Destination Asia’s Post

📈 The Economic Impact of Cruise in Asia 🚢 "The cruise industry plays a vital role in Asia’s economy, generating numerous positive outcomes for local communities," says Patricia Yuen, Hong Kong Tourism Board's Director of Cruise. A sentiment echoed by past attendees like Nazri Ismail, Head of Marketing at Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. Port , where he saw first-hand the region’s post-pandemic recovery. 🗣 "The progress in cruise development and the market rebound after the pandemic is impressive, especially in Japan and Korea" As we look forward to #STCAsia 2024, the industry’s post-pandemic resurgence will take center stage during the State of the Asian Cruise Industry Keynote: Advancing Asia's Cruise Future. This session will delve into the revitalised cruise industry in Asia, with some regions already surpassing pre-pandemic capacity. Nazri Ismail’s enthusiasm about the event’s networking opportunities aligns with the keynote’s focus on the critical role of regional cooperation and local partnerships in fostering growth. 🗣 "Attending #STCAsia provided excellent networking opportunities with cruise operators and various industry segments. It’s great to see how Seatrade Cruise Asia not only benefits ports but supports the entire industry – from operators and shore excursions to technology and suppliers." This year's event will continue driving these themes forward, shaping the future of cruising in Asia. Join us in Manila to explore post-pandemic growth and connect with industry leaders. 📅 12-13 November 2024 📍 Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, The Philippines 🔗 Advancing Asia's Cruise Future at #STCAsia – Get your ticket now and save up to $100: https://lnkd.in/eCMK883q #CruiseIndustry #CruiseTourism #PenangPort

Scoot to Begin Flights to Padang, Phu Quoc, and Shantou by Early 2025 - Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is set to expand its network with new routes from Singapore to Padang (Indonesia), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), and Shantou (China) starting in December 2024 and January 2025. This expansion reflects Scoot’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for travel in the region and offering more direct flight options to popular leisure destinations in Asia. The new routes cater to the rising number of travelers seeking convenient access to these culturally rich and scenic locations. - https://lnkd.in/dDiiqD5u

📣 Seatrade Cruise Asia Conference 2024: Advancing Asia's Cruise Future 🌏 Join us in Shangri-La The Fort. Manila. The Philippines on 12-13 November 2024 to explore key topics including: Collaboration Between Stakeholders and Amongst Countries CIQ Considerations for Cruise Tourism Developing Successful Shore Excursions in Asia Insights into International and Homegrown Source Markets Cruising Asia Outlook on the Asian Cruise Market and Key Players Looking back at #STCGlobal 2024, Dr. Paulo Tugbang MD, MBA, MPM highlighted that tourism in the Philippines has recovered significantly, reaching 80%-90% of pre-pandemic levels. On the cruise front, the country has doubled cruise calls compared to pre-pandemic times. This growth underscores The Philippines' rich cultural and natural beauty and its strategic focus on strengthening cruise tourism and manpower development. Don't miss the chance to gain valuable insights and explore innovative solutions for the future of cruising at #STCAsia. 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eHtm9KmK #AsiaCruising #CruiseIndustry

Planning the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming with so much information out there. The endless options, the “must-see” spots, and the fear of missing out on something special – it’s a lot! But don't worry, we've got you covered. In our latest article, we’ve broken it all down for you: a carefully crafted 10-day itinerary for Malaysia’s Peninsula, designed to help you make the most of your trip – without the stress. 🗺️ Whether you’re seeking vibrant cities, cultural experiences, or breathtaking nature, this guide will help you create the perfect balance for your dream getaway. Planning a trip shouldn’t feel like a puzzle. Let us take the guesswork out of it for you, so you can focus on the excitement ahead!

🌍 Last month at #STCAsia in Manila, The Philippines, industry leaders shared invaluable insights on the region’s cruise recovery and future potential. Here's what they had to say:   🚢 The Philippines’ Untapped Potential -🎙️ “Expedition cruising offers exciting and unique experiences. There are islands in the Philippines that can only be reached by small vessels.” – Tina Cortez, President, TravelPeople Ltd Inc Efforts are underway to develop Cebu as a potential homeport, unlocking new opportunities for the Filipino cruise market.   📈 Singapore’s Success - 🎙️“Shorter cruises have been a key driver of Singapore’s growth.” – Jacqueline Tan, CEO, Singapore Cruise Centre. With a record 14% penetration in 2023, Singapore leads the region, thanks to its world-class infrastructure and connectivity.   🤝 Emerging Opportunities in Malaysia & Vietnam - 🎙️“It’s time to upgrade facilities so cruise ships will choose Malaysia.” – Dato’ Sri Koh Yock Heng, Malaysia Cruise Industry Association. 🎙️ “Awareness and infrastructure are critical when applying to be a homeport country.” – Errol Chicano, Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services.   💬 These conversations at Seatrade Cruise Asia highlight the event's vital role in fostering collaboration and innovation to shape the future of cruising in Southeast Asia.   👉 Read more from Holly Payne and Mary Bond at #STCNews: https://lnkd.in/eigX-G57 #STCAsia #CruiseTourism #FutureOfCruising #SeatradeCruise

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s a big boost for local economies, especially in rural and suburban areas. Take Japan’s Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where tourists visiting traditional thatched-roof houses support local artisans and businesses. In Malaysia, George Town thrives as visitors explore heritage sites, enjoy local food, and buy handmade crafts. Every purchase—whether it’s a batik scarf or a bag of local coffee—supports families and keeps traditions alive. At https://loka.my, we aim to add value by connecting travelers to these hidden gems. Through curated experiences and authentic local recommendations, we make it easier to discover small businesses, cultural heritage, and one-of-a-kind products while supporting sustainable tourism. Together, we can help rural and suburban communities grow! #SupportLocal #TravelForGood #Loka #VisitMalaysia

🌟 Just wrapped: State of the Asian Cruise Industry Keynote at #STCAsia! Anchored by the theme ‘Advancing Asia's Cruise Future,’ this keynote provided insights into Asia’s revitalised cruise market, now rebounding strongly post-pandemic. Industry leaders shared strategies and outlooks for driving the region’s growth over the next decade. Key takeaways include: 📊 Quick Recovery & New Demand: “Things got off to a quicker start in Southeast Asia,” noted Tim Jones, VP & MD, Australia & APAC at Celebrity Cruises. "We've been really pleased with how the region has responded, not only in terms of growth but in the eagerness of Asian travelers to explore globally as well." 🤝 Regional Partnerships: Leaders emphasised collaboration to expand Asia’s cruise industry. “The population of Southeast Asia, nearly 700 million, offers unique possibilities,” said Oliviero Morelli, President of MSC’s Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia division. 📈 Sustainable Growth: Addressing sustainability, Tim Jones highlighted the importance of responsible tourism, stating, “It’s about being a responsible tourism partner … the destinations we visit and the communities we operate in.” 🌏 With these powerful insights, #STCAsia is setting the tone for a transformative future in Asian cruising. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into strategies shaping the industry! Read the full article by Holly Payne on #STCNews : https://lnkd.in/e-W75Vtm #STCAsia #CruiseIndustry #Innovation #AsianCruiseMarket #AdvancingCruise #LoveThePhilippines

Friendly piece of sharing: While conducting an English class for a foreign student of mine today, I came across this gem of a video on "10 best places to visit in Malaysia" which I strongly recommend for global travellers and tourists to view. Link: https://lnkd.in/gwYtfBEF After watching this video, it should become clear to you as to why Malaysia is a must visit tropical paradise if you're planning a visit to this part of the world. #VisitMalaysia

Great news! Thailand is open for Casino Legalization, presenting a significant opportunity for big investors to bloom the Luxury Travel & Tourism Industry!!!. Interested in learning more about this exciting development? Let's connect! #Thailand #CasinoLegalization #InvestmentOpportunity

Thailand Shines As The Ultimate Travel Destination, Surpassing Vietnam, Malaysia And Indonesia. This article headline suggests that Thailand is a top travel destination, beating out other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.  #ThailandTravel #SoutheastAsiaTravel #TravelDestination #BestSoutheastAsianDestinations #ThaiCulture #ThaiBeaches #ThaiFood #AmazingThailand