Search Results forASEAN
Intra-ASEAN Air Travel grew from 37% in 2019 to 45% in 2024
Representative Image Travel within ASEAN countries accounts for the largest share of international arrivals into the region, growing from 37% in 2019 to 45% in 2024. With the ever-increasing uncertainty of geopolitics and the economic outlook, this dependence on regional travel may be Southeast Asia’s ace card, insulating it from potential longer-haul market disruptions. In Summer 2025, Malaysia leads with 19.3 million scheduled seats Like everywhere, intra-ASEAN seat capacity was impacted during the pandemic, and while the numbers are recovering steadily, they have not reached 2019 levels, indicating there is still room for growth. In Summer 2025, there were 46 million scheduled seats available for travel between the ASEAN countries. Although this is a 7% increase compared to Summer 2024, it remains 6% below Summer 2019’s level of 50 million seats. For many years, Singapore was the centre of the Southeast Asian aviation sector, with Changi Airport serving as a major hub for international long-haul travel from neighbouring countries. Looking at intra-regional capacity in Summer 2025, Malaysia leads with 19.3 million scheduled seats to other Southeast Asian countries (5.5% behind Summer 2019 levels). And Singapore follows closely with 19 million seats (10% below Summer 2019 levels). Out of ten of the busiest intra-Southeast Asian routes still start or end in Singapore. Looking at flows within the Southeast Asian region at country level shows that there are pockets of strong growth taking place. Vietnam is rapidly expanding its aviation footprint, recording the fastest growth in seat capacity to other Southeast Asian countries among all ASEAN members. Seat capacity from Vietnam is up by 21.8% in Summer 2025 compared to Summer 2024, and a strong 8.5% ahead of Summer 2019. In particular, total seat capacity between Vietnam and Indonesia, Philippines, and Laos is seeing significant growth compared to 2019. Vietnam has 51 route connections to other Southeast Asian destinations as of Summer 2025, up from 45 in 2019. Aside from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, secondary cities Danang and Phu Quoc have seen more routes added in 2025, with five and three new routes added, respectively. With the majority of ASEAN’s capital cities already connected to one another, the opportunity for growth is capital city-secondary city, or secondary city-secondary city. Looking at capacity growth for Summer 2025 versus Summer 2024 shows that in that secondary city market, growth in capacity within Southeast Asia has been highest, at 18%, suggesting that there is growing activity and reasons for travel between these cities. Analysis of airport pairs within the region reveals 50 new intra-ASEAN connections in Summer 2025 compared to Summer 2019, with the highest growth coming from connections between secondary cities. 22 of the new intra-ASEAN routes operate to/from Indonesian airports. Ten are connections to Malaysia, including four new routes from Kuala Lumpur to Indonesian secondary cities, and three from Kota Kinabalu. Bali also saw new connections with Hanoi and Phuket. With Timor-Leste set to join ASEAN by the end of this year, Southeast Asian airlines are starting to ramp up their connectivity to the country. Batik Air Malaysia opened a new direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, in June 2025. Whilst Singapore - Timor-Leste connectivity saw the biggest growth of seat capacity with an increase of 2,697% to 9,900 seats in Summer 2025 compared to 354 seats in Summer 2019. However, the number of absolute seats means Timor-Leste remains significantly below its regional peers. In Vietnam, the resort island of Phu Quoc is becoming increasingly popular: Its flight route to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport showed 265% growth in seat capacity in Summer 2025 compared to Summer 2019. The route was initially operated by Bangkok Airways in 2019, but Thai Vietjet became the sole operator in Summer 2025, with seats jumping from 56,880 in Summer 2024 to 107,368 in April 2025. Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air have also launched new Bangkok Don Mueang-Phu Quoc routes, bringing the total number of seats between the two cities to 183,403 in Summer 2025. Airlines in the region continue to grow amidst Geo political tensions With proposed protectionist policies, uncertain global economic conditions, and geopolitical tensions affecting outbound travel sentiments, it may be wise for Southeast Asia to shift its tourism focus closer to home. Even land borders are proving to be hot spots for tension within ASEAN itself, as a dispute over Thailand and Cambodia's border demarcations led to the closure of land border crossings from mid-June for the majority of travellers, leaving air travel as the only reliable way to cross between the two countries. Airlines in the region have an opportunity to continue growth through expanding intra-ASEAN routes and seat capacity, striving for a full recovery back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond with further connectivity between secondary cities. Source: OAG
Malaysia Airlines opens new inroads to ASEAN destinations
Malaysia Airlines and its subsidiary Firefly are unlocking more ways for international travellers to explore the heart of Southeast Asia. The Malaysian flag-carrier is doing this via seamless connectivity through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal I onto Firefly’s expanding regional network, including new routes launching to Krabi, Siem Reap, and Cebu. The campaign runs until 6th October and offers attractive fares for travel from 17th November 2025 up to 31st August 2026 via the Malaysia Airlines website and mobile app. By connecting through Kuala Lumpur, travellers can experience the convenience of a single journey, while unlocking Firefly’s growing network of regional gems across ASEAN. Beyond this campaign, Malaysia Airlines continues to roll out exciting monthly promotions, giving travellers even more reasons to check in regularly and book their travels for greater savings and value. New destinations for your consideration Krabi, Thailand from 17th November, with up to seven weekly flights from just GBP579* (or GBP2979* in Business Class) all-in. A paradise for beach lovers and island-hoppers, Krabi offers turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and access to Thailand’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Siem Reap, Cambodia from 27th November, with up to three weekly flights from GBP649* (or GBP3059* in Business Class) all-in. Home to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap offers travellers the chance to step into living history and immerse in Cambodia’s vibrant cultural scene. Cebu, Philippines from 2nd December, with up to five weekly flights from GBP579* (or GBP2809* in Business Class) all-in. Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu blends rich Spanish heritage with world-class diving, pristine beaches, and warm Filipino hospitality. Making connectivity more convenient Travelling through Kuala Lumpur has never been easier. Under the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Malaysia Airlines and Firefly work hand in hand to create one smooth journey from start to finish. Long-haul passengers arriving on Malaysia Airlines can connect effortlessly onto Firefly’s regional flights at KLIA, with bags checked through all the way to their destination. On board, travellers can look forward to in-flight meals and snacks, with the option to pre-book dishes for exclusive savings and a taste of Malaysian-inspired cuisine. From check in to arrival, every touchpoint is infused with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality.
China hosts 2025 ASEAN-Oriented Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Forum
The 2025 ASEAN-Oriented Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Forum was held in Liuzhou, Guangxi, China earlier today, 18th August. Revolving around the theme Museums and Future of Cities, the event was a joint initiative of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, P.R. China and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. That said, the forum closely addressed the timely topic of people-to-people interaction and cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN. Key themes for 2025 This year’s forum centred on two topics for thematic discussion: Conservation of Industrial Heritage and Innovative Urban Tourism Experiences and Integration of Digital Technologies and Museums for In-Depth Development. Through keynote speeches and special presentations, participants engaged in extensive and in-depth sharing and discussions from various dimensions of theoretical research and applied practice. A total of 18 prominent experts and scholars from ASEAN countries and host China representing the fields of cultural heritage and museum management contributed their insights from angles including cultural policy, heritage management, research trends, and practical experience, reaching numerous joint conclusions. At the forum, the Asia-Pacific Alliance of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and the Liuzhou Industrial Museum of China also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative Research on the Conservation of Industrial Heritage and Sustainable Development. Aimed at building an international platform to jointly study paths for the conservation, activation, and sustainable development of industrial heritage and cities, this agreement marks a solid step forward in cooperation within this field. On the occasion of the forum, key guests also attended the Guangxi Night 2025 Guangxi (Liuzhou) Inbound Tourism Promotion Conference and visited cultural and tourism venues such as Baili Liujiang River Scenic Area (Night Cruise on the Liujiang River), Liuzhou Industrial Museum, Liuzhou Bauhinia Cultural and Creative Corridor, Luosifen Industrial Park, and SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Base for inspection and research. Through on-site visits and hands-on experiences, they deepened their understanding of these locations and the manner by which they are managed, thereby boosting cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between China and ASEAN.
Philippines assures ASEAN of support for unified regional visa
Ahead of the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit, its tourism secretary announced the country’s support of the proposed unified visa system for member nations. During a media briefing held at the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s headquarters in Makati City yesterday, 31st July, tourism secretary Christina Frasco assured fellow ASEAN ministers that the Philippines will solidly support efforts leading to the creation of a unified regional visa. Frasco declared: “As early as the very first ASEAN meeting that I attended as Tourism Secretary, I expressed the Philippines’ desire to benefit from a unified ASEAN visa. Of course, this is entirely up to the agreements of the nations. We maintain our stance in terms of desiring an ASEAN visa without compromising national security.” Worth discussing Earlier this year, Frasco pointed out that other Southeast Asian countries also showed interest in a unified visa scheme, which is inspired by the European Schengen visa and the Gulf Cooperation Council’s joint visa. She expressed hope that the topic would be revisited as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. Meanwhile, the official said preparations are underway for the overall Philippine hosting of the ASEAN meetings next year. Frasco said: “The Philippines hosting the ASEAN in 2026 will be a very big boost to tourism for the country, and on the side of the Department of Tourism, we are very excited that the very first ASEAN meetings will be about tourism, with the ASEAN Tourism Forum slated to be held at the end of January 2026.”
China boosts tourism exchanges with ASEAN via China Guangxi Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference
As a way of deepening cultural and tourism exchanges with ASEAN countries and expanding inbound tourism markets, Chinese tourism officials successfully held the 2025 China Guangxi Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference in two Southeast Asian capitals: Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Between them, the conferences drew in more than 200 participants, including government officials, tourism agencies, airlines, and media representatives from both countries. At both promotion conferences, three inbound tourism routes tailored for Thai tourists and three for Malaysian tourists were also unveiled. Signing ceremonies were held, including the cooperation agreement between the Guangxi Tourism Association and the Thai Travel Agents Association, as well as the Friendly Cooperation Agreement: Mutual Tourists Exchange between Chinese and Malaysia Tourism Enterprises, all aimed at actively promoting inbound tourism from Thailand and Malaysia to Guangxi. Through route launches, agreements signing, and artistic showcases, the conferences comprehensively highlighted Guangxi's abundant cultural and tourism resources. As a key initiative of Guangxi's 2025 Tourism Year Overseas Promotion Plan, the events built a robust bridge for collaboration between Guangxi and Thailand/Malaysia, injecting new momentum into the development of Guangxi as a world-class tourist destination. Cultural showcases At the event venues, artists from the Guangxi Ethnic Orchestra delivered a stunning array of cultural performances. The solo vocal piece Guangxi Ni De Ya (The Wonderful Guangxi) transformed Guangxi's picturesque landscapes into captivating melodies. The folk ensemble Beautiful Zhuang Brocade, featuring traditional instruments like the erhu and pipa, evoked a magnificent tapestry of Zhuang Brocade through its enchanting melodies. The innovative Liu Sanjie's Folk Songs blended traditional and contemporary elements, offering audiences a refreshing artistic experience through the perfect marriage of heritage and modernity. These vibrant performances vividly showcased the rich and diverse cultural charm of Guangxi, earning applause from the audience. Quick results At the Bangkok conference, Thai Travel Agents Association vice-president Viboon Kamontho declared that Thailand hopes to send 100,000 visitors to Guangxi in the near future. To achieve this goal, the association unveiled their Set Off for Guangxi: Thailand Travel Agency Group Tour Programme for 2025 which aims to enhance collaboration with the partners in Guangxi, upgrade tourism products, and promote mutual growth and prosperity. At the Malaysia conference, Guilin Jinyi International Travel Service Co, Ltd and Pinnacle Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd signed a charter flight agreement. This means 178 Malaysian tourists will arrive in Guilin by charter flight on Thursday, 3rd July.
Frasco: Mactan Expo Center could be a venue for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026
Now under construction, the Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu is in the running to become a potential venue for next year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum (ATF.) Philippine tourism secretary Christina Frasco made the announcement yesterday, 26th June. The ATF will also feature the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, which is slated to convene in Cebu in January 2026. The event is one of several regional meetings taking place in the country as the Philippines assumes ASEAN chairmanship next year. Frasco declared: “We are confident that with Megaworld on board, the Mactan Expo Center can serve as a very attractive and viable destination for the ASEAN Tourism Forum.” She added that this will serve as a recognition of Cebu’s position as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Rising in the south Worth an estimated PHP 1.5 billion and currently in development by Philippine real estate firm Megaworld, the Mactan Expo Center is due for completion by December of this year. The infrastructure, which can accommodate up to 2,600 people, is the latest among the growing number of MICE and event spaces in the province which are currently dominated the NUSTAR Convention Center and IC3 Convention Center in Cebu City. Frasco also pointed out that her department is presently coordinating with both local government and local tourism stakeholders to fully maximise the opportunities the ATF may offer to the southern province. Likewise, the ATF will also feature a travel exchange component connecting ASEAN buyers with sellers offering a diverse range of destination products and services.
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to offer more efficient services at Aseana hub
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) opened an express lane geared towards more efficient delivery of passport and consular services at its primary hub at Aseana City in the southern Manila suburb of Parañaque.. The establishment of the lane is in line with Presidential Proclamation No 818, declaring the month of May as Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month. Referred to as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) lane, this will be open to eligible individuals, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant, minors, overseas Filipinos, individuals with exceptional and emergency cases, and Muslim-Filipinos who are intending to join the annual Hajj pilgrimage between June and July. The DFA-Office of Consular Affairs added that the EODB Lane is currently integrated into its Passport Courtesy Lane May until Friday, 30th May. In the name of more efficient services The commemoration of EODB Month aims to raise awareness, promote reforms, and encourage collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and the general public to enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines. This initiative is in compliance with Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. This specific law mandates the streamlining, standardization and automation of government processes to enhance public service delivery.
Philippines open to possibility of One ASEAN Visa
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) strongly supports the proposed unified ASEAN visa. Tourism secretary Christina Frasco pointed out that a single regional visa would help position ASEAN as a key global tourism destination. This proposed visa will be modelled after the current Schengen Visa of the European Union and the joint visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Middle East. In recent months, the proposal has gained support from ASEAN member-states. "A destination for every dream" Frasco remarked in a statement released yesterday, 18th May, that ASEAN tourism's overarching tagline is "a destination for every dream,' and that a unified visa would help make the dream come true for many global travellers. Frasco said: “To be able to unify the ASEAN as a destination is an aspiration for us in the Philippines.” The tourism secretary added that neighbouring countries have likewise expressed strong interest in carrying the proposal. She said: “We are very hopeful that the subject matter will again come up as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN next year." Frasco also pointed out the potential of enhanced regional cooperation despite existing competition among ASEAN countries. As she puts it: “Competition is always very healthy, but collaboration is healthier in a sense that ASEAN coming together to work as a force for good for the world would really benefit all of our countries."
MITEC lauded at 2025 ASEAN Food & Travel Awards
The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) received Asia’s Premier Trade & Exhibition Hub Award 2025 in the MICE Category of the prestigious ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025. This accolade reaffirms MITEC’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hosting global trade events and exhibitions. The awarding ceremony was held at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur where industry leaders and visionaries from across the region came to honour outstanding contributions in the food, travel, and MICE industries. The ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025 celebrates organisations that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and exceptional service, setting new benchmarks for excellence within their respective fields. A testament to dedication Receiving the award on behalf of MITEC, its CEO Mala Dorasamy gratefully declared: “This recognition is a reflection of our team’s relentless dedication to positioning MITEC as the venue of choice and the gateway to Southeast Asia for international trade and exhibitions. Our commitment to delivering world-class experiences remains steadfast as we continue to foster meaningful connections and drive economic growth in the region.” MITEC’s achievement further cements its role as a key player in the regional MICE landscape, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for global business and trade events. With its state-of-the-art facilities, strategic location, and exceptional service offerings, MITEC continues to attract international exhibitions, conventions, and business events, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic and tourism growth.
Tourism Authority of Thailand launches second ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand campaign
Building on its success from last year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched the second run of its ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand 2025 retail tourism campaign. This initiative aims to strengthen Thailand’s reputation as a premier shopping and cultural tourism destination, targeting tourists from ASEAN countries and India with exclusive offers and immersive experiences. TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool declared at the launch: “Aligned with the government’s 5 Must-Do Experiences in Thailand initiative, this campaign highlights Thai strengths through cuisine, locally crafted goods, and unique products. Collaborating with retailers of all levels, we feature Thai food, souvenirs such as aromatherapy items, traditional snacks, dried fruits, and fashion and accessories by Thai artisans. This not only boosts tourism but also supports local communities and small enterprises.” Leveraging convenience The campaign leverages the travel convenience of ASEAN and Indian tourists, with flight times averaging just two to four hours. ASEAN visitors have a high repeat rate, while the Indian market continues to grow, supported by Thailand’s Free Visa initiative and strong air connectivity. TAT anticipates the campaign to generate an economic impact exceeding 180 million Baht. Beyond revenue, the campaign aims to enhance global awareness of the Amazing Thailand brand, targeting over 1 million impressions worldwide. ASEAN and Indian tourists are forecasted to play a critical role in revitalizing Thailand’s economy in 2025, contributing an estimated 11 million and 2.3 million arrivals, respectively. TAT envisions this campaign as a cornerstone in driving economic growth through shopping, cultural tourism, and sustainable practices. A celebration of amazing products Running from 1st March to 31st, the campaign celebrates Thailand’s vibrant culture, exceptional products, and renowned hospitality through partnerships with leading retailers such as King Power International (including Multiply by Eight and Firster), Central Group (featuring Tops Market, GOOD GOODS, and Gentlewoman), The Mall Group (featuring Gourmet Market), One Bangkok, Erb, Ginger Farm Kitchen, Gaysorn Village, Bissin, Satta Farm, Big C Supercenter, CP AXTRA, and Thai AirAsia. Over the course of three months, the campaign offers ASEAN and Indian tourists shopping and dining privileges valued between 500 and 3,000 Baht. Visitors can participate by scanning a QR code upon arrival in Thailand or visiting the official website to answer questions about the 5 Must-Do Experiences in Thailand. Discounts can be redeemed at luxury malls, local markets, and speciality shops across Bangkok and all regions of Thailand. Participants can explore Thai fashion, discover lifestyle brands, shop for authentic local products, and enjoy delectable Thai cuisine.
Asean Affairs
Bangkok, Thailand
AI Asia Expo Thailand 2023
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and Singapore Industrial Automation Association (SIAA) are hosting the upcoming
5th Civil Aviation South East Asia Summit 2022
The aviation industry in Southeast Asia has recorded significant growth over the past few years. The total seat capacity of Southeast Asia airlines experienced double-digit growth in the four-year period of 2009-2013. It has established itself as one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets – and has huge potential for more rapid growth. Nearly all of the 10 countries that comprise ASEAN have robust economies and expanding middle classes, resulting in a favorable environment for airlines.
February – Bangkok Digital Travel 2020
Glowfish presents "Bangkok Digital Travel 2020", A free travel-industry event that will grant insights into current trends and show powerful tools for tour agencies & venues looking to take advantage of a rising ASEAN travel market.