Digital travel platform Agoda’s 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey reveals its ranking of Asia’s most sustainability-conscious travellers. Travelers from the Philippines earn the top spot, with 86% responding that sustainability is important in their travel choices for 2025. Travelers from India (82%), Taiwan (80%), Malaysia (80%) and Vietnam (77%) round out the top five. This survey, which engaged over 6,000 respondents across 11 Asian markets, spotlights the evolving landscape of sustainable travel in Asia, where authentic and purposeful tourism, and off-peak travel are becoming more prominent. The survey found that the majority of Asian travellers (68%) consider sustainability when making their travel plans for 2025. Less than one in ten (8%) travellers overlook sustainability in their travel decisions, although less optimistically, in Hong Kong and Japan for example, where…

From April 1 onwards, hikers intending to explore Selangor’s permanent forest reserves must submit their permit applications online. This new requirement, introduced by the Selangor Forestry Department, aims to simplify the application process while improving the management of access to these protected areas. Replacing the previous manual method, the digital system offers a smoother and more convenient experience for applicants. By transitioning to an online platform, the department hopes to reduce administrative workload and eliminate delays often associated with paperwork. With this initiative, hikers can now apply for permits remotely, making it easier to plan their outdoor excursions. To obtain a permit, individuals need to visit the official Selangor Forestry…

In response to the rising trend of e-cigarette use among students, Thailand’s Ministry of Education has introduced a series of stringent measures aimed at curbing the spread of vaping within schools. The initiative follows concerns over the increasing number of young people turning to e-cigarettes, despite the country’s long-standing ban on the sale and import of such products. The use of e-cigarettes among Thai youth has grown at an alarming rate, with recent surveys indicating an 18.6 per cent increase in student vaping. This surge has raised fears among health officials and educators, as e-cigarettes are often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, despite growing evidence of their…

Japan is set to introduce a dual-pricing system in July 2025, whereby foreign tourists, including Malaysians, will face higher charges than local residents at major attractions and establishments. This initiative aims to address the challenges of overtourism and generate additional revenue for the enhancement of tourism infrastructure. Rationale Behind the Dual-Pricing System The surge in international tourism to Japan has been remarkable, with the country recording its highest-ever foreign tourist arrivals at 36.87 million in 2024. Malaysian visitors contributed significantly to this figure, with 506,800 travellers from Malaysia visiting Japan in the same year. This influx has led to overcrowded tourist sites and increased strain on local infrastructure. By implementing…