News

Taiwan Travelers Power Asia’s Explosive Culinary Tourism Surge

Taiwanese travelers are igniting Asia’s culinary tourism explosion, fueling airlines, hotels, and food markets like never before. With a staggering 47% of Taiwanese tourists prioritizing food as their primary travel motivation, Taiwan has emerged as the leading force in culinary tourism across the region. As this food-driven travel trend continues to gain momentum, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia are experiencing a boom in inbound tourism, with food festivals, street markets, and cooking classes becoming key attractions. This surge in gastronomic tourism is transforming local economies, with airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways capitalizing on the growing demand by increasing flights and offering food-centric travel packages. Hotels and local food vendors are also adapting, offering unique experiences to meet the tastes of these culinary explorers. As more Taiwanese travelers venture out to explore diverse cuisines, the hospitality industry across Asia is witnessing an unprecedented shift, with local food scenes gaining international recognition and reshaping the way we think about travel. The impact is clear: food is the new frontier of global tourism, and Taiwanese food lovers are leading the way.

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Thailand Joins Asia-Pacific’s Top Tech-Driven Travel Destinations from Hong Kong

Thailand joins Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia as a top destination for outbound travellers from Hong Kong, reflecting a growing trend toward strategic, tech-driven journeys. Modern Hong Kong travellers are increasingly planning their trips in advance, leveraging AI tools, travel apps, and smart payment solutions to make every trip more seamless and rewarding. With multi-destination itineraries, immersive culinary experiences, and efficient planning taking centre stage, Thailand and its regional peers are now at the forefront of a new era in travel, combining convenience, cultural discovery, and personalised travel benefits. The Consumer Payment Attitudes Study 5.0: Outbound Travel Behaviours & Priorities, released on 30 March 2026, shows that travel remains a top financial priority for Hong Kong households. According to the study, 88% of outbound travellers are maintaining or even increasing their travel budgets, with trips accounting for nearly a quarter of household expenditure. This highlights a broader shift: travel is increasingly seen not as a discretionary indulgence, but as a consistent lifestyle investment. Planning as Part of the Adventure One of the most notable trends among Hong Kong travellers is the emphasis on early and structured planning. Around 60% of travellers begin organising trips between four and twelve months in advance. Planning is no longer merely logistical; it has become an experiential process in its own right.

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Kyoto’s Four Seasons SEY Bar Emerges as Must-Visit Luxury Experience

Japan has long been a bucket‑list destination for travellers seeking a blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, and Kyoto stands at the heart of that journey with its serene temples, historic streets, and world-class hospitality. One of the latest travel highlights in this ancient capital is SEY at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, a reimagined cocktail bar experience that has quickly become a must-visit for food, drink, and culture lovers visiting Kyoto, Japan. Opened on April 1, 2026, SEY combines seasonal Japanese ingredients, craft cocktails, and izakaya-inspired small bites in a setting that captures the essence of the city. Location and Ambience SEY is located within the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto in the historic Higashiyama district. The bar replaces the hotel’s former Lounge & Bar with a new concept inspired by traditional Japanese izakayas. Guests can enjoy views of the hotel’s 800-year-old heritage pond garden, with seasonal foliage creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The combination of marble accents, soft lighting, and the natural soundscape of Kyoto provides an intimate and memorable environment for travellers. Craft Cocktails with a Japanese Twist The cocktail program at SEY is a highlight for visitors, offering a balance of classic techniques and local Japanese artistry. Signature drinks include a Smoky Old Fashioned made with Japanese grain whisky, sansho pepper, and cherry wood smoke, reflecting Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Another standout is the Oyasumi, a Tiki-inspired sour featuring Okinawan rum, mango, and brown sugar. These beverages not only delight the palate but also provide travellers with a taste of Japan’s innovative approach to mixology.

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Vietnam Travel Surges Post-Tet with Pilgrimage & Nature Hotspots Rising

Vietnam’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience following the peak of the Lunar New Year (Tet), with a notable shift toward flexible and experiential travel. As the country emerges from the post-holiday congestion, it is clear that a new wave of tourism is taking shape. Tourists are increasingly leaning toward short, experience-oriented getaways, with a marked focus on spiritual and nature-based travel, reflecting changing preferences for more personalized and flexible itineraries. From the serene spiritual sanctuaries in the north to the lush landscapes in the central and southern regions, destinations like Ninh Binh, Moc Chau, and Phu Quoc are becoming hotspots for both domestic and international visitors. Whether it’s the allure of pilgrimage sites or the call of nature, Vietnam’s tourism revival shows a promising upward trajectory, as travelers seek both relaxation and authenticity in their trips. Let’s explore the latest travel trends and insights, from the booming interest in eco-tourism to the rise of short-family vacations, which are shaping Vietnam’s post-Tet tourism. Rising Demand for Spiritual and Cultural Tourism in Vietnam In the wake of the Lunar New Year festivities, spiritual tourism has emerged as a key focus for both domestic and international visitors. The desire to complete their spring journeys with visits to sacred sites has driven an increase in pilgrimages, with destinations like Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh and Huong Pagoda near Hanoi seeing significant traffic. Pilgrims flock to these spots to seek blessings and reflect in serene environments, making them prime locations for cultural tourism.

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Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season Drives Record Travel Demand in 2026

Japan’s world‑famous cherry blossom season isn’t just a fleeting floral spectacle; in 2026, it’s driving a major travel boom both domestically and internationally. Multiple official forecasts and tourism data show traveller interest spiking as hanami (flower‑viewing) returns with full force after years of pent‑up demand — and accommodation & travel searches reflect it vividly. Unlike any other short‑lived natural event, the sakura season ignites travel planning urgency across Japan and beyond. Data from travel trends, booking platforms, and the Japan Meteorological Agency’s official cherry blossom forecast show that travellers are now planning meticulously to coincide their holidays with Japan’s rapidly advancing bloom front, which typically moves from south to north each spring.

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Vietnam’s Economic Growth Fuels Tourism Expansion Across Cities

The story of the Vietnam fastest growing economy isn’t just holding steady—it’s gaining even more momentum. Among the Southeast Asia-6 group, which includes Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Việt Nam, the country continues to stand out for its consistency and resilience. What makes Vietnam particularly interesting right now is how it’s balancing export strength with a growing domestic market, setting itself up for sustained growth through 2026 and beyond. Across the region, Southeast Asia economic growth is being shaped by a mix of trade expansion, investment flows, and strong consumer demand. Some economies are leaning heavily on exports, while others are driven by domestic consumption—but Vietnam seems to be getting the best of both worlds.

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