The Philippine government expressed its optimism that tourism revenues in the country will continue to rise based on the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s excellent report on arrivals and revenues from January 2025.
In the first two months of the year, the Philippines has already welcomed over 1.1 million foreign travellers through its various air and sea hubs.
During a press briefing held on Monday, 10th March, at Malacañang Palace, Presidential Communications Office undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro reported that the country’s tourism revenues exceeded pre-pandemic levels, starting the year with earnings of around US$1.1 billion.
Anticipating further growth
She added that the government anticipates continued positive growth in the tourism sector, aided in part by streamlined immigration procedures.
Castro said: “We are expecting the continued increase of revenues over the coming months, given how we will soon be implementing improved procedures for inbound immigration.”
It was also noted that the increase in tourism revenues reflects the country’s stable peace and order situation, with Castro remarking: “Foreign tourists are not afraid to come to our country.”
Devasom Hua Hin invites guests to savour the traditional Thai dish khao chae at Deva Bistro.
While khao chae is essentially a summer dish, this fine example of royal Thai cuisine may now be enjoyed all year round thanks to the resort’s talented culinary team.
It is another way by which Devasom Hua Hin offers its guests the elegant nuances of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
What is khao chae?
Literally translated as “rice soaked in water,” khao chae has been served since the reign of King Rama II.
Known for its complexity, it consists of four key elements: par-boiled rice, jasmine-scented water, ice, and an array of side dishes.
At Devasom Hua Hin, chefs elevate this dish using flower-scented water made from homegrown bread flowers (dok chommanat) that are repeatedly infused with aromatic candle smoke.
The rice is meticulously half-cooked, scrubbed to remove most of its starch, then steamed again to achieve a refreshingly unique texture.
The cooked rice is accompanied by a selection of flavourful side dishes, including bell peppers stuffed with minced pork and wrapped in egg, deep-fried shrimp paste balls, radishes stir-fried in coconut milk, shredded dried pork floss, and sweet Yee-Son fish.
The dish is presented at the table alongside the intricately carved fruits and vegetables renowned in Thai cuisine.
In order to appreciate the fine flavours of the dish, a diner should begin by pouring the fragrant water and ice over the rice; each spoonful is then dipped into the water to absorb the floral aroma.
One then tastes the side dishes one by one, keeping them separate from the rice to savour their distinct flavours.
This regal dining experience is offered daily at Deva Bistro at Devasom Hua Hin for lunch or dinner.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is set to offer younger guests an unforgettable sporting experience this October when football legend Michael Owen hosts an exclusive kids’ football camp.
Scheduled for 20th to 23rd October, the camp gives young guests the opportunity to train with the former England striker who won the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2001 and played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort’s Football Camp with Michael Owen promises high-energy coaching sessions on the resort’s football pitch.
The camp closes with a grand finale on 24th October, where participants will be awarded medals and certificates to celebrate their achievements.
Training the next generation of legends
According to Owen: “Football has given me so many incredible experiences and I’m excited to share my knowledge and love for the game with the next generation at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort.”
Whether youngsters are taking their first steps on the pitch or refining their skills, the camp is set to help them learn all about fun and teamwork in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
The camp is complimentary for kids aged 15 and under staying at the resort during this time.
A place to live, learn, and play
Designed for families seeking active and engaging holidays, Avani+ Fares Maldives offers more than just football.
Little ones can immerse themselves in interactive activities at AvaniKids, while older children and teens find their own space to unwind at the Teens Club.
From creative arts and crafts sessions to island exploration and digital gaming zones, there’s something to keep every age entertained.
At the adult-free Petit Bistro by AvaniKids, young VIPs dine on all their favourites and try their hand at cooking, making mealtimes as fun as they are delicious.
Indonesian tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana ramped up tourism promotion for her nation at the recently concluded ITB Berlin.
From 4th to 6th March, Wardhana and her team explored opportunities for cooperation through bilateral meetings with counterpart agencies from across the globe.
Among these were UN Tourism secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili and Gloria Guevara, currently a candidate to become the next secretary-general of UN Tourism; as well as Dieter Janecek and Dr Marion Weber from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
The tourism minister presented five flagship programmes during her meetings, which include Indonesia’s Clean Tourism Movement; Tourism 5.0 via artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation; Upgrading Tourism through gastronomy, marine, and wellness tourism; Event planning and organisation utilising original Indonesian intellectual property (IP); and Tourism Villages.
In a statement released to the media on Sunday, 9th March, Wardhana said: “I am optimistic this collaboration can encourage tourism’s contribution to Indonesia’s economic growth.”
AirAsia’s parent firm Capital A Berhad marked a new milestone in its financial transformation journey with the approval of its Proposed Regularisation Plan by Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.
This marks a significant step toward the company’s exit from Practice Note 17 (PN17) status, setting the stage for a stronger and more sustainable future.
The approval from Bursa Securities, granted via an official letter dated Friday, 7th March, provides a clear path for Capital A to complete its restructuring and restore its financial standing.
Thanks to this go-signal, Capital A is now poised to finalise the implementation of its plan, including capital reduction to set off accumulated losses and the reorganisation of its business units to unlock long-term value for shareholders.
On the threshold
Capital A chief executive Tony Fernandes lauded the Bursa Securities approval, declaring that this is a monumental day for the company.
Fernandes said: “After an extensive restructuring process, we now stand at the threshold of exiting PN17 status. Our journey has been focused on rebuilding our financial foundation, and with today’s announcement, we take a giant leap toward a future of financial strength and operational excellence.”
He added that this is not just about numbers or regulatory approvals, but more about resilience and proving that the company can bounce back stronger than before.
The Proposed Regularisation Plan is structured to ensure compliance with Bursa Securities’ listing requirements and includes a series of financial and structural adjustments designed to stabilise and grow Capital A’s business.
It should be noted, however, that the approval is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including compliance with all regulatory requirements, obtaining necessary shareholder approvals, and submitting final confirmation of the plan’s completion.
Capital A’s chief financial officer Mun Hui Teh added: “Securing the Bursa approval is a testament to the hard work, relentless dedication, and strategic direction of Capital A. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Tony and the entire leadership team for their trust, guidance, and unwavering belief in this vision. This plan will enable us to clean up our balance sheet, realign our core businesses, and ultimately exit PN17 status. We are closer than ever to achieving our goal, and we can’t wait for the exciting future ahead to unfold.”
What happens next?
Following the completion of the Proposed Regularisation Plan, Capital A will be in a stronger position to execute its long-term vision.
The company remains committed to growing its six core businesses: Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), Teleport (Logistics), AirAsia MOVE, Santan, BigPay and Abc. International.
This milestone reflects Capital A’s transformation from a financially distressed company into a group with agile, technology-driven businesses that are ready to capitalise on new opportunities in aviation, engineering, logistics, digital travel, and brand management.
Airport experience provider Collinson International recently partnered with China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) to offer SmartDelay as a complimentary benefit to its customers.
Under the partnership, eligible online travel insurance customers in Hong Kong (SAR) who have registered their flight have access to over 1,600 airport lounges or alternative benefits should their flights be delayed or cancelled.
Collinson International’s global chief commercial officer Todd Handcock said of the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) to extend SmartDelay to their online travel insurance policy holders, offering them peace of mind during such unforeseen circumstances. The ability to escape busy public spaces within airports and relax in a quiet sanctuary is increasingly attractive to travellers, especially when experiencing added stress from a flight delay or cancellation. With SmartDelay, brands can be there at their customers’ time of need with a simple and seamless solution that alleviates some of this stress.”
China Ping An Insurance deputy general manager Hugo Yeung added: “Through this partnership, our customers can travel with a peace of mind as they are now able to gain instant access to a wide network of airport lounges and travel experiences globally without having to go through a tedious claims procedure, in the event of flight delays or cancellations.”
What’s in it for customers?
SmartDelay is available across all three tiers of China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong)’s online travel insurance policies.
As such, the product enables travellers to visit an airport lounge or choose an alternative benefit such as a spa experience, sleep pod visit, or restaurant discount, without the need to complete a claim form.
As soon as travellers are advised of a flight delay of over an hour or flight cancellation, they are sent a QR code to visit the airport lounge or take advantage of an alternative benefit.
Customers can enjoy these benefits by simply registering their flight no less than two hours before the scheduled departure time, with China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong)’s policy enabling one additional person travelling with the policyholder to enjoy the benefits of SmartDelay.
Machulo Baltistan village during Autumn October November 2023.
It recommends to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Country Summary: Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP), which include the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.
Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials. Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.
Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid, sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.
The government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Due to the risks, U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates require U.S. government personnel to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel. Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions. U.S. government personnel on assignment in Pakistan are prohibited from attending most large gatherings.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan.
The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar does not provide consular services. Services for U.S. citizens are available from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, and the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore.
Balochistan Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Balochistan Province for any reason. Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)-Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which includes the former FATA, for any reason. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have targeted both government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.
Vicinity of Line of Control – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including areas along the Line of Control for any reason. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the Province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marked 50 years of participation at ITB Berlin by expanding its presence under the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 initiative.
At the event held from 4th to 6th March at Berlin’s Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds, Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana reaffirmed her royal support for Thai tourism and culture, while Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasised Thailand’s commitment to becoming a sustainable, high-value global destination.
In her remarks, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated: “Thailand’s presence at ITB Berlin, with an expanded pavilion, digital advancements, and a strong focus on sustainability, underscores our commitment to high-value, sustainable tourism. Through Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, we highlight Thailand’s cultural richness, soft power, and innovation to further strengthen the country’s position as a leading global travel destination.”
For TAT, its participation at ITB Berlin 2025 is vital for hitting Thailand’s 2025 tourism target of 39 million visitors and 3.5 trillion Baht in revenue.
European arrivals are projected to grow from 7.05 million in 2024 to 10.62 million in 2025, with Germany alone expected to contribute 1.05 million visitors, reinforcing its role as a key source market.
More space to show off more experiences
Aligned with the Ignite Thailand’s Tourism policy, the Thailand Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2025 tripled in size to 1,820 square metres, reinforcing Thailand’s global tourism brand while embracing Sustainable Thailand Soft Power and highlighting its culture, innovation, and sustainability-driven tourism.
The Thailand Pavilion hosted over 150 Thai tourism operators, including hotels, destination management companies, attractions, and wellness providers, alongside tourism businesses and operators from hidden gem provinces.
It also featured a Partner Organisations Area, showcasing key stakeholders such as Thailand Privilege Card, the Department of Tourism, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, the Sports Authority of Thailand, Airports of Thailand, major airlines, and tourism associations.
Blending Thai identity with global appeal, the pavilion was divided into five zones: Business Meeting and Provincial Areas to connect Thai sellers with international buyers, Partner Organisation Areas to promote sustainable tourism, and the Saneh Thai (Soft Power) Area which highlighted Thai culture through Food, Fashion, Fight (Muay Thai), Festivals, and Films.
The Tourist City Area showcased hidden gem provinces, while the Sports Tourism Area focuses on Muay Thai and adventure tourism.
The display encouraged visitors to explore material origins, engage with communities, and participate in workshops.
From 5th to 6th March, the pavilion also presented the Thailand Mini Mart, now in its 10th year at ITB Berlin.
This vital sub-event helped connect Thai tourism operators with European buyers, fostering business opportunities and strengthening TAT’s regional partnerships.
The Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) strived to attract vessels from various international cruise lines to call in or be home-ported in Hong Kong. A total of 17 international cruises are scheduled to visit Hong Kong in March. Four international cruises docked at the same time at the two cruise terminals in Hong Kong today (9 Mar), bringing about 5,400 visitors from 31 countries or regions to the city. Visitors are participating in local tours with unique Hong Kong characteristics, visiting the Kowloon City for Hong Kongstyle egg tarts and Kai Tak Sports Park, and learning about the historical heritage and local culture of Kowloon Walled City. Hong Kong’s cruise tourism warms up in Spring with four cruise ships in town at the same time Celebrity Millenium of Celebrity Cruises, Costa Serena of Costa Cruises, Silver Whisper of Silversea Cruises, and Seabourn Encore of Seabourn Cruises arrived in Hong Kong yesterday and today (8 & 9 March) respectively, docking at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. The four cruises have brought to Hong Kong a total of 5,400 passengers from 31 countries and regions, including the Mainland, the US, Australia, the UK, Germany, Canada, the Philippines, Japan and Singapore (See Appendix I for details).
Cruise visitors explore the past and present of Kowloon City to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s history and culture In addition to shore excursions to traditional tourist hotspots, such as the Peak and Tsim Sha Tsui, a group of cruise visitors added a city walk in Kowloon City to their on-shore itinerary to immerse themselves in authentic Hong Kong culture and heritage on a journey through neighbourhood’s past and present. During the local tour, the cruise visitors visited Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong’s largest, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex, followed by the visit of “Live out the Cinematic Charm of Hong Kong – Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In Exhibition” organised by HKTB in the AIRSIDE shopping mall. They enjoyed a lifelike experience of the blockbuster movie and learned about the history of the Walled City. The group then checked out historical relics from the Walled City in Kowloon Walled City Park and enjoyed Hong Kong-style egg tarts, local delicacy which is crispy and rich in flavour. The visitors also visited the Chilin Nunnery, a Buddhist sanctuary, which has replicated traditional aesthetics of the Tang Dynasty, and Nan Lian Garden, a classical Chinese garden, to learn more about the city’s traditional religious culture amidst the vibrant urban surroundings. More exciting moments for cruise visitors exploring Kowloon City can be found in Appendix II.
Helen Sleiman, a local tour first-time participant from the UK, said she was impressed by the many high-rise buildings in Hong Kong. She saw a more realistic side of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods on her visit to Kowloon City and could imagine what it was like in the old days. She also gained a better understanding of the city and looks forward to coming back to Hong Kong in the future and spending more time sightseeing. She praised the delicious Hong Kong-style egg tarts and said she enjoyed the scenery but had never seen the skyline, so she would take the time to visit the Peak during her stay in Hong Kong to enjoy the view of the Victoria Harbour. Argentinian visitor Tomas Ride (first from left) and Belen Paz (second from left), as well as Oliver Murray John (first from right) from Scotland and Maxence Lefevre (second from right) from France, also shared their feelings about their first visit to Hong Kong.
They felt that the local tour helped them to learn more about Hong Kong’s history and culture, and described the movie exhibition as a good place for photos, as they felt like they were in Hong Kong in the 70s and 80s, and the stories of the movie were very exciting. More large international cruise ships to make debut visits to Hong Kong next week Testifying to Hong Kong’s appeal as a cruise tourism hub in the region HKTB also announced that three large international cruise ships will call at from 18 to 19 March, including Queen Anne of Cunard Line and Norwegian Sky of Norwegian Cruise Line, which will make their first visit to Hong Kong. Queen Elizabeth, a member of Cunard Line, will also return to Hong Kong. Each cruise ship has a capacity of over 2,000 passengers, with Cunard Line choosing Hong Kong as the destination for Queen Anne’s world cruise gala dinner, with more than 1,000 travellers attending a gala dinner hosted by the cruise line at a local hotel, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a cruise hub in Asia.
HKTB will continue to promote Hong Kong’s cruise tourism and maintain close liaison with Mainland and international cruise companies to attract ship calls from their fleets to Hong Kong and bring more visitors to Hong Kong. HKTB will also encourage the travel trade to provide cruise travellers with more diversified on-shore travel experiences to showcase our unique tourism appeal.
Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka recently announced the opening of Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, a luxurious all-suite boutique villa steeped in history and elegance. Originally built in the 1870s, this all-suite boutique villa, once a grand residential mansion, has been meticulously restored to preserve its architectural splendor while offering modern comforts.
The term “walauwa” translates to “large house” and is historically referred to the residences of the local aristocracy. Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa embodies this legacy, with its grand entrance, elegant furniture, intricate woodwork, and exquisite art that echoes the artistry of a bygone era.
Hidden under a canopy of a lush coconut plantation, the Walauwa features four grand suites and two additional suites, each adorned with traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship and contemporary amenities. Each suite boasts a four-poster bed, and a luxurious bathtub for relaxation, ensuring guests have every modern convenience at their fingertips. Every detail, from the hand-carved woodwork to the carefully chosen amenities, has been designed to create an atmosphere of unparalleled comfort; further complemented by a dedicated personal butler to ensure that every need is met, providing a seamless experience of comfort and care.
Dining at Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is a savoured experience. Guests can choose to dine in the elegant open-style dining hall that offers gourmet meals amidst stunning views of the pool, the lush garden or a more private dining in the luxuries of their suite.
A perfect setting for a relaxing vacation, Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is a serene escape for an authentic country charm. Guests can enjoy the property’s beautifully landscaped gardens, the large pool ideal for swimming or lounging, and the chance to observe a variety of endemic birds even without venturing beyond the confines of the villa.
Rambukkana is a magnificent destination in the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush Sabaragamuwa Province, two and a half hours away from Colombo and one and a half hours away from Kandy. Easily accessible to the rest of the paradise island, Rambukkana offers a variety of activities from scenic hikes through lush landscapes, discovering tranquil spots and impressive views to ancient temples and historical landmarks, like the Balana Fort. Local villages present opportunities to engage with traditional Sri Lankan life, from exploring artisanal crafts to participating in local festivals. The short train ride from Rambukkana to Kadugannawa, arguably the most scenic stretch of the Colombo – Kandy train journey, offers spectacular views of Bible Rock (Bathalegala) and the picturesque valley below.
