Thailand has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism following the successful conclusion of the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket. Held from 21-24 April, the four-day event brought together more than 660 delegates from 60 countries, including policymakers, industry leaders, academics and sustainability experts, to advance international standards and share best…
Thailand is rapidly emerging as a global wellness destination, and its network of natural hot springs is preparing to take centre stage in the country’s new tourism strategy. With approximately 118 hot spring sites stretching from the mountainous north in Chiang Mai to the coastal south in Krabi, these mineral-rich waters are being developed into high-value wellness attractions that combine nature, health and…
Sabah continues to strengthen its position as one of Malaysia’s most compelling nature-based destinations with the launch of Sarayo Tourism; a new community-driven initiative in Kampung Tampasak, Penampang. Developed alongside the Sopuk Recreational Park, this grassroots tourism product reflects a growing movement across East Malaysia to place local communities at the heart of sustainable travel experiences. Set amidst lush greenery and clear…
Langkawi is entering a new phase of tourism development, driven by strengthened regional collaboration and targeted business-to-business (B2B) engagement with key markets such as Singapore and southern Malaysia. Spearheaded by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), these initiatives reflect a strategic shift towards building deeper industry partnerships, enhancing market visibility and positioning Langkawi for long-term, sustainable…
Bintan is making a name for itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting hubs for nautical tourism, driven by a growing calendar of international sailing events and increasing regional cruise activity. The recent Bintan Regatta 2026, held from 3-5 April, brought together international sailors, yacht enthusiasts and travellers, showcasing the island’s potential as a premier destination for experiential coastal tourism. More than just…
Indonesia is placing gastronomy at the heart of its tourism strategy, positioning its diverse culinary heritage as a defining element of the nation’s identity. According to the Ministry of Tourism, gastronomy is no longer viewed simply as food, but as a holistic experience—one that reflects culture, history and the stories behind each destination. This approach aims to…
There’s plenty of good news coming out of Vietnam at the moment. Here are a few stories making the headlines: New traditional sailboat tours to Ha Long Bay in 2026 Vietnam is introducing traditional sailboat tours in Hạ Long Bay from 2026, positioning them as a more sustainable and culturally immersive alternative to conventional cruise tourism. These…
A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently: Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Trade Meet 2026 Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) recently hosted the Amazing Thailand Health & Wellness Trade Meet 2026 in Bangkok to strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in wellness tourism. The event brought together…
A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia: Visit Malaysia campaign extended to 2027 Malaysia has extended its Visit Malaysia campaign to 2027 to sustain tourism recovery and strengthen its global positioning amid ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. The extended timeline allows the country to refine its marketing strategy and…
A few bitesize news stories and tourism developments making the headlines in Indonesia in recent weeks: A frontrunner in sports tourism: Bali’s International Run 2026 Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is supporting the Adhyaksa International Run 2026 in Bali as part of efforts to boost sport tourism, local economic activity and digital financial inclusion. The event, which attracts around 3,500…