BANGKOK, 13 December 2024: Thailand’s MICE* industry posted a 42% rise in overseas business event travellers in its 2024 fiscal year (October 2023 -September 2024), totalling 1.16 million travellers.
According to the statistics released by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the performance closes in on the record high of 1.2 million travellers achieved during the pre-pandemic 2019.
Looking forward to 2025, the country will host large-scale international events, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 delegates per event.
TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya commented: “With the record performance in 2024, TCEB aims to achieve higher at 1.4 million overseas business event travellers in the 2025 fiscal year.”
During the 2024 fiscal year, the top 10 market sources were China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, the US, and Japan. Focusing on the European and UK markets, the top five were Germany, the UK, Russia, France and Italy.
Conventions lead the business events sectors, recording close to a 200% increase in delegates over 2023, followed by incentive travel, exhibitions and meetings.
One major highlight for the conventions sector was the 74th FIFA Congress, held last May in Bangkok. Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to host the football governing body’s congress. ICCA Congress in Bangkok, with 1,100 attendees, was the largest annual gathering of ICCA ever held in the Asia-Pacific.
Events line up in 2025
In 2025, Thailand is again poised to record growth as the country will be hosting various TCEB-supported international events covering many industrial sectors.
Money 20/20 Asia 2025, a fintech event, will take place in Bangkok in April, with an anticipated 5,000 attending delegates representing start-ups, financial bodies and tech enterprises.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025, due in April in Bangkok, will attract 10,000 attendees. This will be the first time that this world congress has established a foothold in the Southeast Asian region.
The Asia Pacific Life Insurance Congress (APLIC 2025), which will be held in May 2025 in Bangkok, should attract 10,000 delegates, including life insurance agents and professional financial consultants.
THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, a premier trade show dedicated to food products and beverages, innovation and technology, will convene in Bangkok in May. It is one B2B highlight in Thailand’s exhibition calendar and should attract 85,000 participants.
*MICE: Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions.
SYDNEY, 13 December 2024: Australians continue to travel in record numbers, with the latest data revealing Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia as the top-growth destinations.
The Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) December Travel Trends report uses data from the ABS, Department of Infrastructure and analysis by the ATIA team.
The most recent data shows that 1.66 million Australians departed for international destinations in October alone, a 12.1% increase on the same month last year.
Japan recorded an astounding 73.8% year-on-year growth (567,330 Australians travelling as of October 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. Vietnam was up 35.4% (423,630), and Indonesia improved by 26% (1,644,010). Regarding total travellers, Indonesia was the top destination, followed by New Zealand at 1,344,150, up 8.2% and the USA at 732,490 (up 13%).
63.6% of Australians travelling in the year up to 31 October 2024 were holidaying, with 24% visiting friends and relatives and 5% on business.
Inbound, year-on-year, China is the fastest-growing market in terms of visitors to Australia, with a 96.6% increase from last year. Visitors from South Korea to Australia have slightly overtaken Japan, with both showing near 50% growth on last year.
Leisure travel surges
ATIA Director of Membership and Industry Affairs Richard Taylor commented: “Destinations like Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia are seeing unprecedented growth. Japan’s 73.8% year-on-year surge is phenomenal, while Vietnam and Indonesia continue to rise by 35.4% and 26%, respectively. These figures highlight the evolving preferences of Australian travellers.
“Leisure travel is driving this surge, with 63.6% of Australians travelling for holidays. The strong focus on reconnecting with friends and family, as reflected in 24% of travellers, also highlights the personal value of travel.”
SINGAPORE, 13 December 2024: Korean Air has completed its acquisition of Asiana Airlines four years after announcing its decision in November 2020.
Effective 12 December, Korean Air acquired 131,578,947 newly issued shares of Asiana Airlines, representing a 63.88% ownership stake and making Asiana Airlines a subsidiary of Korean Air.
Photo credit: Korean Air
The completion follows Korean Air’s payment of KRW800 billion to Asiana Airlines on 11 December, concluding the share purchase transaction. This brings the total investment through the third-party allotment capital increase to KRW1.5 trillion, including the previously paid deposit of KRW300 billion and interim payment of KRW400 billion.
Asiana Airlines will hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on 16 January to appoint new board directors nominated by Korean Air.
Korean Air plans to complete the integration with Asiana Airlines over two years. The integration strategy includes network optimisation through diversified flight schedules on overlapping routes, service expansion to new destinations and enhanced safety investments. The merger aims to strengthen national aviation industry competitiveness, enhance Incheon Airport’s hub capabilities and expand global network reach.
The integrated frequent flyer programme framework will be submitted to the Korea Fair Trade Commission by June 2025. Following regulatory review, programme details will be communicated to customers.
About Korean Air Serving the world for more than 55 years, Korean Air is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, carrying more than 27 million passengers in 2019, pre-Covid. With its global hub at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the airline serves 115 cities in 40 countries on five continents with a modern fleet of 158 aircraft and over 20,000 employees.
VIETNAM, 13 December 2024: Efforts to market Central Vietnam’s golf offerings in Australia are paying dividends, with clubs across the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) reporting significant growth in Australian golfers’ rounds played.
Montgomerie Links, a cornerstone of the region’s golf scene, has seen a 20% increase in rounds from Australian visitors over the past two years, rising from 1,700 to 2,200 annually.
The Luke Donald course at Ba Na Hills Golf Club is also experiencing high demand from guests from Down Under.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club has experienced even more dramatic growth, with Australian play surging by 35% to 40%. Notably, many of these golfers visit during the Australian winter — typically a quieter period for foreign visitors in Vietnam — providing a welcome boost to the destination year-round.
Central Vietnam’s efforts to establish itself as a golf destination of choice for Aussies have been bolstered by a series of high-profile initiatives aimed at the Australian market. Over the past year, the destination has welcomed several leading Australian golf writers, including representatives from Golf Digest Australia, to experience the region’s offerings firsthand.
Driving this momentum, Laguna Golf Lang Co — a signature course designed by Sir Nick Faldo and a founding member of the VGC — made a bold statement by hosting roadshows in Melbourne and Sydney earlier this year. Representing the resort and Central Vietnam on an international stage, the team worked tirelessly to bring together Australian media and tour operators and highlight the exceptional golf experiences at Laguna Lang Co and Central Vietnam.
Laguna Golf Lang Company Director of Golf, Stephen Banks underscored the importance of these events in solidifying ties with Australian stakeholders. “These roadshows demonstrate our commitment to positioning Central Vietnam as a leading golf destination for Australians,” he said. “By fostering connections with key players in the market, we aim to build lasting partnerships and promote sustained tourism growth.”
The roadshows showcased the region’s standout courses, including those designed by Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club) and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), alongside iconic names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Centre joined the events, providing insights into the broader appeal of the region, including its luxurious accommodations and vibrant cultural experiences.
Montgomerie Links Club Manager Le Vo Hoang Van attributed the growth to targeted marketing campaigns and the undeniable allure of Central Vietnam. “Australian golfers are drawn to the region’s world-class courses, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality,” she said. “The recent uptick in rounds is a testament to the effectiveness of our outreach efforts.”
Ba Na Hills Golf Club’s General Manager, Simon Mees, echoed these sentiments. “The Australian market has been a game-changer for us,” he added. “Seeing how well our course resonates with these visitors is gratifying. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum.”
Set to open on 1 February 2025, this new oasis invites travellers to embark on an immersive journey that blends signature Thai-inspired hospitality with authentic Maldivian allure through thoughtfully curated experiences, excursions and complimentary nights.
Located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers a blend of tranquillity, sophistication and tropical charm and unprecedented access to boundless adventures at the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Across 142 spacious beachfront villas and overwater havens, every element of this private island paradise — from indulgent dining experiences to rejuvenating spa and wellness journeys — is crafted to deliver extraordinary moments and unparalleled comfort.
The resort’s special opening offer celebrates the art of island living through signature experiences, including an exclusive champagne experience at Sunset Social and a rejuvenating couples’ spa treatment combining modern wellness and traditional Thai healing techniques at Cenvaree Retreat. For ocean enthusiasts, choosing between a traditional nighttime hand-fishing trip or a mesmerising sunset dolphin cruise adds to the enchantment.
In addition to these offerings, guests can book four nights for the price of three. Or they can extend their visit to seven nights while only paying for five when booking from now until 31 March 2025 for stays between 1 February and 15 October 2025.
Exclusive access to The Club and an upgrade to Half Board+ dining privileges are also included. At the same time, CentaraThe1 members will receive an additional 15% discount and the opportunity to earn triple points for their stay. To take advantage of the “Grand Island Indulgence” offer and learn more about Centara’s new property, visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer
DUBAI UAE, 12 December 2024: Emirates will introduce a third nonstop service between Dubai and Melbourne, starting from 30 March 2025.
A newly retrofitted four-class Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, equipped with the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy product and latest generation Business class seats, will be assigned to the route.
The airline currently operates two nonstop daily flights between Dubai and Melbourne using four-class Airbus A380s and a daily flight that connects Dubai to Melbourne via Singapore with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Emirates’ operations between Singapore and Melbourne will cease on 30 March 2025, and the airline plans to operate the third direct Dubai-Melbourne flight and fourth Dubai-Singapore service with new flight numbers.*
Starting on 30 March 2025, the four-class Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft will be deployed on flights EK404/405 between Dubai and Melbourne. Emirates’ flight EK404 will depart from Dubai at 2115, arriving in Melbourne at 1740 the following day**. The return flight EK405 will depart Melbourne at 2355 and arrive in Dubai at 0700 the next day**.
The third daily nonstop flight also means customers have more convenient schedules and travel options via Dubai to 27 European cities served with multiple daily flights, including London, Paris, and Frankfurt.
Emirates’ latest refurbished Boeing 777 includes eight First Class Suites, 40 Business Class seats, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 256 Economy Class seats. The latest introduction means Emirates’ Melbourne operations will be supported by the airline’s next-generation products.
Emirates’ Premium Economy cabins were named ‘Best in Class’s class at the 2024 Business Traveller, Asia-Pacific awards. The cream leather seats with six-way adjustable headrests boast a 38-inch pitch and are 19.5 inches wide, reclining 8 inches for more space, stretching and relaxing.
The airline’s 20.7-inch-wide Business Class seat converts to a flatbed and reclines up to 78.6 inches. Every customer has aisle access with the four-abreast layout. Customers can also enjoy their own personal mini-bar, table for dining or working, multiple charging outlets for personal devices and a 23-inch HD screen, one of the biggest in the skies. The Emirates Boeing 777 Business Class cabin will also include a small bar for customers to quickly grab mid-flight snacks and refreshments.
With the upcoming deployment of Emirates’ four-class Boeing 777 aircraft to and from Melbourne, the airline will offer 3,472 weekly Premium Economy seats across Melbourne and Sydney, enabling more travellers to experience its best-in-class features and upgraded amenities.
Emirates restores pre-pandemic Australia capacity
Emirates has also reinstated its second Perth service from 1 December and now offers nearly 12,000 weekly seats to and from the city, offering additional connections to popular points like London, Dublin, Rome and Edinburgh. The second Perth service will strengthen trade links between Western Australia and the wider world.
Emirates’ flight EK424 departs Dubai at 0915, arriving in Perth at 0010. Emirates’ return flight EK425 departs Perth at 0600, arriving in Dubai at 1310**. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offers 354 seats across three cabins, with eight First Class Suites, 42 Business Class seats and 304 seats in Economy Class.
On 28 October, Emirates reinstated its Adelaide services, helping drive visitation to South Australia from Dubai and key inbound markets across its network.
The airline now operates 77 weekly services to and from five Australian gateways – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Emirates’ progressive and measured resumption of operations to and from Australia provide frictionless connectivity through multiple daily services across its gateways, boosting tourism development, fuelling economic activity and attracting business investment.
* Affected customers holding bookings on Emirates’ Singapore-Melbourne route will be offered alternative travel arrangements or a full refund.
**All times are local. For more information and to book flights, visit: www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 12 December 2024: Ponant has officially kicked off its New Zealand sailing season aboard two luxury expedition vessels, Le Soléal and its Explorer class vessel, Le Jacques Cartier, for her inaugural season in New Zealand waters.
Until March 2025, the ships will embark on eight departures, visiting 23 ports of call, offering guests an opportunity to “discover the hidden treasures of New Zealand as well as two epic sailings down to East Antarctica from Dunedin”.
Le Soléal kicked off the season on 3 December, starting with two expeditions sailing south to explore New Zealand’s remote subantarctic islands. Destination experts, including ornithologists, join guests on visits to the wildlife sanctuaries of Campbell Island, the Snares, and Australia’s Macquarie Island.
Continuing north from Dunedin to Auckland on a New Year’s cruise, Le Soléal sails a 15-night journey from the South Island to the North Island featuring the fjord region with time spent venturing through Doubtful, Milford and Dusky Sounds, as well as visit to new port of call Oban on Stewart Island, before heading north to Akaroa, Kaikoura, Wellington, the Bay of Islands and finally, Auckland.
Joining Le Soléal this year, Le Jacques Cartier, Ponant’s Explorer-series vessel, with just 92 staterooms and suites, embarks on her inaugural season in New Zealand waters.
Sailing from Tasmania, Australia, on 2 January, Le Jacques Cartier will explore New Zealand’s North and South Islands before embarking on a new, 15-night voyage from Auckland, New Zealand, to Cairns, Australia, on 25 January, with highlights including the Bay of Islands region, Norfolk Island, and Vanuatu.
In February 2025, Ponant will venture further south, offering a 21-night expedition to Antarctica on a Dunedin roundtrip aboard Le Soléal. Guests will follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers on a polar adventure, venturing into the frozen wilderness of Antarctica. Lecturer and guide Jonathan Shackleton, a descendant of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Lucy Scott, great-granddaughter of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, will join the expedition cruise.
CHIANG RAI, Thailand: Friends of Thai Daughters (FTD) invites sports enthusiasts to participate in a “Pickle & Pedal Fundraising Tour”, a unique, eight-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Thailand, 18 to 25 January 2025.
The event celebrates 20 years of FTD’s mission to prevent child trafficking and offers an opportunity to fundraise to support the NGO’s work in northern Thailand to end trafficking.
More than an Adventure
This event supports FTD’s life-changing work with young women at risk of trafficking. Each participant is encouraged to fundraise USD2,000, with full support provided by FTD to help them reach the goal. Proceeds will directly benefit programmes that empower and protect young women, providing them with brighter futures.
Limited to 20 places, the event combines cycling and pickleball with an inspiring cause.
What to Expect
Attendees will enjoy the following activities for USD1,999 per person (double occupancy).
Scenic Cycling Tours: Ride through the verdant hills of the Golden Triangle, with routes designed for all skill levels and a support van for added comfort.
Pickleball Matches: Engage in friendly matches, with opportunities to coach FTD’s Thai Daughters.
Luxury Accommodations: Stay at five-star resorts, including Le Méridien Chiang Rai, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort and Visama Mae Chan
Exclusive Experiences: Sunset cruises on the Mekong River. Visits to FTD’s Jasmine and Sunflower Farms. A heartwarming walk with rescued elephants. Thai cooking classes and culinary delights.
Social Gatherings: BBQs, cocktail parties, and a visit to Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar. The programme culminates with a night at Visama Mae Chan, cocktails, and a barbecue at the Ambalama fireside social hub.
Who Can Join?
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a casual explorer, or simply seeking meaningful travel, there’s something for everyone:
– Cyclists can tackle routes averaging 31–37 miles (50-60kms) daily. – Picklers can choose to open-play or join matches tailored to all levels.
Register Now
Spots are limited! Secure your place in this transformative journey by registering here. Further information: Friends of Thai Daughters
SINGAPORE, 12 December 2024: Air Canada will introduce direct flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in the Philippines on 2 April 2025, making it the airline’s 12 destinations in Asia Pacific and the first destination in the Philippines.
The announcement was made last week during the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Trade Mission visiting the Philippines to celebrate 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.
Air Canada promotes its Vancouver- Manila flights, starting 2 April 2025, with a Facebook post this week: “Soar to Manila with our year-round flight.”
This new year-round service to Manila is Air Canada’s third Southeast Asia destination after Singapore and Bangkok.
Initially, the airline has scheduled four weekly flights* between Vancouver (YVR) and Manila (MNL) using the 297-seat Dreamliner 787-900s configured with Signature Class with lie-flat seats, premium economy and economy class.
Flights between Canada and Manila opened for bookings on 5 December on aircanada.com, through Air Canada’s contact centres, and via travel agents. Bookings on flights between Manila and Canada will open later.
Air Canada will face stiff competition from Philippine Airlines, established as the sole airline on the Manila-Vancouver route and offering daily services with a 393-seat Boeing 777-300.
The average fare on the route served exclusively by PAL is currently USD1,760.
Manila Flight Schedule**
*Subject to final government approvals **Flight schedules are subject to change
SINGAPORE, 12 December 2025: Scott Dunn, a global luxury travel specialist with offices in Singapore, points to its What’s Hot for 2025, identifying trending destinations worldwide.
“2025 is all about delving deeper and travelling slower’, is the overarching message from Scott Dunn. “With new and exciting travel trends on the rise, we’ve been busy exploring all the latest insights to bring you the hottest ideas for where you should go.”
Photo credit: Scott Dunn. Where next? 2025 trending travel.
Remote experiences
Underpinned by a growing interest in remote experiences, Scott Dunn points to guests being more eager than ever to step out of their comfort zone and use travel as a medium for discovery.
One of the key benefits of exploring uncharted regions is the pristine, untouched landscapes, and this has been evident in the increased interest in Australia’s Northern Territory’s evocative scenery, dramatic rock formations and waterfalls, as well as the opportunity to learn from the region’s Aboriginal communities; the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.
Safari seasonality shift
Scott Dunn has witnessed the peak safari travel month shift from December to March as affordability and unreliable weather render seasonality less relevant than ever.
According to Scott Dunn’s Senior Africa Travel Specialist Matt Shock: “I’ve been in the safari industry for over a decade, and with shifting climate patterns affecting seasonality, I’ve found that travelling during less popular months can be just as incredible, if not more so. Plus, it’s often more affordable and less crowded, making for a unique and memorable experience.”
Rise in all-inclusive stays
Bookings for all-inclusive hotels rose by 24%, while room-only bookings fell by 20% as travellers increasingly opt to pay in advance and avoid any unexpected bills at check-out. Luxury all-inclusive properties go beyond the typical ‘fly and flop’ beach hotel to encompass everything from safari camps and remote lodges to cruise journeys and wellness retreats.
Destinations to watch
Morocco’s Imperial Cities
Following the September 2023 earthquake in the Atlas mountains, Scott Dunn’s Charlotte Brook, Destination Manager for Morocco, emphasises the importance of supporting the country’s resilient communities: “With tourism so integral to Morocco’s economy, conveying the message ‘it’s safe to travel here’ is imperative”.
Islands of East Africa
Scott Dunn predicts an exciting year for the islands of East Africa, with the opening of newly renovated andBeyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar and Voaara in Madagascar, as well as Aqua Expeditions’ new luxury yacht due to set sail around the Seychelles’ remote Aldabra islands next December.
The Seychelles will be more accessible than ever in 2025, with four international airlines resuming direct routes to the islands, including a four-times-weekly Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul. Emirates also fly four times per week from Dubai to Antananarivo in Madagascar via the Seychelles.
Australia’s North West
According to Ellen Fraser, Senior Travel Specialist for Australia and Asia: “The Kimberley and the Northern Territory are redefining Australia’s tourism landscape. Isolated yet beautiful, these special regions offer a new perspective to the classic trip ‘down under’”.
Fraser recommends the Paspaley Pearl boutique expedition cruise by Ponant, which sails through The Kimberley and is hosted by expert naturalist guides.
Southwest China
Scott Dunn has seen major growth in bookings to China, up 400% globally and 125% in the Asia market alone in 2024, as guests are increasingly looking for alternatives to Japan. Yunnan is a “melting pot of ancient history, rich cultures and spectacular natural beauty.”
Scandinavian Summer
‘Coolcationing’ continues to influence travel, recording a 26% rise in bookings for Finland and Norway travel this past summer. The allure of temperatures in the mid-20s, a weakened currency against the sterling, and fewer tourists leads Delphine Combes, Destination Manager for Northern Europe, to confirm that “Scandinavian summer is not just a passing trend, but now a perennial favourite.”
European Islands: Sardinia & Lanzarote
Josh Peacock, Regional Destination Manager, has Sardinia on his radar: “The island is a sleeping beauty awakened, with a host of new luxury hotel openings, including Cheval Blanc’s new Pitrizza, and Rocco Forte’s Porto Cervo, set to open in 2026”.
Lanzarote, renowned for its year-round warm weather, beaches and volcanic landscape, is another destination to watch next year as it follows suit with exciting new hotel openings.
Greenland’s High Arctic
‘Eclipse chasing’ has grown in popularity, with travellers venturing across the globe to experience these rare celestial events. Looking ahead, we predict Greenland’s High Arctic will be the new cool-cation hotspot, with the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse visible from the region’s remote, light-pollution-free shores.
Baja California Sur Peninsula
Demand for Mexico has jumped 18% in Scott Dunn’s Asia market this year, driven mainly by couples and groups of friends seeking a mix of adventure, great food, and cultural immersion all in one trip. For more information on Scott Dunn travel trends 2025 and the focused destinations visit: Scott Dunn travel trends 2025
