In February, Chiang Mai welcomed the 2026 Lunar New Year with vibrant celebrations that underscore the city’s cultural diversity and growing appeal as a festive tourism destination. Marking the Year of the Horse, the festival transformed the historic northern Thai city into a lively showcase of Chinese–Thai heritage, with lantern displays, dragon and lion dances, cultural performances and…
Malaysia has officially launched its Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign with a series of nationwide events designed to showcase the country’s cultural diversity, natural attractions and readiness to welcome international travellers. The campaign rollout features celebrations across multiple states, highlighting Malaysia’s unique blend of heritage, cuisine, festivals and eco-adventures as the nation prepares for increased visitor arrivals in the lead-up to…
Tourism Malaysia is strengthening its outreach to the Indian market by positioning Sabah as a premier cycling destination, highlighting the state’s potential to support wellness tourism and active travel. During a recent promotional initiative in Chennai, Tourism Malaysia showcased Sabah’s diverse cycling routes, scenic landscapes and eco-adventure experiences, aiming to attract Indian travellers seeking healthier, experience-driven holidays. Sabah’s varied terrain, from coastal…
Indonesia is positioning the Prambanan Shiva Festival as a flagship cultural event, reinforcing the country’s commitment to heritage-based tourism and immersive visitor experiences. Held within the majestic grounds of the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple complex in Central Java, the festival blends ancient spirituality with contemporary performance, offering travellers a unique gateway into Indonesia’s living culture. Centred…
Bali is redefining the visitor experience through its growing network of tourism villages (desa wisata), offering travellers authentic, community-led encounters that go far beyond the island’s well-known beaches and resort hubs. These villages invite guests to engage directly with Balinese daily life; from traditional farming and craft-making to temple ceremonies and local culinary traditions, they visiting these villages can…
There’s plenty of good news coming out of Vietnam at the moment. Here are a few stories making the headlines: Vietnam’s tourism sector makes strong impression at EXPO 2026 From 12-14 February, Vietnam showcased its tourism assets at the HOLIDAY & SPA EXPO 2026, a prominent annual travel exhibition in Bulgaria and the Balkans, in an effort to increase…
A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently: Suvarnabhumi airport gears up for Chinese New Year 2026 Suvarnabhumi Airport is making strategic moves in preparation for the Chinese New Year in 2026, as it expects a large number of Chinese tourists to visit Thailand. The airport has…
A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia: Festive welcome sets the tone for Visit Malaysia 2026 Travellers disembarking at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) received a warm and unexpected welcome on 17 February, complete with complimentary gift bags and an energetic lion dance performance to mark the occasion. The Visit Malaysia 2026…
A few bitesize news stories and tourism developments making the headlines in Indonesia in recent weeks: Indonesia exceeds 2025 tourism target with 15.39 million visitors Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has stated that Indonesia recorded 15.39 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, surpassing the government’s target of 14–15 million. “With an actual achievement of 15.39 million, we have exceeded our target and…
Country Manager Message – Vietnam Warm greetings from Vietnam, February is one of the most meaningful times to experience Vietnam, as the country prepares to welcome Tết Nguyên Đán, the Lunar New Year and the most important celebration of the year. From 16–22 February 2026, Vietnam slows its pace as families reunite, homes are adorned with flowers and…