VIENTIANE: Laos is accelerating efforts to strengthen its tourism accounting and statistics system as international visitor arrivals continue to increase steadily in 2026. The country recorded about 1.31 million foreign visitors in the first quarter of this year, compared to more than 1.26 million during the same period in 2025, reflecting continued growth in the…
LUSAKA: Zambia has appointed a new Tourism Agency Board as the country looks to strengthen its tourism industry through innovation, sustainability and digital initiatives. Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba said the new board would play an important role in helping Zambia remain competitive in the regional tourism market while supporting long-term economic growth. Speaking during the…
BANGKOK – Thailand has ordered authorities nationwide to take strict action against foreign tourists involved in illegal activities or inappropriate public behaviour, warning that offenders could face visa cancellation and immediate deportation. The Interior Ministry said the move follows increasing complaints from residents and concerns that misconduct by some visitors is affecting the country’s tourism…
Japan’s tourism sector continues to show resilience, recording a new monthly high in March even as geopolitical tensions weigh on key visitor markets. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the country welcomed 3.6 million international visitors in March, marking a 3.5% increase year-on-year and setting a new record for the month. The growth was…
CAPE TOWN: Africa’s tourism industry took a significant step forward with the staging of the Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC) 2026, which brought together investors, policymakers and industry leaders to chart a stronger, more sustainable future for the sector. Held on April 14 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the one-day conference formed part…
TOKYO: Chinese tourists are continuing to avoid Japan in large numbers during the Lunar New Year holiday period, as diplomatic tensions between the two countries deepen over security issues involving Taiwan. Japan has fallen out of the top 10 overseas destinations for Chinese travellers marking the festive season, according to media reports, amid a sharp…
TAIPEI: Taiwan is aiming to welcome 9.4 million international visitors this year as it continues efforts to diversify its tourism markets and narrow a widening travel deficit, the Tourism Administration said. The island recorded about 8.57 million international arrivals last year, reaching 72.3% of pre-pandemic levels. In contrast, outbound travel rebounded strongly, with 18.94 million…
VIENTIANE, Jan – Laos is continuing to prioritise tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic and social growth, as it prepares to welcome more visitors by leveraging its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. Speaking at a government meeting in mid-January, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket said the country is pursuing…
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, is stepping up efforts to tap into the fast-growing Muslim tourism market through a new partnership with Indonesia, as part of broader moves to diversify visitor sources and strengthen the long-term resilience of its tourism sector. Tourism Minister Huot Hak recently collaborated with Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto in filming a…
TOKYO: Japan recorded a new high in tourist arrivals in 2025 despite a sharp decline in visitors from China following diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, officials said. According to the transport ministry, Japan welcomed 42.7 million tourists last year, surpassing the previous record of nearly 37 million in 2024, as the weak yen continued…
