Sri Lanka abandons plans to sell national carrier

October 16, 2024

Sri Lanka’s new government has abandoned plans to sell the debt-ridden national airline SriLankan Airlines, but will restructure it for a more profitable future.

“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed that the airline should be an institution that all Sri Lankans are proud of, and should be owned by Sri Lankans,” the airline’s new chairman Sarath Ganegoda told TTG Asia.

New Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake wants the airline to be proudly owned by Sri Lankans

The previous government had invited bids to part-sell and manage the airline that as been suffering accumulated losses over the years.

While the airline has reported an operating profit for the period April 2022 to end March 2023, its accumulated debt is US$1.2 billion. Under the earlier plan, the government was to retain 51 per cent control of the airline while selling off the remaining 49 per cent to investors. Six parties, some who had no experience in running an airline, responded with an initial call for interest but none was pre-qualified for the next step of the process.

Left-leaning politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the National People’ Party won last month’s presidential election. He had vowed to stop the sale of state assets which the former regime was pursuing. Dissanayake swiftly dismantled a government unit tasked with the sale of loss-making state agencies including SriLankan Airlines.

Ganegoda said the airline is an important pillar of tourism and responsible for 50 per cent of the tourist traffic into the country. Sri Lanka aims to reach 2.3 million arrivals this year with a target of three million tourists next year and five million by 2030.

He said while the sale of the airline has been stopped, there are plans to restructure the airline under a viable business model. “Some structuring of our operations is needed to strengthen the balance sheet,” he added.

M Social Hotel Phuket

By Anne Somanas

October 16, 2024

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M Social Shuttle_buggies_Credit_Anne_Somanas_640 — Convenience shuttle for guests; photo by Anne Somanas

M Social Hotel Phuket

1 of 5

Location
Located in the heart of Patong’s nightlife scene, M Social Hotel Phuket is perfectly positioned on Bangla Walking Street. The hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from Phuket International Airport and sits right behind the famous Bangla Boxing Stadium.

A unique feature of the hotel is its two-building layout, both directly connected to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, where one can easily access a plethora of local products and big brands such as Coach and Birkenstock. Shuttle buggies transport guests between the two buildings and the bustling walking street.

In the first building, the hotel lobby’s artistic flair is enhanced by a striking multi-story mural titled The Nomad Island Goddess, a collaboration with local artist Mayuree Setsomboon from Elegant Art Phuket.

Accommodation
One of the most exciting aspects of M Social Hotel Phuket is its in-room AI integration across all 418 contemporary rooms and suites. Powered by Aiello’s AI assistant, AVA – which resides in a device on the nightstand – this feature is activated with a simple “hello, AI!” command and offers guests the convenience of voice-controlled lighting, air conditioning and a travel concierge at their fingertips.

This was my first experience with an AI-integrated property, so I was very curious to see how it would play out. I personally found AVA efficient, entertaining and companionable.

Being able to turn the lights all off or on without having to step onto the cold floor and fumble around for that one last light switch was a refreshing change where I felt like the technology was really working with me rather than against me.

Additionally, I could have AVA adjust the air-conditioning for me with a simple voice command like “I’m cold” or “I’m hot.” It turns out that AVA is more conversational than anything; it responds to conversational phrases – saying “good night,” or “good morning” adjusts the lighting and creates an inviting ambiance.

I also liked that AVA doesn’t take away human contact all together and maintains the option to contact hotel staff if need be.

However, as with any new technology, there are occasional hiccups. During my stay, AVA did not always recognise my voice on the first try, sometimes refusing to power up to the “hello, AI” voice command. Overall, the AI integration provided a modern, convenient and entertaining touch to the room experience. I almost felt as if I had a friend in the room.

The rooms are decorated in a tropical palette, with double doors on the balconies for noise insulation. However, some noise from the surrounding nightlife can still filter in, particularly on the mall-facing side of the Social King room that I stayed in.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the hotel offers pool suites with private cabanas overlooking the vast swimming pool. These provide a quieter retreat amid the vibrant atmosphere.

F&B
Dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Beasts and Butterflies, was a highlight. Its breakfast offerings catered to a wide range of preferences, and noting my gluten-free requirement, the staff were ready and standing by to offer gluten-free pastries for me as soon as I walked in. The whimsically showcased breakfast spread is a delight to the senses, blending local Thai flavours with international dishes, and making it ideal for diverse palates. The restaurant’s lively ambiance, furnished with colourful chairs and plenty of flora and fauna, fits seamlessly with the hotel’s overall upbeat vibe.

Facilities
The hotel boasts a variety of amenities, including an expansive swimming pool that invites guests to relax and gives the hotel a very resort-like feel. Next to the pool, the on-site Let’s Relax Spa provides the perfect setting to unwind after a day exploring Phuket. A standout feature is the hotel’s commitment to sourcing local products, such as colourful tea sachets and local art featured throughout the property, which further enhances the sense of connection to the local community.

For business travellers, the hotel’s Rhythm Ballroom offers 300m2 of flexible event space.

Service
Service is outstanding, led by the energetic and upbeat general manager, whose enthusiasm trickles down to the staff. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm and genuine service – receiving five smiles in the morning from different staff members before I even reached my breakfast table is a rarity, and it made me feel genuinely welcomed throughout my stay.

Verdict
M Social Hotel Phuket is ideal for travellers looking for a lively and energetic atmosphere, with an unbeatable location in Patong. The combination of modern technology, thoughtful design, and top-notch service makes it a great choice for those looking to have fun while staying in a stylish, AI-powered environment. Although the noise from the nearby nightlife may be a drawback for light sleepers, the hotel is perfect for those wanting to be in the centre of the action.

Number of rooms: 418
Contact: www.msocial.com/phuket

Trends and challenges as China’s outbound market returns

By Adelaine Ng

October 15, 2024

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China is set to play a key role in reshaping the travel market as its outbound numbers recover, and is on track to surpass pre-pandemic levels next year, with some challenges.

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, outlined key trends and challenges shaping China’s international travellers during the 24th WTTC Global Summit in Perth.

Trip.com Group’s Jane Sun presenting a China market update at the WTTC Global Summit in Perth

Sun noted that Chinese travellers will make 130 million trips abroad this year, building on last year’s 87 million trips after the country’s borders reopened.

Trip.com’s own platform reported that outbound hotel and air ticket bookings surpassed 2019 levels as of 2Q2024, signalling a robust market recovery.

Sun identified three major trends reshaping the Chinese travel market: entertainment-driven travel, eco-friendly travel, and elderly-friendly travel.

The first of these, entertainment-driven travel, is witnessing explosive growth. Sun cited a 400 per cent increase in accommodation bookings during Taylor Swift’s concert in Singapore earlier this year.

“Entertainment plus travel products grew by 70 per cent last year. Destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand are capitalising on this trend by integrating entertainment into their tourism offerings,” she noted.

Eco-friendly travel is also becoming a significant trend, with more travellers paying attention to low-carbon options and avoiding overtourism. According to Sun, orders for electric vehicles on Trip.com’s platform have doubled for outbound markets, reflecting this shift in consumer preferences. The trend is benefitting smaller and emerging destinations, as travellers prefer using public transport.

The third trend gaining momentum is elderly-friendly travel, as China’s aging population becomes a critical driver of outbound tourism.

Sun said: “This is the first generation after Deng Xiaoping opened the (economic) door. They made money and now they also have the time to spend it.

“By next year, over 100 million senior travellers will be travelling more often and spending more time abroad, contributing more than one trillion yuan (US$140.47 billion) to the global tourism economy.”

However, she cautioned there are three challenges facing China’s outbound market growth – visa access, flight availability, and service quality.

Visa access is a significant hurdle, as Chinese travellers tend to book trips on short notice, making visa-free travel crucial for many destinations. “Visa-free travel has allowed destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand to see 200 per cent growth compared to 2019 levels, while the UAE and Qatar grew up to 300 per cent more,” she noted.

“More than 50 per cent of our customers who make hotel reservations will make that reservation on the day they check-in with the hotel. Also, half of customers who book a (domestic) flight normally make the reservation the day before they fly with Trip.com.

“We even have a product called Trip.com Express Link, where as long as you make a reservation one hour before the plane takes off, we can issue the ticket and boarding pass, and get our customer on the plane within the hour. So that’s the speed that we are looking for,” she explained.

Flight availability is another issue, as current flight capacity has only recovered to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Direct flights are a “key consideration for Chinese travellers”, particularly for longhaul destinations.

Finally, Sun highlighted the need to meet the high service expectations of Chinese tourists, such as offering mobile payment options and tailored experiences, essential for attracting repeat visits.

Alipay+ transactions triple as travellers pay like a local

By Adelaine Ng

October 15, 2024

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Ant International has seen a significant surge in cross border digital payments in the first nine months of this year, indicating a highly successful take-up of the technology that aims to make travel experiences more seamless.

Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment platform, reported the number of travellers using their home payment apps abroad has tripled, reflecting the growing role of digital technology in shaping travel experiences.

Feagin: an inclusive approach that benefits businesses of all sizes; photo by Adelaine Ng

The technology allows travellers to use their familiar home payment apps while overseas, and now connects 1.6 billion consumers to more than 90 million merchants across 66 markets.

“People want to use their home wallet or familiar home digital interface when they travel because they’re more comfortable with that. They’re more trusting of it, and it gives them much better content for what they’re actually looking for,” Douglas Feagin, president of Ant International, told TTG Asia on the sidelines of the 2024 WTTC Global Summit in Perth.

As of October 2024, Alipay+ supports over 30 payment partners and has actively expanded merchant coverage, particularly through initiatives like Malaysia’s PayNet DuitNow QR code scheme. PayNet DuitNow has seen a 142 per cent quarterly increase in Alipay+ transactions since January. The growth has driven increased travel to smaller cities and “driving significant growth” in destinations like Kota Kinabalu, Selangor and Penang.

The trend also means that smaller merchants, who may not have the resources for traditional advertising, can reach global travellers through its destination marketing tools.

“Very small merchants may not have an advertising budget to promote themselves on billboards, big trade publications or otherwise – but through our digital interface and destination marketing programs, they can showcase their offers to customers from around the world using their digital wallets.

“We see this as a holistic solution where customers get what they want, while the merchants have a chance to reach new, global customers. Importantly, it’s an inclusive approach that benefits businesses of all sizes,” explained Feagin.

The company also reported that its OTA partners have seen a doubling of transactions and it is expanding its network to include hotels, attractions, and other travel-related services.

Alipay+ transaction records also confirm the trend of travellers spending more overall post-lockdown, shifting away from traditional shopping sprees and focusing more on local experiences. Food and beverage transactions increased by 80 per cent while attractions attracted a 50 per cent increase on spending. Spending via Alipay+ on transportation such as ride-hailing, taxis and trains increased by 120 per cent, in line with recent trends to explore destinations more independently.

Apart from cross-border payments, Alipay+ has introduced a range of digital lifestyle services and destination marketing tools.

Its A+Rewards platform targets tourism boards and merchants to boost the visibility of local attractions and services even before travellers arrive. In South-east Asia, where Alipay+ is widely used, claimed destination vouchers from A+Rewards campaigns climbed by 53 per cent in 2024.

Alipay+ partner apps also make possible integrated merchant mini programmes and immediate tax refunds at shops, providing a smoother and more frictionless travel experience for users.

As for further growth plans, Feagin said the company will need to meet the critical challenge of prioritisation.

“With the global tourism market so vast, we’re focusing on key travel corridors first, before broadening our reach. Our open approach supports diverse offers and destination marketing programmes and over the next six to 12 months, we’ll be introducing even more initiatives to enhance these capabilities.”

Alipay+ payment partners include payment apps from Asia’s digital giants such as China’s Alipay, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Singapore’s OCBC Digital app, and Thailand’s TrueMoney.

Malaysian Tourism Federation calls for efficient budget allocation to further strengthen tourism

By S Puvaneswary

October 15, 2024

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In anticipation of the upcoming national budget presentation in parliament on October 18, the Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) is advocating for a more efficient allocation of tourism funding.

The goal is to revitalise Malaysia’s tourism sector with a well-targeted approach that ensures adequate funding and incentives reach private stakeholders, rather than simply funnelling money into the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Tan: tax incentives should remain relevant and practical to reflect the current business environment

MTF president Tan Kok Liang emphasised the need for precise allocation of funds to address pressing industry challenges: “Funding should be accurately segmented and swiftly directed towards improving tourism infrastructure, facilities, and products, while also incentivising key stakeholders, supporting private sector-led events, and upskilling the tourism workforce.”

He also stressed the importance of addressing longstanding industry challenges, such as overhauling outdated tourism legislation, resolving entertainment tax issues, managing rising operating costs, especially in manpower and utilities, upgrading tourism vehicles, and encouraging domestic travel through tax reliefs.

Given the intense competition within the global and regional tourism sectors, MTF called for a robust tax incentive framework to spur tourism development. Tan warned against a “one size fits all” approach to tax policy, advocating instead for a more targeted strategy that reflects current circumstances. He has called for a review of the current tax incentives, which have remained largely unchanged for many years, to ensure they remain relevant and practical to reflect the current business environment.

He elaborated that some areas in Malaysia urgently need four- and five-star hotels with international branding to attract high-end tourists and enhance the visitor experience. Yet, tax incentives are only provided to one- to three-star hotels. This approach is illogical, especially since Malaysia is still lagging behind other tourist destinations.

While the government’s National Tourism Policy sets a clear goal of achieving a sustainable tourism industry by 2030, Tan pointed out that there is a lack of strong incentives to drive industry players toward this transition.

“We sincerely hope that the upcoming budget will prioritise and allocate sufficient funding for this crucial initiative,” he stated.

These tax incentives include pioneer status eligibility for up to three-star hotels and convention centres, income tax exemptions for specific conferences and sports events, investment tax allowances for building extensions or modernisation, double deductions for overseas promotion expenses, tax exemption for motor races, chartering of luxury yachts and special tax rates for film productions.

MTF further recommended broader and more inclusive tax incentives in the 2025 budget to accelerate tourism development across significant sub-sectors.

One major exclusion highlighted by Tan was the tax incentive for tour operators organising domestic or international travel, which was withdrawn in the 2023 tax assessment. MTF urged the Ministry of Finance to reinstate this incentive to support domestic tourism, suggesting that the resulting tax savings could be used for marketing activities.

“We hope the budget allocation will be closely monitored by the Ministry of Finance, especially in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, with a strong focus on improving infrastructure and facilities, product development, diversifying destination marketing, upgrading rural tourism infrastructure, expanding digitalisation, and enhancing human resource development to drive tourism growth,” Tan concluded.

Banwa Private Island shows support for biodiversity conservation through arts and education

By TTG Asia

October 15, 2024

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In its commitment to back initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices, Banwa Private Island recently showed its support for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity with the Biodiversity in Full Colour Art Exhibition on September 24, which showcased the artworks of Samantha Kaspar, an artist with special needs.

In addition to the art exhibition, Banwa Private Island’s Aquos Foundation, in partnership with the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site Management Office, held an event for students from Tumarbong Elementary School. The event featured the introduction of the book Mga Hero ng Planetang Blue, produced by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, which inspires young readers to become guardians of our planet.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Biodiversity in Full Colour Art Exhibition, organised by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Banwa Private Island was recently recognised as one of the Philippines’ top 10 Important Shark and Ray Areas, a recognition that highlights the island’s critical importance in preserving these vulnerable species and their habitats.

To further bolster its conservation efforts, the island has also undertaken important research projects, including studies on the native Tabon Bird (or Philippine Megapode) and Mantanani Scops Owl, as well as initiatives to preserve the indigenous beach forests where these species nest.

Commenting on the art exhibition, Janet Oquendo, island manager of Banwa Private Island, shared: “Aquos Foundation’s mission to protect marine ecosystems deeply resonates with Samantha’s beautiful and evocative artworks. Her paintings capture the essence of the underwater world, reminding us of the delicate balance of nature. We’re honoured to have supported her and to continue contributing to the preservation of our island home’s fragile ecosystems through our conservation initiatives, including research on native species and habitat preservation.”

RateHawk launches rail travel booking services

By TTG Asia

October 15, 2024

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RateHawk, in partnership with Rail Europe, has introduced a rail travel booking service on its platform, allowing its partners – travel agents, operators, and other industry professionals worldwide – to book rail tickets across various European destinations.

This new service complements the existing travel options already available on RateHawk, which include accommodation, flights, car rentals, and transfers.

Rail tickets across various European destinations are now available to book on Ratehawk

RateHawk’s partners can now book all travel components within a single system. Rail tickets are available across 13 European countries including France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the UK, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria.

The new initiative streamlines the booking process for travel agents, allowing them to quickly filter options based on client preferences and select the best choices for their clients.

Travel professionals will have the flexibility to book trips using various payment methods, including payments by card, wire transfer, credit limit or overpayments, or by pay-by-link options – travel professionals can even book railway tickets using their credit limit.

Rail Europe’s product portfolio features leading railway carriers across Europe, including Italo in Italy, Renfe and Iryo in Spain, SBB CFF FFS and Rhätische Bahn in Switzerland, ÖBB in Austria, TGV InOui in France, Rail Delivery Group in the UK, Eurostar in France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium, as well as RegioJet in the Czech Republic.

Fredrik Bonnalt, head of non-accommodation supply at Emerging Travel Group, RateHawk’s parent company, commented: “Rail travel offers great opportunities for our partners’ businesses, enabling them to meet customer needs and attract new clients.

“Rail transportation is widely recognised as the most environmentally friendly option, and with many companies prioritising carbon footprint reduction and incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives into their corporate travel programs, our TMC partners can greatly benefit from this new booking service.”

Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, added: “This dynamic partnership reflects our shared commitment to offering seamless travel solutions through advanced technology. At Rail Europe, we believe train travel is the best way to explore Europe – not only for its efficiency but also for its positive environmental impact. By empowering travel agents with the best tools to integrate rail services, we aim to make every journey a memorable experience for travellers.”

New eco-friendly experiences at The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali

By TTG Asia

October 15, 2024

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Guests at The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali can now engage with nature in unique and meaningful ways with the introduction of the Trigona stingless bees and the launch of the resort’s Hydro Haven hydroponic garden.

The Trigona bee hive is home to stingless bees that play a crucial role in supporting the environment. Guests can observe the bees at work, and taste honey straight from the hive, or even adopt a bee – the honey is also integrated into wellness treatments at the spa.

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud Bali offers eco-friendly initiatives for guests to connect with nature

Hydro Haven, a hydroponic garden where fresh vegetables are grown to supply the resort’s farm-to-table dining experiences, ensures that guests enjoy fresh, locally-grown produce while supporting a more eco-friendly lifestyle during their visit.

In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members can now enjoy an exclusive points redemption offer, with up to 20 per cent off points redemptions starting from just 25,000 points per night.

The offer is available for stays booked and redeemed until March 31, 2025.

For more information, visit The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali.

WTTC forecasts indigenous tourism to boost global economy

By TTG Asia

October 14, 2024

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WTTC has launched its Supporting Global Indigenous Tourism report at its 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, highlighting how indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion to the global economy by 2034.

The report shows how indigenous tourism plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, languages, and traditional practices, and showcases the sector’s role in driving economic growth, particularly in remote regions.

Australia is one of the countries that is incorporating indigenous experiences into national tourism marketing

Indigenous tourism is rapidly emerging as a key economic driver, creating jobs and economic value in remote areas. It promotes and protects indigenous people’s cultures, languages and lands, and gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience and learn about indigenous history and tradition.

With the global indigenous tourism market set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1 per cent over the next decade to reach US$67 billion, this sector is empowering communities to take control of their economic futures.

Interest and participation in Aboriginal tourism experiences continues to grow in Western Australia, while the indigenous tourism sector in Canada supports nearly 2,000 businesses, and over 39,000 jobs. In Panama’s Guna Yala region, tourism is the primary economic driver, sustaining the Guna people and their culture while creating a self-sufficient economy.

This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the US, among others.

In Australia, more than 1.4 million international visitors engaged in indigenous tourism experiences in 2019, marking a six per cent year-on-year growth since 2010.

Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) CEO Robert Taylor highlighted the importance of authentic indigenous experiences. WAITOC has worked closely with Tourism Western Australia to develop an action plan to support the continued development of indigenous tourism in the state – The Jina: Western Australia Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025 supports new businesses and encourages more Aboriginal people to work in the tourism industry.

Taylor remarked that “Western Australia is well on its way to becoming the premier destination for authentic Aboriginal experiences in the country”, naming programmes like Camping with Custodians as an example of “the continued growth of Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia”, along with a strong growth in product offerings, such as women-only experiences.

In Northern Europe, the Sámi people have developed certification marks such as Sámi Duodji to protect their rich traditions, while Peru’s innovative Kipi robot helps preserve endangered languages like Kukama, spoken by just 2,000 people.

Indigenous tourism is also a sustainable career path, exemplified by Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, which empowers communities to control their futures through tourism.

Meanwhile, countries like Australia and the US are increasingly incorporating indigenous experiences into national tourism marketing, ensuring authentic representation.

WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson said: “This report demonstrates the immense potential of indigenous tourism to drive economic growth, particularly in remote regions, while preserving invaluable cultural heritage. As global demand for authentic experiences continues to rise, it is crucial that we support indigenous businesses and ensure they have access to the resources and funding needed to thrive.”

The full report can be viewed here.

Lesser-known Japanese cities get the spotlight

By Kathryn Wortley

October 14, 2024

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Cities in Japan’s central region of Chubu are preparing for an uptick in inbound tourists thanks to a promotional boost ahead of and during Tourism Expo Japan 2025.

The country’s annual travel and tourism showcase will be held in the region for the first time from September 25 to 28, 2025 at Aichi Sky Expo, next to Chubu Centrair International Airport, in a bid to “promote the diversification of inbound tourism, regional revitalisation and recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake”, according to organisers.

The famous waving cat (maneki neko) of Tokoname in Japan

Tokoname, which is famous as the birthplace of Japan’s maneki neko (waving cat), is among the lesser-known cities expecting greater visibility.

Home to Chubu Centrair International Airport, it is part of the Aichi and Tokoname Super City Initiative, which aims to develop the area into “an international tourism city” using technologies such as face authentication systems at the airport, automated transportation including drones, smart mobility and hydrogen-powered clean energy.

Exhibiting for the first time at Tourism Expo Japan 2024, Tokoname showcased its 1,000-year history in producing pottery, its renown domestically for seafood and seaweed, and its efforts to promote international exchange through tourism.

Wajima, on the Noto Peninsula, will also be promoted heavily to stimulate its economic recovery from the earthquake that devastated the region in January. Although the city is still accepting tours slowly, tourism stakeholders are preparing to introduce international visitors to Wajima’s traditional lacquerware and Shiroyone Senmaida terraced rice fields, a designated National Scenic Spot.

“We will help people see the current situation and charms of Wajima, which is taking steps for recovery towards a ‘new Wajima’,” said expo organisers.

Sri Lanka abandons plans to sell national carrier

Trends and challenges as China’s outbound market returns

Alipay+ transactions triple as travellers pay like a local

Malaysian Tourism Federation calls for efficient budget allocation to further strengthen tourism

Banwa Private Island shows support for biodiversity conservation through arts and education

RateHawk launches rail travel booking services

New eco-friendly experiences at The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali

WTTC forecasts indigenous tourism to boost global economy

Lesser-known Japanese cities get the spotlight

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