DISCOVERING
     HOSPITALITY

The oil-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo, long overshadowed on itineraries by neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia, has declared 2027 as Visit Brunei Year, a nationwide campaign designed to introduce the country to travellers who may know remarkably little about it beyond its skyline of golden domes.

Tourism ministers from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam will convene in Ho Chi Minh City in late August to review progress on the ambitious “Three Countries, One Destination” initiative, a regional tourism programme designed to strengthen cross-border travel, enhance visitor experiences and position the three neighbouring nations as a single, integrated travel destination.

Asian tourism destinations are intensifying efforts to cater to the rapidly growing Muslim travel market by expanding Halal-certified facilities, improving Muslim-friendly infrastructure, and promoting inclusive travel experiences.

European rail destinations dominate bookings as demand for luxury and immersive train travel accelerates across Southeast Asia.

City officials had previously examined relocating the current cruise terminal to Westerhoef, a neighborhood west of the existing site and farther from the city center.

The Philippines’ tourism sector reaffirms its vital role in the nation’s economy and heart at the Independent Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Association (ITATOA) event last month.