7 d. ago Can Thailand’s tourism recover from a drop in Chinese arrivals?

Once a bright spot in the economy, Thailand’s tourism sector appears to be losing its shine. Even with an expected bump in foreign arrivals during the peak travel season at the end of the year, the country’s main tourism body still expects just 33.4 million visitors for 2025, an almost 6 per cent drop from 35.5 million last year. That’s the first decline in a decade outside the pandemic, and underscores the country’s challenge in trying to revive tourist arrivals, which remain below pre-Covid...

Politics

1 week ago Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in North Korea ahead of military parade

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in North Korea ahead of military parade  NK News

Events

2 w. ago Japan’s visa plans for Chinese visitors hit by overtourism fears, political tilt

Tokyo is facing growing calls from regional tourism sectors to relax visa rules for Chinese travellers, but rising political wariness towards foreign arrivals and public frustration over overtourism are keeping the plan on ice, despite its economic promise. A long-anticipated proposal to grant 10-year multiple-entry visas to high-income Chinese tourists, extend group tour stays from 15 to 30 days, and ease paperwork for elderly travellers has yet to be implemented. As the roll-out was expected...

Politics

2 w. ago Chinese Premier Li to visit North Korea for ruling party’s 80th anniversary

China’s Premier Li Qiang will travel to Pyongyang to attend the 80th anniversary of North Korea’s ruling party later this week, according to Beijing. The Chinese foreign ministry said Li would arrive in Pyongyang for a three-day visit on Thursday. The event commemorating the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea will take place on Friday. More to follow ...

Politics

2 w. ago Li Qiang to visit North Korea, most senior Chinese official to do so since 2019

Premier Li Qiang will travel to Pyongyang to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of North Korea’s ruling party later this week, according to Beijing, the most senior Chinese official to visit the country since 2019. The Chinese foreign ministry said Li would arrive in Pyongyang for a three-day visit on Thursday. A military parade commemorating the foundation of the Workers’ Party of Korea is expected to take place on Friday, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported. Calling the two...

Politics

2 w. ago Thailand’s Tourism Market Booms As Nearly All Flights From China Operate At Full Capacity And Daily Arrivals Exceed Twenty Thousand During Golden Week Holiday In 2025

Thailand’s Tourism Market Booms As Nearly All Flights From China Operate At Full Capacity And Daily Arrivals Exceed Twenty Thousand During Golden Week Holiday In 2025  Travel And Tour World

Politics

3 w. ago Thailand’s rising baht weighs heavily on economy, exporters and tourism

From farms and factories to hotels, Thai businesses are feeling the bite of a strong baht, which is eroding export margins and raising fears that holidaymakers will seek better value destinations elsewhere in Asia. The surging currency has added to the pile of problems for Thailand’s economy, which has slowed after two years of political instability. The baht has gained more than 8 per cent against the US dollar this year, rising from 34 to the dollar on January 1 to a high of 31.70 on September...

Politics

3 w. ago Can Thailand’s new PM fix the economy and political woes by January?

Thailand’s new prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul presented his policy platform on Monday, with quick-fix measures to ease the rising cost of living as well as promises to win back tourists, while committing to dissolving parliament in just four months to end the country’s political stalemate. The country’s third prime minister in two years, faces twin challenges: economic woes exacerbated by a stubbornly strong baht and a security threat as the ceasefire with Cambodia threatens to...

Politics

3 w. ago Arrival of Chinese navy ships for National Day to disrupt some Hong Kong ferries

Some ferry services in Hong Kong will be disrupted during peak hours to pave the way for the arrival of two Chinese military vessels this week, while bus services will be stepped up to reduce the impact on commuters. The Transport Department said on Sunday that ferry services would be interrupted on Tuesday and Friday. It called on residents to plan ahead this week and set aside sufficient time for travel. The measures are part of preparations for the arrival of the People’s Liberation Army’s...

Politics

3 w. ago Arrival of PLA naval ships for National Day to disrupt some Hong Kong ferries

Some ferry services in Hong Kong will be disrupted during peak hours to accomodate two PLA naval vessels visiting this week, while bus services will be stepped up to reduce the impact on commuters. The Transport Department said on Sunday that ferry services would be interrupted on Tuesday and Friday. It called on residents to plan appropriately and set aside sufficient time for travel. The city will welcome the People’s Liberation Army’s training vessel, the Qi Jiguan, and the amphibious landing...

Politics

4 w. ago Xi on Xinjiang visit urges ‘every effort’ to achieve social stability

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for “every effort” to maintain overall social stability in Xinjiang and the Sinicisation of religions by promoting cultural integration in the far western region. Xi delivered his remarks after he listened to work reports from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Communist Party committee and government, according to state news agency Xinhua. The Chinese leader arrived in Xinjiang on Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the autonomous region’s...

Politics