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Stories about leisure travel in Hong Kong, China, Asia, and around the world.
Travellers pass the Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong tourism

Bars, hotels cash in as Hong Kong welcomes 25% more visitors for New Year’s Eve

Influx recorded despite city forgoing fireworks display in light of deadly Tai Po fire, while departures by locals rose by nearly 21 per cent.

Social media

Asian travellers brace for ‘chilling’ US social media scrutiny

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Malaysia

‘Less than friendly’: Malaysia’s tourism minister flags visitor complaints

Japan

Japan may lose GDP race to India amid weak yen, tourism woes, China row

Japan’s economy is likely to fall behind India’s this year, which analysts say would diminish Tokyo’s global influence.

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Tourists pose in front of Mount Fuji in Yamanakako, Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture. Photo: AFP
China travel

China’s service sector shines as holidaymakers eye bespoke adventures with pets

While broader consumption remains soft, demand for personalised itineraries and snow sports is growing, offering a boost to the holiday economy.

Mainland China

Why Air France-KLM remains bullish on China-Europe travel market despite hurdles

Chinese travellers drive leisure and business bookings as airline eyes long-term growth despite Russian airspace restrictions.

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Mainland China

China’s Gen Z consumers drive rise in homestay bookings to ring in the new year

Gen Z travellers made up more than 50 per cent of total homestay bookings for the 2026 New Year’s holiday period.

Bookings for stand-alone villas during the 2026 New Year’s holiday period have surged, according to Tujia. Photo: Shutterstock
Travel news and advice

7 travel tips for 2026 – one of them is to play board games with locals

Forget TikTok recommendations and soulless one-star restaurants; focus instead on the experiences you want to taste, drink, and enjoy.

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US travel

Track history – a 43-hour train trip from Los Angeles to Chicago

Amtrak’s Southwest Chief train route runs between Los Angeles and Chicago on a 43-hour trip, with a dining car and a great viewing carriage.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong restaurants, bars gear up for packed 2026 countdown parties

Lan Kwai Fong’s restaurants and bars nearly 90 per cent booked, while seaview eateries in Kowloon could take a hit from cancelled fireworks show.

The countdown event and lights show on Chater Road are expected to draw large crowds of residents and tourists. Photo: Edmond So
Britain

Eurostar to resume services after Channel Tunnel power glitch sparks travel chaos

A power issue halted services between London and Europe, stranding travellers and causing disruption during the busy run-up to New Year.

Travelers disembark a Eurostar train at Gare du Nord after a power supply incident in part of the Channel Tunnel disrupted train and shuttle traffic on Tuesday in Paris. Photo: AP
Hong Kong

Video | Mainland Chinese drivers hit bumps navigating Hong Kong roads

Videos and pictures are being circulated of drivers from mainland China allegedly using inappropriate driving manners and vehicle modifications in Hong Kong.

Asia travel

Travel stories from 2025 that will fuel your wanderlust for the year ahead

We recall 7 travel stories from the past year to inspire you in 2026, covering China food trips to a Hongkonger’s life-changing adventure.

China consumption

China’s Hainan hosts duty-free shopping spree under new customs regime

A flurry of activity accompanied the official establishment of the island’s tariff and tax exemptions - but will the frenzy last?

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The Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Haikou, capital of Hainan province. Photo: Xinhua
Chile

Expedition to Chile’s Cape Horn reveals awesome nature at the world’s end

A 5-day cruise to South America’s southern tip stuns with fiords, penguins and wind-blasted cliffs reached via the world’s deadliest waters.

Expedition crew members walk in Chile’s Cape Horn National Park, one of the southernmost points of South America. A five-day expedition there presents spectacular nature – and danger. Photo: dpa-tmn
Hong Kong tourism

Video | Fares rise for Hong Kong Peak Tram

Return fares now cost HK$116 (US$15) for adults and HK$75 for children and the elderly.

Japan

5-year-old dies after ski lift accident in Hokkaido, Japan

Safety concerns were previously raised over a lack of handrails and the lift’s design.

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Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong records 10% rise in festive period visitors as outbound trips surge 22%

Despite increase in tourists, merchants warn absence of New Year fireworks may impact visitor numbers and, in turn, the retail sector.

Hong Kong recorded 404,559 inbound visitor trips from December 24 to 26, a 10 per cent increase compared with last year. Photo: Eugene Lee
Extreme weather

US airlines cancel more than 1,000 flights due to winter storm Devin

An additional 4,685 flights faced delays in the northeast as the National Weather Service warned of heavy snow and ‘hazardous conditions’.

Hong Kong tourism

Old Hong Kong police station gets new role hosting film-related show

‘Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey’ exhibition opens on January 2 at the popular selfie spot.

Indonesia

Power, protests and policy shake-ups shape Indonesia’s 2025

President Prabowo Subianto asserts his authority as he navigates the global stage and domestic challenges in his first full year in office.

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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto closed the year on firm footing despite challenges in his first full year in office. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong to extend Lo Wu and Shenzhen Bay checkpoint hours for New Year’s Eve

Lo Wu checkpoint to stay open until 2am next day while Shenzhen Bay will operate overnight to manage post-countdown crowds.

Rail passengers return to the mainland via Lo Wu control point after midnight on New Year’s Day this year. Photo: Nora Tam
Trip.com

Trip.com suspends partnership with Cambodia amid border clashes, cyber concerns

In the first 10 months of 2025, Cambodia received 1 million Chinese tourists, accounting for over 20 per cent of all international visitors.

Malaysia

‘Nothing has changed’: safety gaps, old facilities hobble Malaysian tourism

‘We must clean this up. Tourists must feel safe and happy so they leave with good memories of Malaysia,’ Tourism Minister Tiong says.

Israel-Gaza war

Bethlehem celebrates first festive Christmas since Gaza war

After two years of cancelled festivities, the ‘City of the Nativity’ revives its iconic parades and tree lighting as a fragile truce holds in Gaza.

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People celebrate in Manger Square in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on December 24. Photo: AFP
China-Latin America relations

Brazil weighs visa-free entry for Chinese tourists and business travellers

Brazil saw nearly 80 per cent growth in Chinese tourists in 2024 and would join only two neighbours offering visa-free entry.

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If confirmed, the visa waiver would simplify travel for Chinese visitors to Brazil and could accelerate arrivals to destinations such as Iguazu Falls. Photo: Handout
China consumption

Hard work, long hours fuelled China’s rise. Now, it weighs longer breaks

China, one of the world’s hardest-working countries, is adopting incentives to increase time off – and potentially boost consumer spending.

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China property

China Jinmao sells 5-star Ritz-Carlton hotel in Sanya for US$322 million

Asset restructuring aims to boost liquidity as mainland China developers face a prolonged property downturn.

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