Looking ahead to 2024, many people are looking forward to vacation. Countries across Asia are looking forward to the return of travelers as the tourism industry struggles to fully recover from the pandemic.
But before you pack your suitcase, it may be helpful to find out about important news events that may affect your plans. From rising coronavirus cases to new theme parks and hotels, we’ve got a selection of stories to help you stay informed.
Shanghai Disney Resort, a joint venture between Walt Disney and Shanghai state-owned enterprises, opened the Zootopia attraction on December 20th. © AP
A Zootopia-themed attraction opened at Shanghai Disney Resort this week, with fans braving near-freezing winter weather to line up. The new attraction aims to meet growing demand for local tourism products amid uncertainty about economic recovery. read more.
Travelers walk through Kuala Lumpur International Airport on December 20. As the number of tourists increases rapidly across Southeast Asia, the number of people infected with the new coronavirus is also rapidly increasing. (Photo courtesy of Norman Go)
As the number of tourists increases across Southeast Asia, so too does the number of coronavirus cases. Malaysia has re-imposed a high alert system, while Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia have issued advisories asking their citizens to wear masks and get vaccinated. read more.
Guests staying at Sake Bar Hotel in the Asakusa area of Tokyo will receive a “masu” (masu) with refills available for an additional charge upon check-in.
A hotel with all-you-can-drink sake has opened in Asakusa, Tokyo, which is popular with tourists. As soon as you check in, you will be given a special box. Is it worth a visit? Watch the short video.
The food court of Bangkok’s new shopping center “Ensphere” was crowded with people on its opening day on December 1st (Photo by Kosuke Inoue)
Ensphere, a six-story attraction with more than 300 tenants spread over 200,000 square meters, opened in Bangkok this month. Shoppers can stop by IKEA or dine at one of the many restaurants. read more.
Following outbreaks in European cities such as Paris and London, concerns about bed bugs have spread to the Asian tourism industry, from South Korea and Hong Kong to Singapore and Taiwan. read more.
This week, the Australian Federal Court ordered Airbnb to pay a fine of AU$15 million (US$10 million) for misleading customers about payment currencies. The company admitted that it made false or misleading statements that affected approximately 70,000 customers. read more.
Last month, Hong Kong Disneyland opened “World of Frozen,” an area themed after the blockbuster movie “Frozen.” New attractions come with the great responsibility of saving the park from years of loss. read more.
Sedona Hotel Yangon in Myanmar has reopened after a long closure due to the new coronavirus. Sold to Singapore hospitality investment firm Spring Blossom Ventures, the five-star hotel boasts approximately 800 rooms and is located opposite a large shopping mall. read more.
