IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a memorandum of understanding with Emirates Airlines to explore joint products aimed at small and midsized enterprises.
In a statement both companies committed to “explore ways to reach and engage with SMEs through value-added benefits and exclusive rewards to facilitate business travel”.
Few details were released, although IHG earlier this year partnered with Singapore Airlines to offer corporate members of SIA’s business loyalty programme the chance to join IHG Business Edge, its discount and perks programme for SMEs.
Eligible members of SIA’s HighFlyer business travel programme receive a complimentary Gold Elite upgrade within the IHG One programme if they join IHG Business Edge.
SIA’s HighFlyer programme is a loyalty programme for business travel that offers corporates discounts and points that can be redeemed for rewards or used to defray costs on future travel.
IHG says Business Edge is free, with no hidden fees and no minimum annual spend, and offers access to “a guaranteed discount each time you or your travellers book business or personal travel”.
Together, Emirates and IHG will explore ways to reach and engage with SMEs through value-added benefits and exclusive rewards to facilitate business travel. The hotel group will provide enhanced travel incentives and seamless integration with its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts around the globe.
For many Indians, exploring the world starts with nearby Southeast Asia, which is home to many affordable international getaways. From pristine beaches to bustling city streets, this part of the world offers plenty to explore without burning a hole in your pocket. Countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand are budget-friendly options that boast stunning beaches, bustling markets, and rich cultural experiences. However, Laos, the only landlocked country in the region, has recently been recognised as the most affordable travel destination in Southeast Asia.
This country has been named the most affordable travel destination in Southeast Asia. Hint: It’s not Thailand or Vietnam
Time Out magazine recently named Laos as the most affordable travel destination in Southeast Asia. According to the report, traveling in Laos costs an average of only £12 (Rs 1,414) per day.
Laos is a quiet little gem that’s perfect for those seeking a break from crowded tourist spots. It’s easy on the pocket, with affordable food, accommodations, and transportation, allowing you to enjoy more without overspending. The country boasts stunning natural beauty, including mountains, the mighty Mekong River, and stunning waterfalls like Kuang Si. You can explore ancient temples, try adventurous activities like river tubing in Vang Vieng, or simply relax and soak in the slow-paced atmosphere.
According to Time Out, getting around in Laos is affordable – you can rent a motorbike for a day from just £4.70 (Rs 553), hop on a local bus or minivan between cities for under £4.50 (Rs 529), or even take the scenic Laos–China Railway from Vientiane to Vang Vieng for about £6 (Rs 706).
Food is a total bargain too – a plate of sticky rice with grilled pork on the street will cost you less than £1 (Rs 117). Coming to accommodation and sightseeing, hostel beds in Luang Prabang or Vientiane start at £3 (Rs 353) and in Vang Vieng for as little as £1.50 (Rs 176). Even sightseeing doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket – the famous Kuang Si Falls, which also includes entry to the Bear Rescue Centre, is only £2.30 (Rs 270).
Laos is followed on the affordability list by Vietnam and Cambodia, with a daily average budget of £15 (about Rs 1,768), Malaysia and Indonesia at £19 (about Rs 2,239), and Thailand at £24 (about Rs 2,829).
So if you are planning a quick getaway this holiday season, skip the usual Thailand or Indonesia and give Laos a chance to surprise you.
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Laos Recognized as The Most Affordable Travel Destination of Southeast Asia
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
In a recent Time Out Magazine feature, Laos has been identified as the most budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia. With a combination of cultural diversity, natural landscapes, and friendly hospitality, Laos presents visitors the opportunity to enjoy an authentic destination at a low cost.
As reported by the Vientiane Times, Laos presents a perfect mix of affordability and genuineness, attracting budget-conscious travelers. With an average spend per day of only $15.97, covering accommodation, food, and transport, Laos has consistently proven itself to be a budget travel gem for those looking for an affordable yet fulfilling travelling experience.
Affordable Accommodation and Local Cuisine
Accommodation in Laos is incredibly affordable, with options catering to all budgets. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane, hostel beds can be found for as low as a few dollars per night. The famed backpacker hotspot of Vangvieng sees even cheaper prices, with rooms starting at just $2 per night, making it one of the most affordable destinations in the region.
For food lovers, Laos offers a vibrant street food scene that won’t break the bank. Classic dishes like sticky rice and grilled pork are commonly sold for around $1, providing travelers with a flavorful and budget-friendly option for meals throughout the day.
Affordable Attractions and Travel in Laos
Visiting Laos is not only cheap in terms of accommodation and food, but its attractions and transport options are also very affordable. Entry fees for most tourist sites are reasonably priced, allowing visitors to explore the country’s cultural landmarks and natural wonders without financial strain. For intercity travel, buses and minivans offer convenient, low-cost options between major towns.
Additionally, the Laos-China Railway provides travelers with access to the scenic route between Vientiane and Vangvieng for just around $8 in second-class tickets. For those seeking more flexibility and independence, motorbike rentals are available starting at just $6 per day, making it easy for travelers to explore at their own pace.
Comparing Laos to Other Budget-Friendly Southeast Asian Destinations
According to Time Out’s rankings, Vietnam and Cambodia follow closely behind Laos in terms of budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Both countries offer similar daily expenses for travelers, with average daily costs that are comparable to Laos’. Meanwhile, Thailand and Indonesia trail with slightly higher costs, at $32 and $25, respectively.
Despite these differences, Laos stands out as the best destination for travelers looking to explore Southeast Asia on a tight budget, offering affordable travel options across the board.
Growing International Recognition for Laos
Laos’ reputation as a hidden gem in Southeast Asia continues to grow, with increasing global recognition. Renowned travel outlets such as CNN, National Geographic, and The Telegraph have highlighted Laos as one of the must-visit destinations in recent years.
CNN featured Laos among its list of the 23 best destinations to visit, while National Geographic included the country in its 25 breathtaking places to explore. Similarly, the UK’s The Telegraph named Laos among 20 standout destinations for 2023, further cementing its growing appeal on the international travel scene.
Laos Ranked as the Most Budget-Friendly Country in the World for 2025
A separate ranking by Travel and Tour World, supported by research from the Canadian financial platform HelloSafe, has recognized Laos as the most budget-friendly destination in the world for 2025. This ranking adds to the growing recognition of Laos as a leading budget destination globally, offering travelers excellent value for their money.
Tourism Growth in Laos: A Promising Outlook
The surge in international interest is also reflected in Laos’ tourism data. According to official statistics reported by Vientiane Times, more than 1.2 million international visitors traveled to Laos in the first three months of 2025, marking an impressive 11% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This increase generated over $426 million in tourism revenue, demonstrating the growing economic impact of the tourism sector.
The rise in international tourism has been mirrored by a boom in domestic travel, with more than 1.4 million Lao travelers recorded during the same period, nearly double the number from the previous year. This growth in domestic tourism contributed an additional $237 million to Laos’ tourism revenues.
Conclusion: Laos – An Affordable Travel Destination with Growing Appeal
Negeri Sembilan Emerges as Top Destination in Malaysia with Thirty-Five Point One Percent Surge in International Tourism: A Reflection of Shifting Travel Trends in Asia
Home»Latest Travel News of Asia» Negeri Sembilan Emerges as Top Destination in Malaysia with Thirty-Five Point One Percent Surge in International Tourism: A Reflection of Shifting Travel Trends in Asia
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
In 2024, Negeri Sembilan emerges as top destination in Malaysia, a nature, culture, and modern attractions getaway, achieving an unprecedented growth in international travelers. The state recorded a 35.1% growth in international tourist arrivals, totaling 460,000 international tourists compared to 340,000 in 2023. This extraordinary increase highlights a shift within the travel industry as tourists spend their vacation in places that provide aesthetic benefits and travel experiences beyond the usual getaway.
The momentum of growth in the Southeast Asian region as a tourism hotspot offers great potential for relegated travel hubs, as exemplified partially unexplored by international tourists, as exemplified by the state of Negeri Sembilan. With the diversified international tourists in comparison to the enriched culture, unexplored nature attractions, and modern tourism facilities, the state of Negeri Sembilan emerges to be one of the key tourism centers in Malaysia for 2024 and further years.
Key Attractions Driving Negeri Sembilan’s Tourism Growth
The increased international visitation to Negeri Sembilan is linked to the “Pesona Daerah” initiative, which aims to promote the multi-faceted offerings of the state. Facilitating international travel and tourism to Negeri Sembilan, the marked attractions such as Taman Tasik Seremban, X-Park Sendayan, and Port Dickson have been instrumental in capturing the attention of the tourists. Indeed, more than 100,000 visitors to Taman Tasik Seremban, a large proportion of whom were foreign tourists. Furthermore, X-Park Sendayan is becoming a global hotspot for adventurers indeed.
Also, the coastal town of Port Dickson with its beaches and recreational areas is foreign tourists favorite for its Ornamental Fish Centre and Army Museum which continue to attract visitors. The increase in the number of such visitors reflects the growing tendency to visit and mark off locations in the “ventures” category which also offer respite and relaxation.
Southeast Asia: A Hotspot for Changing Travel Trends in 2025
Southeast Asia remains a top international travel destination as we approach the year 2025. The region’s international connectivity, competitive travel expenses, rich heritage, and abundant natural beauty continue earning the region a place as a hot favorite among travelers. The rapid transformation in the travel sphere now allows tourists to delve deeper and engage in more in-depth and experiential travel rather than have a checklist approach.
Post-Pandemic Travel Shift
The impact of the global pandemic has changed how people think about tourism. The pandemic has caused a lot of changes regarding ecotourism. It has enabled the booming of environmentally sympathetic tourism. Areas such as Negeri Sembilan are benefiting due to the rise of tourists that appreciate ancient sustainable tourism and local wisdom combined with natural wondrous beauty.
Additionally, people are now keen to view less congested and less popular areas. This is particularly helpful with the long-standing issues facing the city of Negeri Sembilan. Combined with the less known to the world, the use of natural beauties along with simple blended cultures can be felt across Southeast Asia
Ecotourism Takes Center Stage in Asia
Southeast Asia has been quick to respond to new preferences by capitalizing on the newly in-demand ecotourism. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are fully committed to developing eco-friendly tourism that endorses conservation and provides visitors with remarkable travel experiences. In Malaysia, states such as Negeri Sembilan that have a wealth of natural sights and ecotourism such as hiking, bird watching, and jungle trekking are becoming more popular.
Wellness tourism that is on the rise, where travelers want to rejuvenate in nature, is also shaping the tourism in the area. This is similar to the rise of eco-resorts and green hotels, which have actively looked to reduce their environmental impact while providing guests with green luxury. In 2025, there will be a large demand for destinations that blend nature with leisure and health.
Rise of Cultural Heritage and Community-Based Tourism
The latest significant development that is likely to emerge by 2025 is centered on community-based tourism. Travelers are becoming more aware of their economic footprints on local communities. This shift in thought is now driving the growth of cultural heritage tourism as these travelers are keen on understanding the historical facets, traditions, and artistic expressions that define a place.
With regard to this, in Malaysia, community-based tourism and cultural initiatives on Pesona Daerah are available in Negeri Sembilan, which meets the community needs. The cultural workshops are very popular among visitors. Local people are very eager to market their indigenous culture. As cultural tourism becomes more popular, more and more travelers are seeking richer and more interesting culturally authentic and meaningful experiences.
Technology and Smart Tourism in 2025
The rise of smart tourism will be yet another key driver for travel in 2025. In the 2025 travel year, the modern traveler is looking for greater shifts for the traveler, including, but not limited to, modern travel engines that include personalized instructions, interactive travel guides, or even virtual and augmented reality tours of famous landmarks. The tourism industry requires the introduction of technologies, such as smart AI applications and contactless visitor engagement, that enhance the visitor experience.
In Southeast Asia, the new technologies are being embraced for their practical applications in the travel experience in the more positive and pleasant way. In the smart tourism agenda, for instance, digital guides that update in real time on different parts of the region are used by the clients. In turn, the new technologies being embraced will modernize the region, making it more appealing to the modern tourists.
Conclusion: The Future of Travel in Southeast Asia
Anticipating the year 2025, travel tendencies in Southeast Asia are shifting to sustainability, immersive travel, and technology-enabled tourism. The tourism boom in Negeri Sembilan Tier 1 Boosters highlights how the region is adapting to emerging trends. The region now successfully considers itself a travel hotspot as a result of sustainable tourism, ecotourism and authentic cultural tourism.
Southeast Asia has successfully placed itself as a global tourism hub, and innovation is key to overcoming challenges. Since travelers are now prioritizing sustainable tourism with cultural meaningful social interactions, the region’s distinctive and diverse features are bound to make it a prime target. Transformative travel awaits in 2025, be it the serene coastline of Negeri Sembilan or the lush and green jungles of Thailand.
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