BANGKOK, 16 January 2025: The Visit Valencia Foundation has launched in Thailand “Seeing you in Valencia Fills our Hearts”, a campaign targeting travellers from countries in Europe, America and Asia.

Visit Valencia is participating for the first time in the Business Networking session of the 30th Thai International Travel Fair, 16 to 19 January, organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association. The networking session brings together over 400 Thai travel agents (buyers), allowing Visit Valencia to present its latest promotions and travel assets flagged in the “Seeing You in Valencia Fills our Hearts” campaign.

Some 2.3 million visitors worldwide visit Valencia annually, a city that enjoys 300 days of sunshine and an average annual temperature of 19°C. Readers of Condé Nast Traveller voted Valencia the Best city in Europe for “the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards” with a score of 92.78. 

Spain has limited direct flight options from Asia. Cathay Pacific serves the Hong Kong-Madrid route four times weekly, and Evelop serves the Bangkok-Madrid route twice weekly on Sundays and Thursdays.

Iberia flies from Tokyo Narita to Madrid four times weekly, and Korean Air flies from Seoul to Madrid four times weekly. A high-speed train takes 90 minutes to transfer from Madrid to Valencia. The airport in Valencia is a 15-minute transfer from the city centre. 

The best option from Asia is to fly Star Alliance airlines to Munich, Zurich, or Frankfurt, connect with flights to Madrid, and then take a train to Valencia.  

Valencia attractions

Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, is some 2000 years old and has been home to Romans, Visigoths and Muslims since it was founded in 130 B.C. Its rich history, culture, and architecture have so much to offer that select international movie scenes and TV Series seasons and episodes have been filmed in Valencia, such as “Game of Thrones,” “Doctor Who,” “Tomorrowland: The World of Tomorrow,” “Westwood” and many others.

Valencia Cathedral has a chapel where its treasure, the Holy Grail, is kept. Visitors can take a guided tour of “Valencia, the destination of the Holy Grail.” On the last Thursday of October 2025, the third Jubilee Year of the Holy Chalice will begin. Valencia will then welcome all pilgrims who wish to obtain the plenary indulgence in its Cathedral.

In 2024, the European Commission recognised Valencia as a “European Green Capital” city following its sustainable commitment to environmental improvement and the quality of life of its people and visitors.

It has two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve and Cabriel Valley Biosphere Reserve.

The festival, “Las Fallas” celebrated from 15 to 19 March annually, has been declared by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”. Other listed UNESCO World Heritage are La Lonja (The Silk Exchange), an emblematic building of Valencia and one of the most famous civil gothic monuments in Europe and Tribunal de Las Aguas (The Water Court).

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, a popular dish throughout Spain and among foreign visitors. The city also offers the finest signature cuisine and authentic tapas. “The City of Arts and Science” is a popular filming location for many international movies and TV series. 

About Visit Valencia
Visit Valencia Foundation, or ‘Visit Valencia,’ is a non-profit foundation established in 1991 by the City Council of Valencia and local tourism sector organisations.

BANGKOK, 15 January 2025: For Thailand to seize the potential of luxury tourism and hospitality in 2025, the country needs to “go deeper” with high-equity branded residences, regenerative wellness and culinary tourism set to determine the destiny of the country becoming Asia’s luxury tourism hub.

That was the core message presented to 1,100 delegates attending the Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) 2025 held in Bangkok on 13 January.

Presentations pointed to the importance of upscale brands that are turning Bangkok into a global “playground city,” while the shift in luxury travellers’ values is at the heart of what drives luxury forward.  

Held at the InterContinental Bangkok, the 14th TTF revealed the concept of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), replacing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) as peer-driven bucket list travel is overtaken by travellers wanting to disconnect to pursue their own unique self-care experiences.

Spearheading the new luxury movement is a surging wellness sector worth THB1.2 billion per year (USD5.7 billion). This is measured next to a soaring branded residences sector worth THB191 billion (USD34.6 billion), which is just the beginning, said C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett.

“Wellness is no longer about spas. It’s about getting outside and enjoying a healthier lifestyle,” said Barnett, who founded the annual TTF. “Guests are staying longer, and spending habits are changing, with longevity being a potent force in the new luxury market.”

The audience heard from hospitality data guru Jesper Palmqvist, STR’s regional vice president for Asia Pacific, that the destination is emerging as the key in Bangko,k with luxury hotels performing best on the Chao Phraya River according to 2024 figures, playing into the “new luxury” narrative of nature and culinary-led neighbourhoods being critical draw cards for high-end travellers.

Brand evolution was central to the ”Managing Lifestyle vs. Traditional Brands” topic, led by Siradej Donavanik, vice president of development at Dusit Hotels & Resorts. Donavanik said the newly opened Dusit Thani embodied many of the group’s new directions. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts Vice President Development Patrick Finn revealed “The Hot List – Top Luxury Travel Trends in Thailand,” stressing that authentic and creative food and beverage experiences would take centre stage in 2025.

(Source: Andrew Wood)

BANGKOK, 15 January 2025: Japan’s picturesque resort town Karuizawa is stepping into the international travel destination spotlight at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025, exhibiting from 7 to 9 February 2025 at CentralWorld Bangkok. 

The resort town looks to attract more Thai travellers seeking natural and cultural experiences available through all ‘Four Seasons of the Year’ in Karuizawa.

Although Japan is well established as a popular outbound destination for Thais, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan is experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence, with 995,558 arrivals from Thailand in 2023. 

However, many hidden gems still wait to be uncovered around Japan, and Karuizawa remains relatively unknown in Thailand after attracting just 8,725 Thai visitors last year, according to 2023 data from Nagano prefecture.

This might not last for much longer. Located only 70 minutes by Shinkansen ‘bullet train’ from Tokyo, Karuizawa is one of Japan’s most renowned highland resorts tucked into an elevated plain (1,000 metres above sea level) at the foot of Mount Asama. It is a fascinating oasis for those who cherish natural mountain landscapes, changing seasons, plus a vibrant food and shopping scene to round out the town’s attractions.

Karuizawa’s popularity dates back to the late 19th century as a summer retreat for missionaries and diplomats based in Tokyo. It soon attracted the upper echelons of Japanese society — including members of the Imperial Family — becoming the highland resort town of choice to escape Tokyo’s blistering heat. Its excellent ski slopes and long golfing season, which runs into December, have also proved popular with Japan’s elite.

The town’s rich cultural heritage also attracts writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians year-round with its captivating art galleries and museums, plus an abundance of attractions that inspire creativity. It’s also home to the Karuizawa Tourist Hall, with its classic wooden exterior, and the nearby Alexander Croft Shaw Memorial Chapel, which dates back to 1888, both open year-round.

Top Tips to Enjoy Karuizawa 

Each year, Cherry Blossoms begin to bloom in April and herald the start of Spring, offering fantastic photo and selfie opportunities.

At Shiraito Falls, visitors can enjoy fresh green foliage in Spring, a cool misty breeze in Summer, and dazzling colourful leaves in Autumn.

In December Karuizawa transforms into a Winter Wonderland as soft snow for skiers and snowboarders blankets the town. There are also ice skating, curling rinks, and a dedicated sightseeing lift for non-skiers to enjoy the panoramic views. Bathers can enjoy the open-air hot springs at Sengataki-onsen and Hoshino-onsen year-round, but they are most appreciated in Winter.

Mount Asama offers different experiences year-round since the region’s foliage is ever-changing. Hikers can summit the active volcano, with an assent of 2,568 meters, throughout all four seasons.

Sports enthusiasts can find an activity for every season year-round: Horseback riding, golf, cycling, tennis, swimming or rollerblading in Spring, Summer and Autumn, to name just a few, or take a curling lesson at the Karuizawa Ice Park in Winter.

Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street is open year-round and features bakeries, coffee shops, and eateries. It has been a home of culinary delights since the late nineteenth century, especially its Soba and home-brewed sake and beer using local spring water.

Karuizawa Tourism and Economic Affairs Division chief Kazuto Sato said: “Karuizawa is exhibiting at JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 because we see the opportunity for engagement and the potential to attract more Thais with a new destination in Japan that offers all-year-round experiences in an unspoiled natural environment.”

Find out more at the Karuizawa Administration Booth E8 at the JAPAN EXPO Thailand 2025 from 7 to 9 February 2025 at CentralWorld Bangkok.