There’s a quiet celestial event happening that you won’t want to miss, and it peaks in the early hours of July 30, 2025. The Delta Aquariid meteor shower is now active and visible, provided the conditions are right. While it may not be the flashiest meteor display, it’s still your chance to catch a few streaks of light across the sky.
This shower is tied to Comet 96P/Machholz — discovered in 1986 by American amateur astronomer Donald Machholz — and swings by the sun roughly once every five years. The meteors appear to fan out from the direction of the Aquarius constellation. That’s where the name “Aquariid” comes from. You might only see a few every hour, but some leave ghostly trails that linger briefly in the dark.
When is the best time to catch the Delta Aquariid meteor shower?
PASS IT ON: The Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower peaks tonight through the predawn hours of July 29th. Around 20 meteors will be possible per hour! #MeteorShower#Spacepic.twitter.com/YVkALjBqCC
“The Delta Aquariids are active from the middle of July every year, with the best night for viewing 2025’s meteor shower expected to fall on Wednesday, July 30,” reported the BBC. “Stargazers with the right conditions should be able to see a steady stream of up to 25 meteors an hour at its peak, which is expected to take place between midnight and dawn,” they added.
In most parts of the world, you can catch the meteor shower around 5 am, when the activity is expected to peak and the sky is still dark. You won’t need binoculars or a telescope. All you need is a spot away from bright lights and a clear view of the sky. Allow your eyes to adjust for 20 to 30 minutes and try to avoid looking at your phone during this time.
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read Moreand identity. Her reporting has appeared in National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue India, and Hindustan Times, where she spent two years on staff as a correspondent covering travel and culture. She is an alumna of the University of Westminster`s Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design. Currently based in Delhi, she grew up in various cities across India and has lived in Amsterdam, and London. Read Less
Home»TOURISM NEWS» Thailand Aims to Revive Tourism as Chinese Visitor Numbers Plummet
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Author: TTW News Desk
Tourism in Thailand, an important pillar of its economy, is having a tough year in 2025. International tourist arrivals have fallen 5%, led predominantly by a fall in visitors from China and competition from alternative destinations in Asia.
Between January 1 and July 5, 2025, Thailand received 16.8 million international visitors, lower than 17.7 million during the same period last year. The largest decrease was from neighboring nations, which dropped by 12.2%, with East Asia also experiencing a steep 24.8% decline. The main reason being the smaller number of Chinese tourists, which dipped by 34.2% from pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Shifting Tourist Demographics
While long-haul travelers from markets like India, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the U.S. have increased, their numbers remain relatively small, accounting for only 28% of total arrivals. These tourists typically spend more, but their growth cannot fully compensate for the loss of Chinese visitors.
Before the pandemic, China was Thailand’s largest tourism market, supplying 28% of all international arrivals—about 11.1 million visitors in 2019. However, Chinese tourists now make up just 13.6% of total arrivals. Estimates suggest that 2025 will mark the first time in over a decade (excluding COVID-19 years) that Chinese tourist numbers fall below 5 million.
Government Measures to Revive Tourism
Tourism contributes 20% of Thailand’s GDP, making its recovery crucial. The Thai government has introduced several initiatives to counter the downturn:
1. Delaying the Tourist Fee
Originally set for 2025, the government postponed the “Kha Yeap Pan Din” fee (a 300 THB charge for air arrivals and 150 THB for land/sea entries) to mid-2026. The funds will enhance tourist facilities and provide insurance coverage for foreign visitors.
2. Subsidies for Charter Flights
To attract more visitors, authorities are offering 350,000 THB per charter flight. New partnerships with travel agencies in Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Hangzhou aim to bring an additional 150,000 Chinese tourists to Thailand.
3. Digital Entry System
Earlier in 2025, Thailand launched a digital entry system, replacing paper-based immigration checks with a faster, online registration process to improve the traveler experience.
Factors Behind the Decline in Chinese Tourists
Several key factors contribute to the drop in Chinese visitors:
1. Economic Slowdown in China
China’s economic challenges, including a sluggish property market and weaker consumer spending, have led to reduced outbound tourism. Middle-class travelers, who once fueled Thailand’s tourism boom, are now more cautious with discretionary spending.
2. Rising Competition from Other Destinations
Countries like Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea have aggressively marketed themselves to Chinese tourists, offering easier visa policies and new attractions. Japan’s weakened yen, for example, has made it a more affordable option compared to Thailand.
3. Changing Travel Preferences
Post-pandemic, Chinese tourists are favoring shorter trips and domestic travel over long international vacations. The popularity of “revenge travel” within China has also diverted potential visitors away from overseas destinations.
4. Safety Concerns and Negative Perceptions
Reports of scams targeting tourists and safety incidents in Thailand have circulated on Chinese social media, damaging the country’s reputation as a secure destination. The Thai government is working to address these concerns through tighter regulations and public awareness campaigns.
Private Sector Initiatives in Thailand
Hotels, airlines, and tour operators are also adapting to the changing market:
Discounts and Bundled Packages – Many resorts are offering all-inclusive deals to attract budget-conscious travelers.
Luxury and Wellness Tourism – High-end hotels are focusing on medical tourism and wellness retreats, particularly targeting European and Middle Eastern visitors.
Sustainable Tourism – Eco-friendly resorts and community-based tourism projects are gaining traction among environmentally conscious travelers.
Future Outlook for Thai Tourism
Experts are of the view that these stimulus steps will begin yielding fruit by the end of 2025. Assuming no serious disruptions, Chinese tourist arrivals may return to 70-80% of pre-pandemic levels towards the end of 2026.
Thailand, despite present difficulties, is a leading travel destination, and the efforts of the government seek to reinstate it as a player in the international tourism arena. The emphasis currently is on diversifying sources of visitors and improving traveler convenience in a bid to develop long-term growth.
Home»ASIA» Thailand’s Tourism Strategy Must Evolve to Cater to The Growing Demand for Luxury Travel in Asia Pacific
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Author: TTW News Desk
To cater to the region’s influx of high-net-worth travelers on the hunt for premium experiences, Thailand’s tourism playbook needs a makeover. Market data reveals a new wave of middle class consumers in key markets, such as China and India, who now crave high-end resorts, exclusive experiences and luxury services. Despite regulatory constraints, the Thai government is making efforts to stay competitive by allowing integrated resorts and putting a premium on infrastructure and public-private partnerships that would attract these big-spending tourists. This change is essential for the nation to take full advantage of the wealth in Asia Pacific and guarantee long-term prosperity amid an ever more fierce tourism industry.
The tourism industry in Thailand has for many years been among the largest in Southeast Asia, and this amount continues to expand every year. With visitor numbers exceeding that threshold (CNN puts it at 40 million), a marketplace is emerging for five-star luxury tourism — that sector poised to deliver the future growth, now that the country has arguably peaked as a traditional tourist destination. However, several leading experts have urged the country to aggressively target high-end travelers from the Asia-Pacific region — a fast-growing group of potential tourists who could be key to helping restore Thailand’s tourism industry. This transition requires a focused strategy such as luxury marketing, perception branding through public-private partnerships, and investment in global standard infrastructure.
Thailand’s Tourism Landscape and Challenges
In recent years, Thailand’s tourism industry has enjoyed tremendous success, attracting millions of international visitors annually. However, after surpassing the 40-million mark, Thailand now faces new challenges in maintaining its competitive edge in the global tourism market. To remain relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand must shift its focus towards luxury tourism.
This shift is necessary not only to keep up with the growing affluence of travelers in the region but also to maintain the country’s competitive position compared to neighboring destinations such as Singapore, Japan, and emerging destinations in the Middle East. Experts argue that Thailand’s tourism sector must focus on high-end travelers, particularly those from countries like China and India, whose growing middle class is fueling demand for premium travel experiences.
Affluent Travelers and the Rising Middle Class in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region, which encompasses some of the world’s most dynamic economies, is witnessing an influx of affluent travelers who are increasingly looking for luxury experiences. According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), tourism in Asia-Pacific generated over 648 million regional trips last year, with projections indicating that the number of trips will reach nearly 700 million this year and 800 million by 2027. Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and tropical landscapes, is well-positioned to capture a share of this growing market.
China stands out as a crucial market driving the demand for luxury tourism. Over 6.2 million affluent individuals and 168 million upper-middle-class consumers in China are fueling luxury consumption, both within China and abroad. As these consumers look for travel experiences that cater to their refined tastes, Thailand stands out as a prime destination for high-end tourism, offering world-class resorts, luxurious beachfront properties, and exquisite dining experiences.
However, Thailand faces challenges in attracting these affluent travelers. A significant challenge is the perception of safety, particularly due to concerns over border scams and the recent tensions at the Thailand-Cambodia border. Many governments have issued travel warnings for Thailand, which has caused some hesitation among potential travelers from key markets like China. This perception issue has had a direct impact on the country’s ability to tap into the luxury tourism sector.
The Need for Luxury Marketing and Public-Private Partnerships
To maximize growth in the luxury tourism market, Thailand needs to invest in targeted luxury marketing campaigns that focus on the affluent Asia-Pacific traveler. The country must also work on strengthening public-private partnerships to develop new infrastructure and attractions that cater to the needs of high-end visitors.
Public-private partnerships can be key to building integrated resorts, luxury hotels, and entertainment complexes that appeal to the growing affluent class in the region. Additionally, these partnerships can foster the development of experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, offering exclusive and immersive experiences that luxury travelers crave.
Currently, Thailand’s major tourism websites, such as the Thailand National Tourism Organization’s (TAT) website, could benefit from significant upgrades. A more user-friendly and visually appealing website would make it easier for international visitors to access important information about the country’s luxury tourism offerings. By looking at the success of other national tourism boards, such as Japan’s National Tourism Organization website, Thailand could make improvements that would better showcase its luxury offerings to potential visitors from around the globe.
The Impact of Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill
Thailand’s entertainment complex bill, which remains delayed, is another factor that could affect the country’s ability to compete with other countries in the region. The bill’s approval is crucial for enabling Thailand to establish the necessary infrastructure to compete in the luxury tourism market. Integrated resorts and high-end entertainment complexes have become key attractions in places like Singapore and Macau. These resorts not only provide luxury accommodations but also offer world-class entertainment, dining, shopping, and leisure activities, creating a destination that appeals to affluent travelers.
Without this bill’s passage, Thailand risks falling behind other countries in the region. For example, developments like Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa, or Macau’s integrated resorts, continue to set the standard for luxury tourism in Asia. Additionally, new projects in emerging destinations such as Vietnam are gaining attention for their ability to attract affluent visitors, which could further increase the competitive pressure on Thailand.
Galaxy Resorts Thailand, for instance, has emphasized the need for the bill to be passed in order to enhance the country’s competitiveness. The resort giant has expressed patience regarding the delay, respecting the government’s decision while remaining hopeful that the legislation will eventually pass to allow for future developments.
Global Competitiveness and the Luxury Gaming Sector
The battle for dominance in the luxury tourism market extends beyond accommodations and entertainment. The gaming industry also plays a significant role in attracting affluent travelers, with several integrated resorts across the Asia-Pacific region catering to high-end gaming enthusiasts.
In Macau, for example, Galaxy Entertainment Group’s Galaxy Macau is set to open a fourth phase with five new luxury hotels, retail outlets, and family-friendly attractions. The resort is focused on attracting premium customers rather than mass-market gamblers, positioning itself as a high-end destination for tourists looking for both luxury gaming and non-gaming experiences.
With Macau’s government projecting a decrease in the region’s gross gaming revenue, Galaxy Entertainment is still optimistic about its business prospects, as it targets the premium gaming sector. Its strategy aligns with a broader trend in the industry, where companies focus more on high-value customers rather than the traditional mass market.
The Role of Integrated Resorts in Luxury Tourism
The concept of integrated resorts, which blend luxury accommodations, world-class entertainment, gaming, and retail, has become a key component of luxury tourism in Asia. Thailand has the potential to become a major player in this sector, but it will require the government and private sector to collaborate on the creation of world-class resorts that can attract affluent travelers from the Asia-Pacific region.
With the entertainment complex bill still under discussion, Thailand has not yet been able to capitalize fully on the integrated resort trend. However, as developments such as Japan’s MGM Osaka and the UAE’s first casino resort by Wynn in 2027 continue to emerge, the competition in this sector is becoming fiercer. Thailand needs to act quickly to secure its place in this rapidly expanding market.
Thailand’s Strategic Position in Asia-Pacific Tourism
Despite the current challenges, Thailand remains strategically positioned as a leading destination in the Asia-Pacific region. The country’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-class infrastructure provide a solid foundation for luxury tourism development. However, Thailand must adapt to the changing demands of the Asia-Pacific tourism market by focusing on the luxury sector, particularly targeting the growing number of affluent travelers from China, India, and other regional markets.
To ensure its continued success in the luxury tourism market, Thailand must focus on marketing strategies that emphasize the country’s unique offerings and its potential for delivering world-class experiences. Building integrated resorts, improving tourism platforms, and passing the entertainment complex bill are essential for establishing Thailand as a top destination for wealthy travelers in the Asia-Pacific market.for affluent travelers in the Asia-Pacific region.
With the rise of luxury travel in Asia Pacific, driven by affluent travelers from markets such as China and India who are seeking once-in-a-lifetime high-end experiences, Thailand’s tourism strategy needs to adapt. Thailand has an opportunity to capitalize on its long-standing reputation as a tourism leader in Asia, but it will need to act quickly and invest in infrastructure, luxury resorts and public-private partnerships that build out the region if it is wants to stay at the head of the pack.
Luxury tourism in Thailand may be at a turning point. Safety remains a concern with the entertainment complex bill still unfinished, but the country needs to step up marketing efforts and take advantage of its rich pool of high-rolling visitor sources from Asia-Pacific. Thailand will become a key global player in the premium tourism market by developing public-private partnerships, rehabilitating infrastructure, and ultimately targeting luxury markets.
The Pakistan men’s hockey team will not be taking part in the Asia Cup to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7, according to a Hockey India official.
Speaking to The Hindu on Wednesday, the Hockey India official said even though the Indian government was willing to provide visas for the Pakistan players, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) refused to travel, citing security reasons.
Bangladesh invited
“In fact, PHF has written a letter to the Asian Hockey Federation on Wednesday, saying that it won’t be able to compete in the Asia Cup due to security reasons. We have invited Bangladesh now,” the official said.
Pakistan’s participation in the competition — a qualifying event for the 2026 World Cup — had been uncertain given the continued tensions between the two nations, with the PHF making it clear that it had security concerns and even suggesting moving the tournament elsewhere as an option.
This was despite the Indian government’s assurances in early July that no Pakistan team would be stopped from travelling to India.
Officials had claimed as late as July-end that the Pakistan team had already applied for visas. However, the Pakistan government had recently ordered that no invitation to travel to India should be accepted by any sports federation without its explicit approval.
The decision also casts a shadow on Pakistan’s participation in the Junior World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai in November-December. Pakistan had also missed out on the JWC in 2016 – which India won – after the Pathankot and Uri terror attacks. Interestingly, Pakistan last travelled to India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, finishing fifth in the six-team competition.
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