the end of the eight-day “Golden Week” national holiday. The Ministry of Public Security said on Monday that a surge in return traffic was expected on Tuesday, particularly across China’s major city clusters — Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region. Despite the heavy movement, the ministry reported no major accidents or widespread congestion as of Monday night. The Ministry of Transport said it was working closely with local authorities to maintain smooth and safe travel conditions, coordinating responses across the country’s highways, railways, and airports. It urged officials in regions hit by extreme weather to remain vigilant and take pre-emptive safety measures. The ministry noted that it had “called on all departments to ensure the safety and efficiency of transport during the holiday season, proactively address major risks and continue responding to the aftermath of [Typhoon Matmo].” Typhoon Matmo made landfall in Guangdong province on Sunday, bringing strong winds and torrential rain to much of southern China. T
Asia
Australia warns about travel to Indonesia amid protests
The Australian Government has issued a new travel advisory for Indonesia, following deadly major protests in areas like Jakarta and Bali. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) raised its overall travel warning for Indonesia to level two, citing security and safety risks. “Large protests with potential to escalate into violence and property damage are occurring across major cities in Indonesia, including Denpasar, Bali, causing disruption and impacting local traffic movements,” DFAT wrote on its Smartraveller website. “Avoid protests and demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates,” DFAT wrote. While DFAT has told travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia”, it has not recommended cancelling planned trips. The travel advisory also cites risks of drowning at unpatrolled beaches and volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, following a series of eruptions in August. Protests in Indonesia began in Jakarta in late August, sparked by a IDR50 million (A$4,660) housing allowance provided to members of parliament. This is almost 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage. These demonstrations have become increasingly violent after police drove an armoured vehicle into a group of
Asia
Thailand weighs offering free flights to tourists
Thailand is considering offering free flights to international visitors in a bid to attract tourists, amid a slump in foreign arrivals this year. The country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports will propose a plan for the government to subsidise international tourists’ domestic flights this week. Visitors with an international flight ticket would be able to claim one free round-trip domestic flight on any of six Thai airlines, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. “The government will support domestic flight tickets priced at TH฿1,750 (US$54, A$83) per one-way trip (฿3,500 for round trips),” said Sorawong. “The initiative aims to attract at least 200,000 foreign tourists, covering destinations across Thailand, with a particular focus on UNESCO-designated cities, popular tourist spots, and key destinations nationwide.” If approved by Thailand’s cabinet, these subsidies would apply from September to November 2025. The plan is projected to cost TH฿700 million, and could generate direct revenue of at least ฿8.81 billion, per the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Six Thai domestic airlines, including Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Nok Air, are set to participate. Thailand’s government would also
Asia
China expands visa-free access to 74 countries
China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to a record 74 countries, allowing tourists to visit the country for up to 30 days without a visa, marking a relaxation of border controls as Beijing seeks to boost tourism and stimulate the economy. The new policy, a substantial jump from previous regulations, has already resulted in a surge in foreign visitors. In 2024, over 20 million people entered China without a visa - more than double the previous year’s figure and accounting for nearly one-third of all foreign arrivals, according to the National Immigration Administration. While domestic tourists continue to dominate popular sites, China’s travel industry is bracing for a further uptick in international arrivals during the upcoming summer season. Tour guides and travel agencies are preparing for increased demand, following a sharp rise in interest from countries benefiting from new visa-free access. China reopened its borders to tourists in early 2023 after ending stringent COVID-19 restrictions. However, only 13.8 million international tourists visited that year - far below the 31.9 million recorded in 2019, the final full year before the pandemic. The latest policy updates have extended visa-free access to c

Asia
Theme Parks: World's largest Legoland opens in Shanghai
The world’s largest Legoland Resort has opened in Shanghai with 75 interactive rides and 250 hotel rooms. According to local government officials, the US$550 million park is estimated to attract 2.4 million visitors annually, pushing the city to become a leading global tourist hub. Despite China being the world’s second-largest theme park market after the U.S., analysts say Legoland Shanghai is launching into a difficult market. Shanghai has focused on the entertainment sector, following a 3.1% economic drop in its retail sales in 2024. This follows substantial investment in major attractions, including the US$5.5 billion Shanghai Disneyland. The theme park’s arrival in Jinshan is set to boost the district's economy and has already generated 3,000 jobs. It is also set to boost Legoland parent company Merlin Entertainment after Legoland Parks Operating Group reported a revenue of £869 million in 2024, a decrease of £45 million (4.9%) compared to 2023. Merlin Entertainment CEO, Fiona Eastwood, said the opening of the new park marks a step towards the company’s ambition to become a leader in branded entertainment destinations. "Our deep understanding of the Chinese consumer and our experience of operating in C
Asia
Luxury travel priorities are shifting in the Asia Pacific
Luxury travel trends have shifted in Asia Pacific, according to a new report. Luxury Travel by Marriott International launched The Intentional Traveller report, which revealed a luxury travel mindset characterised by deeper cultural engagement, increased precision in itinerary planning and rising expectations of brand experiences. “[Luxury travellers] are seeking journeys that align with their values, enhance wellbeing, and deliver deep personal meaning,” Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, Oriol Montal said. “For Marriott International, this represents an opportunity to evolve luxury hospitality into something more transformational, curated, and emotionally resonant.” Splurging on holidayThe survey of 1,750 of Asia Pacific’s most affluent travellers across Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand found that they are spending more on their holidays. In the coming year, 72% of luxury travellers are planning on spending more on their holidays, up from 68% in 2024, capturing a rebound in the tourism industry. This is led by travellers from Australia, Indonesia and Singapore, where 80% or more are planning to up their travel budget. Fa
Asia
North Korea to open coastal resort in tourism bid
North Korea is set to open a new coastal resort to attract international tourism. The nation's leader, Kim Jong Un, opened the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in a tape-cutting ceremony on Thursday, local time, which will open for domestic tourists on 1 July. While there was no mention of a date for foreign tourists, tourism remains one of the few sectors in North Korea that is not under international sanctions, although it's borders still remain mostly closed to outsiders. State media outlet KCNA reports that the resort itself spans a four-kilometre stretch of beach, containing hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and a water park, can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors and would be a “prelude to the new era”.Credit: KCNAThe site took six years longer than expected before it was completed. At the opening ceremony, Kim was stationed poolside with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. He watched as people began using the water park facilities for the first time.
Asia
China, Vietnam reopen railway line after 5yr-hiatus
China and Vietnam have officially resumed their cross-border passenger train service, marking a significant step in post-pandemic tourism recovery. The route, which connects Nanning in China’s Guangxi region to Hanoi, Vietnam, has been suspended since February 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Analysts suggest the reopening could boost tourism flows between the two nations and attract more international visitors to China. Beijing has expanded visa-free access to more countries, aiming to revitalise its tourism sector as part of broader economic recovery efforts. Vietnamese citizens can now enter China visa-free at select ports, provided they are part of a tour group organised by a Chinese travel agency. This policy is expected to increase visitor numbers and strengthen China’s position as a regional travel hub. The Nanning-Hanoi train service, originally launched in 2009, resumed operations on 25 May 25. The journey takes 11.5 hours, offering a convenient alternative to flights and buses. The train’s return is expected to enhance connectivity, particularly for Vietnamese travellers looking to access China’s high-speed rail network for onward journeys to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Tourism betw