News

Corfu Emerges as a Top Offbeat Destination for Scenic Spring Hikes

The riverside was heaving. Families spilled from cafes. A marching band trooped on to the bridge, their tasselled metal helmets dazzling in the sun. Priests with bushy beards delivered ageless chants from beneath their cylindrical kalimavkion hats. Men let off shotguns, terrifying the air. Easter Monday in Lefkimmi. We hadn’t planned this. Simply right place, right time. The capital of southern Corfu, Lefkimmi is a working town, untroubled by tourism. There are Venetian-style houses – variously neat, tatty and decrepit – but no “attractions” to speak of. Just Corfiots doing Corfiot things: chewing the fat in their finest for this religious celebration – Greek Orthodox Easter, which falls on 12 April in 2026 – plus zipping about on scooters, drinking coffee, buying baklava and ice-creams.

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Hong Kong Tourism Booms Past 13.7M Visitors, Set to Cross 50M in 2026

Hong Kong has reached a significant milestone in early 2026, with a total of 13.7 million visitors arriving in the first few months of the year. This impressive figure highlights a rapid and strong rebound in the city’s tourism sector, signifying a post-pandemic resurgence that echoes the pre-pandemic tourism figures of the bustling metropolis. The surge in visitor numbers is a clear indication that Hong Kong is regaining its position as one of Asia’s leading tourist destinations. This upward trend is expected to continue, with projections pointing toward over 50 million visitors by the end of 2026. Hong Kong’s tourism revival reflects not only the city’s resilience but also the broader recovery of global tourism following the challenges faced during the pandemic. The Role of Digital and Smart Tourism in the Recovery- Hong Kong has also embraced the digital transformation of tourism. With travelers increasingly seeking convenience and seamless experiences, the city has invested in smart tourism initiatives that enhance visitor experiences. Digital tools like mobile apps for navigation, online booking systems, and contactless services have made it easier for tourists to navigate the city and access services.

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Japan’s Sakura Season Triggers Last-Minute Travel Rush at Peak Bloom

Japan’s annual cherry blossom season is inspiring a wave of last-minute travel as tourists scramble to witness the fleeting beauty of sakura at their peak. Recent insights from a major digital travel platform reveal that searches for accommodations near popular blossom spots have soared, reflecting a growing trend of spontaneous, experience-focused journeys. Data collected in February 2026, covering stays planned for mid- to late-March, shows a 36% increase in domestic accommodation searches for prime cherry blossom destinations. Many travelers are deliberately delaying bookings, aiming to synchronize their visits with the narrow window when the trees are in full bloom. Hiroshima Captures the Spotlight Hiroshima has emerged as the top destination for last-minute travelers, with searches climbing 48% over the previous year. Shukkeien Garden, renowned for its graceful weeping cherry trees, is especially popular for evening strolls, when lanterns illuminate the blossoms and create a serene, almost magical atmosphere.

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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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