Bangkok is the leading travel destination for 2017, according to the Mastercard Global Destinations Cities Index 2017.

Asia Pacific destinations made up five of the top 10 in the annual survey, which ranks the world’s 132 top destination cities – with Bangkok in Thailand taking out first place.

‘It is easy to see why Bangkok has topped the Global Destinations Cities Index as a great place to travel. 

Exotic Holidays is promoting the nine day Sabah Nature Delight Tour as its ‘pick of the week’. Exotic’s managing director Rahul Sharma says clients on the tour will visit the Malaysian state’s valleys, rivers, wildlife reserves and animal sanctuaries.

Myanmar Tourism Marketing has launched an events calendar on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pg/myanmartm/events, where the public can access more information about festivals and relevant places of interest.

Hong Kong’s Regal International hotel group will make a two-day sales mission to New Zealand from 11 September to spread the word about its new branded leisure product and a new schedule of rates specifically for New Zealand agents.

Adventure World has launched an air credit of $560 per person when booked before 30 September, available for Star Clippers’ Northern Thailand sailings departing between 4 November 2017 and 21 April 2018.

A special interest tour with leading photographer Kiwi Chris Van Ryn will visit the Tsaachin tribe (or Reindeer People) in June next year. Van Ryn says the tour is the perfect way for clients to explore and mingle with this shrinking tribe in the spectacular landscapes of Mongolia whilst improving their photography skills.

Adventure World has released its Exodus Cycling Asia catalogue, showcasing an array of active adventure holidays in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Adventure World has outlined the top ve Asian destinations for cycling explorers, from the diverse landscapes of Indonesia to the foodie heaven of Vietnam.

Following the high demand for its Eternal India trip launched in 2016, Contiki is expanding its product in the region with a new ‘In-Depth Explorer’ Southern Spice trip launched this week. Other trips in Asia including China Adventure and the Big Indochina have been rened and improved.

Fathom Asia is adding depth to what it offers in the region through a new business relationship with Asia DMC. Jay Soysa, product – reservations manager with Fathom Asia (which is under the Francis Travel Marketing umbrella), says that the relationship has grown from an existing connection. ‘As the local GSA for luxury Aqua Expeditions, it was a natural progression for us to explore opportunities with their approved preferred partner – Asia DMC – for pre and post land content,’ adds Soysa.

The Fujian Tourist Administration invited a range of agents and industry to a special breakfast in the Crystal Ballroom at the Langham in Auckland last week as it looks to promote the Fujian Province in China and strengthen its New Zealand relationships.

Contiki and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have created a 360° virtual reality and cinematic Thailand experience aimed at millennial travellers.

The activation is based on Contiki’s new Northern Thai Highlights trip, giving them the opportunity to see a more cultural, authentic side of Thailand. The four destinations on

The four destinations on show are Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi.

Exotic Holidays’ recent agents’ famil to Borneo highlighted the best of nature, wildlife and culture on the world’s third largest Island.

Rainforests, an abundance of wildlife and a closer look at the ancient tribes of Borneo along with local markets, food stalls and a look at the history of Borneo completed the experience. 

Arriving in Kuching, Sarawak’s capital city, agents learned about the interesting history of the state and the influence of the White Rajahs, Sarawak’s founding monarchy.

Exotic Holidays is promoting quad and mountain bike tours as a different way to experience Siam Reap in Cambodia.
Clients begin their tour with visits to Prasat Kravan, The Royal Baths, Banteay Kdei and Eastern Mebon. They will also visit Angkor Thom and explore Bayon temple and the Elephants Terrace. The day finishes with sunset at the Pre Rup mountain-temple.
The next day the tour heads into the countryside to visit a school and meet the locals. This will be followed by a visit to Senteurs D’Angkor where you’ll taste authentic teas and liquors.

As New Zealand opened its arms last week to about 25,000 athletes taking part in the 2017 World Masters Games, Penang stepped up to the plate to promote its own major sporting event.  
The Asia Pacific Masters Games (APMG) Penang 2018 was officially launched at a function in Auckland on Friday. They are the first multi-sport Masters Games to be staged in Asia and will be held from 8 to