As we approach the mid-point of 2025, here's the latest news for Wise Travellers everywhere:
Emirates is expanding into Southeast Asia, with two new routes via Bangkok to Da Nang in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia. The flights, starting from Emirates' Dubai hub, will be operated with Boeing 777s.
The Da Nang route is Emirates' third destination to Vietnam. The Siem Reap route will operate thrice-weekly and bring Emirates' network into Cambodia to ten flights a week.
Tourists have been warned of new tax charges, with Greece confirming it will begin imposing new charges on cruise passengers from July 1.
Fees range from €1 in the low season to €5 between June 1 and September 30, and are applicable for all ports. However, for Santorini and Mykonos, the charges range from €4 in low season up to €20 for peak season cruise calls.
Greece said the charges, which have three tiers and are charged per passenger per port, are designed to encourage more calls to quieter ports and more cruises outside the peak summer months. Generated revenue will be utilized to improve the port infrastructure in Greece.
China has introduced a new visa programme for business operators in the ASEAN region. The multi-entry, five-year visa aims to boost trade and business travel across the bloc, which comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
"This initiative will further promote regional mobility and deepen cooperation between China and Southeast Asia," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
Travel to the Canary Islands could be seriously disrupted due to a threatened strike from hospitality workers. They are seeking pay rises of 6%, with any industrial action likely to affect hotels and restaurants.
Tourists have been advised to be prepared for the strikes, which may take the form of one-day pickets and protests every Friday. Industrial action on the islands of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria was averted after unions clinched pay deals.
Turkish Airlines is boosting its summer season availability between Turkey and the UK and Ireland.
London Heathrow to Istanbul will get an extra two flights to 47 weekly flights, while its Manchester-Istanbul operation will rise from 25 to 28 weekly services. London Gatwick gets an additional two weekly flights.
Turkish Airlines will boost its Edinburgh-Istanbul connection by four extra flights, Dublin by additional three and a further four from Birmingham. "Demand from holidaymakers in the UK and Ireland remains strong year-round and we're increasing capacity to meet this demand," said Harun Basturk, SVP Sales at Turkish Airlines.
Expansion plans are in the pipeline for London's Stansted Airport, but without the need for a second runway. Owner Manchester Airports Group is eyeing 51 million passengers annually compared to 29 million in 2024.
With the aim to become the UK's second biggest airport, MAG managing director Gareth Powell outlined ambitions to better utilize the existing runway while upgrading rail and road access.
"We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted," Powell said, with part of the £1.1 billion plan already approved and underway.
A new global campaign is underway by Tourism New Zealand to attract travellers to visit the nation out of season.
The 100% Pure New Zealand brand even features an experience planner to help people create their own itinerary. Tourism New Zealand CEO René de Monchy said travellers can browse NewZealand.com and search by category, such as adventure tourism or fine dining.
"This is our call for people around the world to be totally connected, present, inspired and fulfilled in one of the world's most breathtaking destinations," he said.
Tourists who skip paying medical bills in Japan could be banned from re-entry under new rules.
To ensure entry, it may require proof of medical insurance before issuing visas and screen travellers for any outstanding medical fees not paid on a previous trip. It could result in mandatory health insurance requirements.
Data from government sources states 30% of travellers arrive in Japan uninsured, while unpaid medical bills by foreign visitors exceed $400,000.
Australian-based TRIBE is expanding its presence in Hungary with a second hotel this month. Located near Budapest International Airport, TRIBE Budapest will feature 167 smartly designed rooms with interiors that highlight TRIBE's standout style, blending sleek design, textures, and contrasts.
TRIBE hotels boast functional and stylish living spaces for guests to live, work, and play, providing all the essentials for a great stay. Locations already include Amsterdam, London, Perth, and Paris.
The Holiday Inn Express, operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, has opened a new location in Kolkata New Town.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "This opening highlights our commitment to providing smart, seamless stays for today's travellers. Being in the heart of a thriving business hub, we're confident the hotel will cater perfectly to the needs of corporate and leisure visitors."
Hilton Hotels is also expanding, this time with its NoMad brand in Singapore.
The new hotel, being developed with local partner UOL Group and set to open in 2027, will be another component of a mixed-use development underway, which UOL is creating on a major site on Singapore's Orchard Road.
The group has already completed the Pan Pacific Orchard hotel, and is bringing forward the Upperhouse luxury residential development.
"The signing of our first hotel in Singapore marks an exciting introduction of our brand to Asia Pacific," said Andrew Zobler, founder & CEO of The Sydell Group. "This debut is just the beginning as we seek out the best destinations to introduce NoMad, with several deals in advanced discussions in destinations in North America, Europe and beyond."
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.
