News

Malaysia Showcases Sarawak’s Culture & Eco-Tourism at CelebrASIA UK

Malaysia will underscore Sarawak’s eco-tourism, artisanal mastery, and ancestral cultural legacy during the forthcoming CelebrASIA event in the UK. Serving as the centrepiece of its pavilion, the Sarawak Tourism Board will curate a sequence of participatory workshops and live cultural showcases, designed to transport attendees to the heart of Borneo. Visitors will be immersed in the meticulous movements of traditional bead and rattan craft, while the resonant stories of ancient dances and music animate the space. This engaging cultural dialogue provides a rare, multisensory aperture into Sarawak’s breathtaking landscapes and innate cultural plurality, encouraging the international community to embark on journeys toward its lesser-trodden yet extraordinary marvels. Malaysia’s Sarawak Region, situated on Borneo Island, will be attending the cultural festival CelebrASIA 2025 for the very first time, which will be held in London. This cultural festival will occur from 5th to 7th September 2025, located at the Battersea Power Station, and will aim to showcase Southeast Asian culture, food, and traditions. Following the success of the inaugural CelebrASIA 2024 which garnered over 154,000 attendees, Sarawak is eager to participate in the event and STB is elated to be part of the international cultural exchange.

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TikTok & Instagram Transform Global Food Tourism Trends

Social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram are revolutionizing food tourism, encouraging international travelers to go on new food adventures. Viral food fads, stunning food videos, and colorful food-focused content influence millions of travelers to visit off-the-beaten-path culinary spots and taste authentic local cuisine. With these sites bringing attention to emerging food experiences, they reframe the way individuals think about and interact with food tourism, making it integral to travel itinerary planning. Food tourism has emerged as one of the leading travel trends in 2025. The trend is being driven by increased demand for authentic local experiences, cultural immersion, and social media influence, all combining to create a successful market for culinary travel. With food travelers on the hunt for new locales and experiences providing novel and diverse gastronomic offerings, tour operators are finding new ways to capitalize on this growing demand.

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Sri Lanka Bets on Luxury Casinos to Drive Tourism & Economic Revival

Sri Lanka is turning to casinos as a key strategy to drive its post-crisis tourism revival. By introducing high-end gaming resorts like the $1.2 billion City of Dreams, the government aims to attract affluent tourists, particularly from India and China. This ambitious move is expected to significantly boost tourism revenue, potentially reaching $5 billion by 2025, up from $3.7 billion in 2024. The casino expansion, coupled with new gambling regulations, is seen as a vital step in diversifying the country’s tourism sector, positioning Sri Lanka as a premier destination for both leisure and luxury travel. Sri Lanka Unveils $1.2 Billion “City of Dreams” Resort, Eyes Record Tourist Arrivals in 2025 Sri Lanka is on the brink of a new era in tourism with the opening of its $1.2 billion “City of Dreams” resort in Colombo. This ambitious integrated resort, marking South Asia’s first venture of its kind, is designed to elevate the country’s appeal to affluent tourists, particularly from India and China, both of which enjoy visa-free entry to Sri Lanka. The government’s hopes rest heavily on the success of this venture, as it seeks to boost the tourism sector and drive economic recovery following the severe financial crises of the last few years.

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Philippines Aims to Lead Asian Tourism with Culture & Development

The Philippines is taking bold strides toward becoming a dominant tourism player in Asia by 2028. The nation’s ambitious plans, underpinned by a commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism, are outlined in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2023–2028. The country’s tourism goals are far-reaching, with an emphasis on inclusivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability, positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia. A Vision for Sustainable Tourism and Heritage Promotion At the core of the NTDP is the recognition of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage as a key driver for tourism growth. The government has outlined a strategic approach that integrates heritage and cultural tourism with modern infrastructure development. This holistic model aims to offer diverse, authentic experiences to tourists while preserving the nation’s cultural integrity for future generations. The NTDP stresses the importance of building a tourism sector that benefits local communities, promotes economic growth, and ensures environmental sustainability. The initiative places cultural heritage tourism at the forefront, intending to attract international visitors interested in authentic, immersive experiences. Additionally, sustainability and resilience have been integrated into the framework, focusing on eco-friendly tourism practices and community empowerment. Infrastructure Development to Support Tourism Growth Infrastructure development is a crucial element of the Philippines’ tourism strategy. Over 700 kilometers of tourism roads are being constructed nationwide, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) spearheading the project. These roads are designed to improve access to previously hard-to-reach destinations, facilitating smoother travel for tourists and boosting economic activity in underserved regions.

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Maldives’ Hanimaadhoo Airport to Open by November for Tourism Boost

Maldives is set to experience significant growth in both infrastructure and tourism with the anticipated opening of Hanimaadhoo Airport by November. The development of this airport is part of the country’s broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity, provide modern amenities for international travelers, and support the growing demand for tourism in the northern atolls. The airport’s completion will not only expand the Maldives’ infrastructure but also bolster its position as a premier tourist destination by offering direct access to more international routes. This strategic development aims to foster economic growth and regional tourism by facilitating easier travel, while also strengthening the nation’s ties with global markets. The government has confirmed that the construction of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be finished by November, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline. This ambitious project, one of the largest airport developments in the Maldives, aims to enhance the region’s infrastructure and bolster its international connectivity. During a visit to the HDh atoll, the government representative acknowledged the delays in the ongoing work but reassured residents that the airport would soon be ready to handle international flights. The completion of this project is expected to significantly improve travel options for both locals and visitors. As part of the upgrades, the airport will feature several new services to cater to international travelers. A Bank of Maldives counter will be installed, enabling Maldivians to purchase US dollars for their overseas travels. Additionally, a dedicated dollar ATM, as well as MVR ATMs from both the Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank, will be available for use.

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China’s Summer 2025 Travel Surge Fuels Record Tourism Growth

This summer, China’s tourism industry transformation is remarkable with investments in transportation infrastructure coupled with heightened passenger traffic. With record-breaking numbers of travellers across every transportation mode, China is positioned face of the world tourism. Both domestic and international visitors are resuming travel. The expansion of the rail, air, and highway systems continues to lower the barriers to travel, stimulating tourism. This is in line with other economic recovery efforts in China. China is at the forefront of the travel industry and is effectively making Beijing, Shanghai, and Hainan to witness a surge in visitor numbers. Enhanced Transportation Infrastructure Fuels Growth China has significantly enhanced its transportation infrastructure, which is helping to meet the rising demand for travel. The expansion of high-speed rail, the development of new airport terminals, and the upgrading of road systems have provided smoother, faster travel options, contributing to a positive travel experience for millions of visitors. These improvements are essential to sustaining tourism growth and increasing access to remote and popular destinations across the country.

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