Here’s a wrap-up of the latest travel news around the globe:
Japan is enjoying a major boom in international tourism, but the success, even as it is beating Thailand in visitor numbers, is forcing the government to bring in new rules that will reduce the threat of over-tourism, protect cultural assets and avoid pressure on infrastructure demands.
In late 2026, the government is planning caps on daily visitors to popular heritage sites, and by 2028, it will introduce a new pre-approval arrivals system, Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA), for visitors from 71 visa-exempted nations. It will work similarly to those in operation in Europe and the US.
Japan has also introduced a dual pricing system in July, charging foreign nationals more than locals visiting attractions, such as museums and temples.
Sri Lanka has approved a free visa-on-arrival for 40 countries in a bid to boost tourist inflows.
The visa-free entry system was initiated in 2023 but confined to seven nations, such as India, Russia, and Malaysia. However, the policy will be expanded to include the US, the UK, Australia, Pakistan, the UAE, and others in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Travellers from eligible countries will be able to enter Sri Lanka without paying visa fees and receive a 30-day visa on arrival. To qualify, they will need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance, an online process that facilitates pre-arrival screening and documentation.
Tourism accounts for 12% of the country’s GDP and has witnessed a bounce back in visitor numbers since the country’s economic meltdown in the 2020s. Spurred on, the government is already investing in better road infrastructure, expanding the international airport and incentivising new hotel developments.
A new report has outlined a major boom in hotel development across Africa.
The Africa 2025 Hotel Development Pipeline Report, compiled by Lagos-based W Hospitality Group, revealed that 577 hotels and resorts are planned, a rise of more than 13% on 2024.
The report revealed Egypt is leading the way with 143 hotels in the pipeline compared to second-placed Morocco with 58 hotels. On a national level, Cairo, Egypt’s capital, leads with 70 hotel projects compared to 10 properties in Sharm El Sheikh.
International hotel chains, such as Marriott International, Hilton, Accor and IHG, are the prominent leaders, while Barceló Hotels & Resorts recorded the largest percentage growth, more than doubling its pipeline to 2,193 rooms, with three large resort signings in North Africa.
AirAsia X has announced plans to introduce direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Turkiye’s Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport from November 14, 2025. The new service will operate four times a week.
The flight will be the first step back into Europe since the airline axed its flights to London and Paris 13 years ago.
AirAsia X is offering introductory fares starting from about $110 one-way for economy class from Malaysia. Premium Flatbed seats are available from $945.
CEO Benyamin Ismail said Istanbul acted as a bridge between two continents - Asia and Europe, while the airline was also tapping into rising interest from Southeast Asian travellers in Turkiye.
Emirates is to ban the use of all power banks on flights from October 1, 2025, after a comprehensive safety review.
The airline said the move would reduce risks to power up phones, laptops and cameras, amid a significant upsurge in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in several lithium battery-related incidents onboard.
Emirates passengers will still be permitted to carry one power bank with a capacity of less than 100-watt hours, but it may not be used while in the aircraft cabin. Power banks should also be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front.
Cathay Pacific has opened its newly redesigned flagship lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport. This is another milestone in the airline’s extensive lounge enhancement plan following the reopening of The Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam commented: “We are incredibly excited to reopen the doors of our latest flagship Beijing lounge, which underscores our unique position of having deep roots in Hong Kong, being proudly part of China and connecting the world.
“The redesigned lounge complements Cathay Pacific’s seven daily return flights between Hong Kong and Beijing this summer, as we strive to offer customers greater choice and convenience both in the air and on the ground.”
As a Group, it continues to expand the network across the Chinese Mainland, operating more than 300 return flights per week to 23 destinations during the summer peak.
In Hong Kong, the airline recently reopened its popular lounge, The Bridge. It converted The Deck into an interim First class lounge, ensuring customers continue to enjoy a premium lounge experience during the renovation of The Wing, First, due to open in 2026, followed by The Wing, Business.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
