Cruises are ‘indefensible’ and ‘incredibly boring’, say travel writers

For millions of people around the world, they are the perfect opportunity to relax and dine in one place while effortlessly visiting multiple countries. Yet according to a group of leading travel writers, cruise ships are “indefensible” and...

PH GETS multiple tourism awards

Despite a slowdown in arrivals this year, the Philippine tourism sector remains a major pillar in the economy with its contribution expected to account for 21 percent of the country’s gross domestic products (GDP). Destinations remain popular as...

Indonesia Pushes Whoosh High-Speed Rail Extension to Surabaya Amid KCIC Debt Challenges

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government is determined to continue the Whoosh high-speed train project all the way to Surabaya, even amid the huge debt burden faced by the operator, PT Kereta Cepat...

Top 30 Island Escapes for Winter Travel 2025: Crete Ranks 8th, Travel and Tour World Reveals

NEW YORK (PRNewswire) – Travel and Tour World (TTW), one of the world’s leading B2B travel media platforms unveils the “Top 30 Island Escapes for Winter Travel 2025.” This feature highlights thirty standout islands captivating travelers this...

DOSM: Malaysia’s inflation edges up 1.5pc in September, led by personal care and housing costs

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — Malaysia’s inflation increased 1.5 per cent in September 2025, with the index points standing at 135.2 as against 133.2 in the same month of 2024, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Following the release of...

Singapore is top IPO market in South-east Asia in Q3: EY report

India, the US and Greater China contribute nearly 80% of the total US$48.2 billion in proceeds globally [SINGAPORE] Singapore was the top initial public offering (IPO) market in South-east Asia in the third quarter of 2025, according to the EY...

APAC tourism growth outlook signals sustained long-term expansion as global demand reaches new highs

APAC will lead the next decade of tourism growth as global travel demand surpasses pre-pandemic levels, according to Tourism Economics’ Michael Shoory speaking at ITB Asia 2025 in Singapore. The APAC tourism growth outlook presented by Michael...

Agoda reveals Asia’s top vegetarian destinations for culinary travelers

Agoda highlights vegetarian-friendly destinations across Asia, showcasing food-motivated travel trends and growing interest in plant-based culinary experiences. SINGAPORE – Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled a curated list of the best...

Woman 'is tricked into travelling to Thailand for fake modelling job and killed so her organs can be harvested'

A woman was reportedly tricked into travelling to Thailand for a fake modelling job before being forced to work as a slave and killed so her organs could be harvested on the black market. Vera Kravtsova, 26, originally from Belarus, flew to...

Diwali 2025 vacation: Indians can visit over 50 countries visa-free - check full list, key details

With days left for the Diwali 2025 holidays, several people across the country are gearing up to celebrate the festivities abroad. As a growing number of countries are offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival, travelling abroad has become easier with...

Indonesia eyes woodball gold sweep at 2025 SEA Games

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian national woodball team is aiming for a clean sweep of gold medals at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, building on its achievements in several international championships over the past two years. “Indonesian...

Which 57 countries can Indian passport holders travel visa-free to in 2025?

India has dropped to the 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, giving Indian passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. This marks a decline of five spots from last year, when Indians could travel to 62...

Agoda, Saudi Tourism Authority to boost Asia-Pacific travel to Saudi Arabia

Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and travel experiences to Asia-Pacific travellers. Launched during Web in Travel...

Timor-Leste's long road to Asean

This Sunday, when Timor-Leste finally joins Asean as its 11th member, it will mark a diplomatic triumph for one of Asia's smallest states and a moral test for the region's most enduring organisation. For Dili, this long-awaited step is not about...

10 of the best things to do on Indonesia's Gili Islands

Anyone who’s been to Indonesia's Gili Islands would likely agree on one thing – you can’t help but feel relaxed as soon as you set foot on the fine white sands. These three little islands off the coast of Lombok are a popular holiday destination,...

Indonesia denies report of planned Israel visit

Diplomatic relations do not yet exist, but Israel is preparing for what could be a dramatic and unprecedented visit: a year and a half after Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that Indonesia had agreed to normalize relations with Jerusalem in...

Indonesia denies reports that President Prabowo will visit Israel

KARACHI / ISTANBUL Indonesia on Monday denied reports that President Prabowo Subianto will visit Israel after completing his trip to Egypt. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry “firmly” stated that Prabowo will not visit Israel, the state-run Antara...

BLACKPINK's Lisa Appointed as Thailand's Tourism Ambassador

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - K-pop star Lisa from BLACKPINK has been appointed as Thailand's new tourism ambassador to promote the country's culture and charm to international tourists. The Blackpink member's appointment was announced on Wednesday, October...

Indonesia sets clear direction for tourism growth at WITF 2025

Indonesia’s coordinating minister for economic affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has called for stronger collaboration and clearer strategies to advance the country’s tourism sector. Speaking at the opening of the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair...

Eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Displaces Thousands in Eastern Indonesia, Elevating Regional Tensions in the Ring of Fire

Maumere, Indonesia – October 15, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of volcanic unrest, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a notoriously active stratovolcano on the remote island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, unleashed a series of powerful...