Asia
New villa estate for Bali
Akkulla, a 31-villa contemporary estate in Seminyak, Bali, is set to open in the second half of 2026, and will be exclusively managed and marketed by Elite Havens.
New in India for WJ
World Journeys has expanded its horizons in India to some slightly off-the-beaten-track, but still fascinating, regions of the country.
Marketing manager Caroline Clegg says the Golden Triangle continues to form the basis of most first-time visits to India.
Infinity, HKTB campaign – agents can win
Infinity has launched its 2026 destination campaign in partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a multi‑channel initiative designed to drive bookings to the destination.
Less touristed Japan
Tobu Railway combines a luxury train journey with the opportunity for clients to get away from the well-trodden Japanese path.
Taiwan features in THO packages
Taiwan was in the spotlight at Total Holiday Options’ (THO) B2B roadshows across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch recently. Growing trade interest in the destination was clearly evident at all three events.
South Korea tourism up
South Korea received more than 300,000 visitors from Oceania in 2025, with 44,708 New Zealanders and 267,157 Australians there across the year.
NZ strong market as new attractions and hotels boost SIN’s tourism
New Zealand has performed well as a market for Singapore tourism for the second year in a row, recording 165,000 visitor arrivals (VA), a 5% increase over the previous historical record in 2024.
Dusit’s strong growth
Dusit International has recorded 24 hotel signings in 2025, significantly strengthening its global pipeline.
Travellers look beyond ‘hot spots’
Streamlined visa processes and expanding flight networks are influencing travel choices across Asia, with travellers increasingly looking beyond familiar hotspots.
Moxy in Kathmandu
Moxy Hotels has debuted in Nepal with the opening of Moxy Kathmandu.
Exotic’s Best of Bhutan
Exotic Holidays is offering a 10-day journey through Bhutan, capturing the essence of the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.
KTO highlights Korea’s growing appeal
Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) recently hosted a familiarisation trip to South Korea, exploring an array of experiences and signature sights that have contributed to Korea’s tourism growth from the New Zealand market.
HoT steps up in Singapore
Progress within the company’s three-year strategic plan was a key focus when House of Travel and Orbit World Travel business owners plus partners got together in Singapore last week for the annual conference, themed Stepping up to one up.
Mulu: a Borneo inclusion
Mulu National Park, Sarawak is a natural inclusion (literally) for clients seeking an Asian Adventure.
ATG in China
Aspire Travel Group brokers recently returned from a packed famil to China, with support from alliance partners Air New Zealand and Air China together – travelling one way to Beijing on CA and returning from Shanghai on NZ.
Marina Bay Cruise Centre completes upgrades
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) has completed a $40 million upgrade to enhance passenger experience and accommodate the growing cruise travel demand in Asia.
Sri Lanka 'more than elephants'
When Kiwi travellers first consider a trip to Sri Lanka they tend to think of elephants, says Roger Miranda, Brian’s Holidays Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka walks the walk as Kiwi agents seek new options, ideas for clients
Sri Lanka staged its biggest tourism B2B initiative yet in New Zealand when some 50 destination management companies, hotels and other partners met Kiwi agents for desktop meetings, then presentations and a dinner at Cordis Auckland on Wednesday night.
Envoyage famil to China
Envoyage Group’s latest famil, partnering with Wendy Wu Tours and China Southern Airlines to explore the heart of China, is underway now.
Railway themed resort in China
The recently opened Vinetree Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Tented Resort reflects historic railway culture in Yunnan, southern China.
Agents experience Vietnam, Taiwan
Taiwan and Vietnam were the focus of an agent famil recently hosted by Ollami.
Taiwan ups its presence, promotes key festival as Kiwi visitor numbers swell
New Zealand travel agents have been urged to start promoting and selling one of Taiwan’s key annual events now and also to remind clients of a changed entry requirement into the country.
ANZAC Day anchors Exotic tour
Exotic Holidays is promoting its 2026 15-day, small group Colonel Tour across Turkey timed specifically around ANZAC Day.
Helpful agent advice can make big difference for China visits
Exotic Holidays managing director Rahul Sharma has returned from a recent trip to China impressed with environmental progress in the cities he visited – and with a few handy tips for agents and their clients on visiting some top attractions there.
Kiwis get the K-Culture vibe as Netflix series drives surge
The international Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters is sparking a surge in global travel to South Korea, underscoring the connection between pop culture and tourism.
WJ's Sri Lankan selections
World Journeys is offering a range of sample itineraries in Sri Lanka.
Exotic's Himalayan spectacular
Exotic Holidays has a 12-day Spectacular Shangri-La itinerary that begins in Delhi where clients board a train to Chandigarh and then travel by road to reach Manali.
Here, guests visit the Hadimba Temple, Old Manali and the Temple of Manu. A short drive to Naggar Castle and its art gallery adds a cultural touch to this Himalayan retreat before guests set off on one of the most scenic road journeys in the world.
Travelling over the Rohtang Pass, the tour reaches Jispa, a village set against dramatic mountain backdrops. From there, the tour in the high-altitude Baralacha La Pass and stops at Sarchu, before reaching Tsokar, a saltwater lake.
In Leh, the capital of Ladakh, clients acclimatise before exploring the historic Leh Palace, the Shanti Stupa and local markets.
The trip continues with a drive across the legendary Khardung-La Pass, into the Nubra Valley and a stay in a camp at Hunder, before returning to Leh for the flight back to Delhi.
Spectacular Shangri-La is priced from $4,642 per person, twin share plus the domestic flight from $270pp.
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
In response to recent travel trends, World Journeys has created a new itinerary which it says covers the best of Vietnam and Cambodia in 20 days.
Intrepid adds new Asia trips
Intrepid Travel has launched six new trips in northern and central Asia, marking its most significant expansion in the region to date.
Event emphasises importance of trade as Korea as demand increases from NZ travellers
By Faye Spooner
With Kiwi arrivals to Korea on the rise, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is stepping up trade activity to position itself as a leading destination for New Zealand travellers.
Japan art encounters
Japan National Tourism Office (JNTO) says including encounters with Japanese artisans can help connect clients with ancient Japanese history and local life.
Elite Havens adds in Koh Samui
Luxury villa management and rental provider, Elite Havens has added Golden Lotus Villas, a new collection of high-end residences in the hills of Koh Samui to its portfolio.
WJ adds Cambodia to Vietnam tour
World Journeys has added Cambodia to its popular Essential Vietnam package, in response to the number of travellers wishing to add on Angkor Wat to their Vietnam travels.
Phi Phi resort now Outrigger
Outrigger Hospitality Group has acquired Zeavola Resort on the northern tip of Thailand’s Phi Phi Island.
HKG Disneyland's party plans
Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th Anniversary celebrations officially kick off with the Most Magical Party of All on 28 June.
Wendy Wu's festive sale
Wendy Wu Tours has launched Christmas Collection Sale with savings of up to $400 per person across all 2025 and 2026 Christmas departures.
Phi Phi Island offer
Centara Hotels & Resorts has an opening offer at its newest island retreat, Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, set to open 1 May 2025.
New G Adventures trips in Indonesia
G Adventures has 20 new trips in the islands of Indonesia.
Japan NTO changes NZ rep
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has changed its representation in New Zealand. Effective from 1 April 2025, through 31 March 2026, Linkd Tourism will serve as the exclusive representative for JNTO here.
Infinity's new HKG campaign
Infinity Holidays has launched Hong Kong Unlocked: Savour, Stay, Explore! – a new campaign designed to highlight the city’s culinary scene, cultural heritage, accommodation options and activities.
New Marriott with tiger spotting opportunity
Marriott Hotels has opened Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, located in the wilderness of Uttarakhand, northwest India.
Vietnam tour with Chelsea Winter
Trafalgar has launched the Vietnam Adventure tour, an eight-day culinary and cultural journey with New Zealand chef and author, Chelsea Winter.
Insight into White Lotus
Insight Vacations has launched a limited edition White Lotus themed tour. The deluxe tour will travel through Thailand visiting many of the filming locations and hotels featured on the television series.
Dusit to manage new retreat in Flores
Kaliwatu Villas and Residences – Dusit Collection, an new luxury retreat in Labuan Bajo, Flores island, one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, is due to open Q2 2028.
Centara eyes more success in 2025
Centara Hotels & Resorts predicts another highly productive year in 2025.
Positive signs for Kiwi travel to Korea
Positive findings from recent New Zealand travel industry research coincides with Korea Tourism Organization’s continued commitment to the New Zealand market through partner The Walshe Group.
Rice growing activity in Bali
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach will launch a new hands-on activity around growing rice this year.
Wendy Wu's guide to Japan events
Wendy Wu Tours is sharing insider knowledge on Japan’s festivals as the country’s 2025 events calendar heats up.
Lesser known Japan can extend stays, boost ideas for repeat Kiwi clients
While Japan continues to be a hot favourite with New Zealand travellers, a number of the country’s tourism reps are urging the trade to give new options to their clients and get them off the well beaten path in the country.
Lesser known Japan can extend stays
While Japan continues to be a hot favourite with New Zealand travellers, a number of the country’s tourism reps are urging the trade to give new options to their clients and get them off the well beaten path in the country.
Wendy Wu adds Silk Road to its Rail Collection
Wendy Wu Tours has added a new 15-day Legends of the Silk Road itinerary to its popular Rail Collection.
Trade urged to widen thinking on Asia travel
Agents who attended a Mega B2B Roadshow in Auckland and Christchurch late last week were encouraged to think about seasonal attractions and events in Asia, always consider clients’ special interests and think about customers’ special anniversaries to maximise year-round sales.
Raffles Sentosa to open 1 March
Raffles Sentosa Singapore is due to open on 1 March 2025, representing a new chapter for the Raffles brand, which was founded in Singapore in 1887 with the debut of Raffles Singapore.
Club Med: Japan ski sale
Club Med yesterday launched its Early Bird Sale 2026, through which travel agents can secure up to 30% off Club Med’s Japan ski resorts for clients. It runs to 9 May 2025 for travel dates between 28 November 2025 and 4 May 2026.
More...
Elite Havens' new Phuket villa
Luxury villa rental and management provider Elite Havens continues to grow its portfolio of more than 250 villas with the addition of Surin Seaview Villa, now available to rent in Phuket, Thailand.
New look Centara in Phuket
Centara Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the new-look Centara Karon Resort Phuket.
Roadshow: Asia set for big year
The rare opportunity to connect face-to-face with representatives from a variety of Maldives resorts is a key feature of the Total Holiday Options B2B Mega-Roadshow being held in Auckland and Christchurch later this month.
New resort in Hoi An
The new Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, Vietnam, has officially opened.
