HOTELS group Marriott International is planning to speed up the expansion of brands acquired in the takeover of rival Starwood, and is not ruling out further additions to its portfolio, its chief e…
In pictures: Stunning eco-friendly retreat in Bali set among lush paddy fields
WHAT was once Alila Villas Soori is now Soori Bali, an isolated luxury beach resort in the Tabanan Regency tucked between a volcanic sand beach and a vast patch of rice paddy.All 48 private pool vi…
Facebook introduces ‘travel companion’ feature to rival Google Trips
COULD Facebook be tapping into the trip-planning market?The new functionality, which was launched last week with little fanfare, enables users to book and message hotels, restaurants, tours and sit…
5 New Asian Travel Startups Incubated by Amadeus
Last week we reported that Hong Kong travel technology startup Klook, which runs a website and mobile application offering up to 50 percent-discounts on about 10,000 travel attractions, tours, and …
Cook Islands hits record number of tourists
COOK ISLANDS in the South Pacific – sometimes fondly referred to as “Hawaii Down Under” – is enjoying rising tourist numbers.The number may not match some of the Pacific Isl…
Hanok hunt: Where to find traditional Korean houses in Seoul
IN Seoul, hanok can be found all over the city; some are even set in the most modern corners of the bustling metropolitan.It generally comprises a wooden frame structure and constructed in accordan…
South Korea Tourism Industry at Risk in Political Spat With China
China has the economic power to move markets, and it isn’t afraid to use it.South Korean stock trading offered a case in point Friday, with a selloff in hotels, cosmetic makers and other tour…
The Sintesa Jimbaran: A family-friendly escapade in Bali
SINTESA HOTELS GROUP is one of Indonesia’s leading hospitality groups with over five properties under its belt. The brand ethos employed by the group emphasizes space, excellent facilities, a…
New Chinese cruise ship sails to disputed area of South China Sea
A NEW Chinese cruise ship has embarked on its maiden voyage to the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, state news agency Xinhua said on Friday.The new ship can carry 499 people and has…
Baby steps in being more affordable, Tokyo lowers taxi fares
TOKYO has inched past Hong Kong to snag the title of the most expensive city in Asia-Pacific for business travel this year.However, business travelers can cheer on Tokyo’s decision to lower t…