Asia Tourism News: Official Travel Updates from Six Countries
This page collects Asia tourism news from the official tourism boards of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Each item is our own short summary of an official announcement, with the date it was published, the agency that issued it, a note on why it matters for travellers and a link to the original so you can read the full release.
We focus on news that changes a trip: visa and entry rules, festivals and events, new flights and routes, attraction closures, and campaigns with deals you can use. Items are listed newest first within each country. We do not copy the articles or their photos; follow the links for the full text, and always confirm details with the agency before you travel.
Jump to a country (6)
Thailand tourism news
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand. 7 recent announcements, newest first.
November 2026 event calendar
TAT has published its round-up of events across Thailand for November 2026. It lists a dozen festivals, including the Pattaya International Jazz Festival on 6 and 7 November, the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival on 27 and 28 November, the Phanom Rung festival in Buriram on 13 to 15 November and the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo, which opens on 1 November and runs until 14 March 2027.
Why it matters for travellers: A handy list if you are already planning a November trip to Thailand and want to time it around a festival.
Bangkok Art Biennale 2026 opens across the city
The Bangkok Art Biennale runs from 29 October 2026 to 28 February 2027 under the theme "Angels & Mara". More than 200 works by 72 artists from 29 countries are on show at 11 main venues, including Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the National Museum Bangkok and centralwOrld, with extra fringe programmes around town.
Why it matters for travellers: Several venues are temples and museums you may visit anyway, so the art adds a reason to linger. The announcement does not give ticket prices, so check each venue.
TAT sets five tourism priorities for 2027
TAT says its 2027 marketing will focus on wellness and longevity trips, a year-round festival calendar, creative and craft experiences, sustainable travel and a "Trusted Thailand" quality certification for businesses. The aim is to grow tourism income by at least 5% while attracting fewer but higher-spending visitors.
Why it matters for travellers: Expect more promotion of spa, wellness and festival packages, and look for TAT-certified operators when booking.
Virgin Atlantic starts London Heathrow to Phuket flights
Virgin Atlantic began a seasonal direct service between London Heathrow and Phuket on 18 October 2026. Flight VS214 runs three times a week until 26 March 2027, leaving London on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and returning from Phuket on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Why it matters for travellers: UK travellers now have a non-stop option to Phuket for the winter season, which also makes a Phuket stop easy to combine with a Penang or KL trip.
ASEAN India+ Shoppers in Thailand 2026 expanded
Visitors from ASEAN countries, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh can claim shopping and dining privileges worth roughly 500 to 2,000 baht until the end of November 2026. More than 50 partners take part, including King Power, Central, The Mall Group, MBK, One Bangkok and Asiatique. You register through a QR code or the campaign website and then redeem offers at the shops.
Why it matters for travellers: Malaysian and Singaporean passport holders qualify, so it is worth registering before a Bangkok shopping trip.
Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya, 6 November 2026
Fifty-two royal barges crewed by about 2,200 navy oarsmen will travel along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on the afternoon of Friday 6 November 2026, ending at Wat Arun for the Royal Kathin ceremony. Free reserved seating was allocated in September and is now closed. Public riverside areas open from around 3 pm, with Rama VIII Bridge, Phra Sumen Fort, Pinklao Bridge and the Grand Palace area suggested as viewing points.
Why it matters for travellers: This is a rare ceremony, so arrive early for a riverside spot and expect road and boat disruption near the river that afternoon.
Thailand's new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules
Since 15 September 2026 the 60-day visa-free stay has been replaced by 30-day and 15-day exemptions and a short Visa on Arrival list, depending on nationality. Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia are in the 30-day group. Most nationalities using the 30-day exemption may enter by land only twice a year, but that land-border cap does not apply to these four ASEAN countries.
Why it matters for travellers: Malaysians and Singaporeans can still visit Thailand visa-free, but now for up to 30 days rather than 60, so longer stays need a visa or an extension.
Singapore tourism news
Source: Singapore Tourism Board. 6 recent announcements, newest first.
Main Merlion statue closed for cleaning and repairs, 24 to 26 November
The main Merlion statue at Merlion Park will be covered in scaffolding from 24 to 26 November 2026 for cleaning and repair work. The smaller Merlion cub statue nearby stays open for photos.
Why it matters for travellers: If a Merlion photo is on your list, avoid those three days or settle for the cub statue.
Visa and Singapore Tourism Board sign three-year partnership
STB and the card network Visa have agreed a three-year tie-up to promote Singapore's dining, entertainment and night-time experiences. Singapore will join Visa's "Visa Destinations" programme from November 2026, giving Visa cardholders special offers at attractions, restaurants, shops and tours. Malaysia is named as one of the main visitor markets for the campaign.
Why it matters for travellers: If you pay with a Visa card, look out for cardholder deals in Singapore from November.
Six colleges launch Singapore's first joint hospitality and tourism student chapter
At the second Singapore Hospitality and Tourism Conference, students from six polytechnics and universities formed a shared student chapter to build industry links before they graduate. The event, supported by STB, also included a careers fair with more than 20 hotel, attraction and events employers, and an industry agreement with the Singapore Hotel Association.
Why it matters for travellers: Mainly an industry story, but useful if you are a student considering a hospitality career or course in Singapore.
STB and Booking.com sign three-year partnership
STB and Booking.com will run joint marketing campaigns and share travel data for three years, with the goal of encouraging longer stays and repeat visits to Singapore. The deal also covers sharing sustainability practices for the tourism industry.
Why it matters for travellers: Expect more Singapore promotions on Booking.com for hotels, flights and attractions over the coming years.
Singapore to host 'BTS THE CITY ARIRANG' in December
Singapore will hold an island-wide BTS fan programme from 1 to 31 December 2026, around four sold-out BTS concerts at the National Stadium on 17, 19, 20 and 22 December. Partners such as Jewel Changi Airport, Sentosa, Resorts World Sentosa, Mandai Wildlife Reserve and the National Gallery will host light shows, art trails and themed installations. Marina Bay and Singapore River landmarks will be lit red from 8 to 22 December.
Why it matters for travellers: Fans without concert tickets can still join the free and paid activations, but book Singapore hotels early for mid-December.
GetYourGuide and STB agree to develop and promote Singapore tours
The tours and activities platform GetYourGuide has signed a two-year agreement with STB. The two will study what visitors are looking for, work with local operators to create new or improved tours, and run joint marketing to sell Singapore experiences abroad.
Why it matters for travellers: Over time this should mean a wider choice of bookable Singapore tours on GetYourGuide.
Malaysia tourism news
Source: Tourism Malaysia. 6 recent announcements, newest first.
Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026 at Sunway Pyramid
The fifth of six Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia travel fairs took place at Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya from 23 to 25 October 2026. About 40 booths from travel agents, hotels, theme parks, Batik Air and booking sites sold discounted domestic holiday packages under the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign.
Why it matters for travellers: One more stop is still to come, and these fairs are a good place to pick up cheap local holiday deals.
Batik Air adds Subang to Miri and Sibu routes, with rebates up to RM200
Batik Air will fly direct from Subang Airport to Miri and to Sibu three times a week each from 1 December 2026. With Tourism Malaysia it is offering instant rebates of up to RM200 for the first 1,000 passengers who book with the code BATIKCCMY by 30 November 2026, for travel between 2 January and 30 June 2027 on eligible fares.
Why it matters for travellers: A cheaper way to reach Sarawak from the Klang Valley in the first half of 2027, if you book before the end of November.
ZIPAIR launches direct Tokyo Narita to Kuala Lumpur flights
Japanese low-cost long-haul airline ZIPAIR started flight ZG61 from Tokyo Narita to KLIA on 20 October 2026, using a 290-seat Boeing 787-8 with a small number of flat-bed seats. Tourism Malaysia expects the route to bring more Japanese visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026–2027.
Why it matters for travellers: Another budget option between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo. The release does not list fares or the weekly schedule, so check with the airline.
Tourism Malaysia and Alipay+ partner on digital payments for visitors
Tourism Malaysia and Alipay+ will offer foreign visitors an AI travel assistant inside their home e-wallets that suggests things to do and unlocks travel subsidies for hotels, transport and attractions. Payments run through Malaysia's DuitNow QR network, and a separate campaign gives 20% savings at participating small shops paid via DuitNow.
Why it matters for travellers: Visitors who use a supported foreign e-wallet can scan DuitNow QR codes in Malaysia and may get extra discounts.
Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia MOVE launch 'Oh Sem Malaysia!' campaign
Tourism Malaysia and the AirAsia MOVE app are running the "Oh Sem Malaysia!" campaign to push travel to smaller cities and less-visited parts of the country. App users get discounts on flights, hotels, flight-and-hotel bundles, airport transfers and attraction tickets during the campaign period.
Why it matters for travellers: Worth checking the AirAsia MOVE app for domestic deals before booking a trip within Malaysia.
'Hello Penang' campaign offers hotel discounts in Penang
Tourism Malaysia, the Penang chapter of the Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel Association and Trip.com ran a Penang hotel promotion with RM20 off per night plus extra rebates. Bookings had to be made between 7 and 27 October 2026, but stays can be used until 30 April 2027.
Why it matters for travellers: The booking window has closed. If you booked during it, remember your stay must be completed by 30 April 2027.
Indonesia tourism news
Source: Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. 6 recent announcements, newest first.
Free NHI Family FunWalk and bazaar in Jakarta on 8 November
The Ministry of Tourism is backing a free family fun walk and bazaar in Jakarta on Sunday 8 November 2026, organised by alumni of the NHI Bandung tourism school to mark Heroes' Day. It is open to the public and aims for more than 1,000 participants. The original release is in Indonesian.
Why it matters for travellers: A free community event if you are in Jakarta that weekend.
Indonesia takes its #GoBeyondOrdinary campaign to the UK and WTM London
Indonesia held sales missions in Glasgow and Manchester in late October and will exhibit at World Travel Market London from 3 to 5 November 2026. The #GoBeyondOrdinary campaign promotes culture, food and less-known experiences alongside beaches. The original release is in Indonesian.
Why it matters for travellers: Mainly a trade story, but it signals more UK packages and promotions for Indonesia in 2027.
Jakarta Fashion Week 2027 opens at Pondok Indah Mall 3
Jakarta Fashion Week 2027 runs from 26 October to 1 November 2026 at City Hall, Pondok Indah Mall 3, with runway shows by Indonesian and international designers. The tourism minister linked the event to a push for shopping tourism, including visits to textile centres and craft workshops. The original release is in Indonesian.
Why it matters for travellers: If you are in Jakarta this week, the shows and pop-ups are a chance to see and buy local designer work.
Waves of Weave textile and kebaya exhibition at Museum Nasional, Jakarta
Waves of Weave is an exhibition of traditional textiles from 10 Southeast Asian countries, plus a room of kebaya from Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. It runs at the Museum Nasional in Jakarta from 26 October 2026 to 8 January 2027. The original release is in Indonesian.
Why it matters for travellers: A good museum stop for anyone interested in batik, songket or kebaya, including pieces from Malaysia.
Ye concert draws 25,000 foreign fans to Jakarta
The ministry says the Ye concert at Gelora Bung Karno stadium on 24 October drew about 70,000 people, including some 25,000 from 80 other countries. Australia, Singapore and Malaysia were among the biggest sources of overseas fans. The government wants Jakarta to host more international concerts. The original release is in Indonesian.
Why it matters for travellers: Expect Jakarta to bid for more big concerts, which is useful to know if you travel from Malaysia or Singapore for shows.
OGFC Unite 2027 football event planned for Jakarta in April 2027
The ministry is supporting OGFC Unite 2027, a football event planned for Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta in April 2027, as part of a push for sports tourism. Former Manchester United players Patrice Evra and Park Ji-sung appeared at warm-up events in Jakarta in late October. The original release is in Indonesian.
Why it matters for travellers: Football fans may want to watch for ticket news ahead of April 2027.
The Philippines tourism news
Source: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines. 5 recent announcements, newest first.
TPB showcases Philippine weaving at the first Fashion Week Asia in Manila
The Tourism Promotions Board was cultural partner of Fashion Week Asia, held in Manila from 20 to 24 October 2026 with runway shows at Palacio de Memoria. Designers from seven Asian countries, including Malaysia, showed alongside Filipino talent, and TPB used the event to highlight community weaving traditions such as those of the T'boli.
Why it matters for travellers: Points to growing interest in craft and textile tourism in the Philippines, from weaving villages to local markets.
TPB showcases Iloilo's indigenous communities and heritage
TPB took 15 travel agents and tour operators to Iloilo from 28 September to 2 October 2026 to develop new tours. The group visited Panay Bukidnon and Ati communities outside Iloilo City to learn about weaving, coffee growing and heirloom cooking.
Why it matters for travellers: Look for new community-based tours in Iloilo province from Philippine operators.
'The Philippines by Foot' walking campaign comes to Clark
The Philippines by Foot campaign, which encourages slower travel through guided walking routes, held its second walk in Clark, Pampanga on 10 October 2026. The campaign began in Intramuros, Manila in June 2026 and is run by TPB with private partners.
Why it matters for travellers: Clark is easy to reach from its own international airport, and the campaign suggests ways to see it on foot.
TPB named Best National Tourism Organisation for the fourth year
TPB won Best National Tourism Organisation at the TTG Travel Awards in Bangkok on 24 September 2026, its fourth win in a row, based on votes from travel trade readers. Several Manila hotels and the Philippine Retirement Authority also picked up awards.
Why it matters for travellers: Mainly an industry award, but the hotel winners are a useful shortlist for Manila stays.
TPB pushes voluntourism in Palawan with SUSTAINABILISEA phase 2
TPB volunteers worked with a coastal village in Taytay and a mangrove group in El Nido, Palawan, donating supplies, planting bananas and mangroves and supporting local projects. Tour operators were also coached on designing voluntourism packages that visitors can book.
Why it matters for travellers: Travellers who want to give something back on a Palawan trip may soon find more organised volunteering tours.
Vietnam tourism news
Source: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. 7 recent announcements, newest first.
Cuisine as a gateway to Hanoi's culture
Drawing on a Sydney Morning Herald feature, VNAT promotes Hanoi as a food city that mixes Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences. It highlights morning pho, charcoal-grilled bun cha and the daily fresh markets, as well as the city's newer fine-dining scene.
Why it matters for travellers: A quick reminder of the dishes to plan your Hanoi food stops around.
Two Vietnamese train journeys in Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 top 20
The Hue to Da Nang "Vietnam Central Heritage Connection" train, a scenic trip of about three hours over the Hai Van Pass, ranked 10th in Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards for train trips. The Vietage by Anantara, a luxury carriage between Da Nang, Quy Nhon and Nha Trang with meals included, ranked 14th.
Why it matters for travellers: The Hue to Da Nang heritage train is an easy and scenic alternative to the road transfer.
Direct Hanoi to Amsterdam flights boost Vietnam promotion in the Netherlands
VNAT and Vietnam Airlines held a tourism promotion event in Amsterdam on 14 October to mark the new direct Hanoi to Amsterdam route. VNAT also said Vietnam received nearly 17.7 million international arrivals in the first nine months of 2026, up 14.5% on the year before.
Why it matters for travellers: Travellers from the Netherlands and nearby countries now have a non-stop link to Hanoi.
Phu Quoc named Asia's best island for 2026
Phu Quoc topped the "Best Island in Asia" category in Condé Nast Traveler's US Readers' Choice Awards 2026 for the second year running. The magazine pointed to its beaches, snorkelling and diving, the cable car to Hon Thom and the pepper farms. The island is also building new venues and expanding its airport ahead of APEC meetings in 2027.
Why it matters for travellers: Expect busier resorts and ongoing construction on Phu Quoc in the run-up to APEC 2027.
Vietnam welcomes more than 17.7 million international visitors in January to September
Official figures show Vietnam had more than 17.7 million foreign arrivals in the first nine months of 2026, up 14.5%, with 1.77 million in September alone. China and South Korea were the largest markets, and most visitors arrived by air.
Why it matters for travellers: Popular spots are getting busier, so book flights and hotels early for the year-end peak.
Da Nang picked for Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027
Da Nang is Vietnam's only entry in Lonely Planet's 50 Best in Travel picks for 2027. The guide praises its city beaches, the Son Tra Peninsula and its food, and its position as a base for Hue, Hoi An and the My Son ruins.
Why it matters for travellers: Da Nang works well as a single base for central Vietnam's three UNESCO sites.
Vietnam named Asia's Leading Destination 2026 at the World Travel Awards
At the World Travel Awards for Asia held in the Maldives on 27 September 2026, Vietnam won Asia's Leading Destination for the eighth time and Asia's Leading Heritage Destination for the fourth time. Several Vietnamese cities and projects also won regional categories.
Why it matters for travellers: An industry award rather than a change on the ground.
Asia Tourism News: Frequently Asked Questions
Where do these Asia tourism news items come from?
Every item comes from a press release or article published by an official tourism body: the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Singapore Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. We write our own short summary and link to the original so you can read the full announcement.
How long can Malaysians and Singaporeans stay in Thailand without a visa?
Since 15 September 2026, Malaysian and Singaporean passport holders get a 30-day visa exemption for tourism, down from 60 days. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the twice-a-year limit on land-border entries does not apply to Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei or Indonesia. Check with Thai immigration before you travel, as rules can change.
How often is this page updated?
We check the official newsrooms every week and add new traveller-relevant announcements, keeping the most recent items for each country. The "Last checked" date at the top shows the latest review.
Why do some links open pages in another language?
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism publishes most press releases only in Indonesian. Our summaries are in English, but the original link may open in Indonesian. Your browser's translate feature works well on those pages.