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.
Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan And Hong Kong Outperform Emerging Destinations Across Asia As New Traveler Data Confirms Their Continued Dominance In Repeat Tourism And Regional Travel Loyalty
Home»TOURISM NEWS» Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan And Hong Kong Outperform Emerging Destinations Across Asia As New Traveler Data Confirms Their Continued Dominance In Repeat Tourism And Regional Travel Loyalty
Published on
August 7, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have once again emerged as top-performing destinations in Asia, surpassing a growing field of emerging travel markets, thanks to their unmatched appeal for repeat visitors and strong regional travel loyalty. New traveler data confirms that these destinations continue to dominate because of their seamless connectivity, diverse offerings—from urban luxury to natural retreats—and traveler-friendly visa policies. Unlike newer destinations still building infrastructure and recognition, these four have successfully cultivated trust and emotional connection among both domestic and international tourists, solidifying their long-term popularity in Asia’s competitive tourism landscape.
A recent travel trend reveals that travelers across Asia are increasingly drawn back to destinations they’ve already visited. According to new data from a major digital travel platform, Asia’s most revisited cities for the first half of 2025 include Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Bali, and Osaka. These cities lead the latest Repeat Visitor Ranking, which tracks destinations travelers book more than once within a six-month period. The list showcases places that continue to capture the hearts and itineraries of global tourists.
Rather than chasing new destinations, travelers are actively choosing to return to places they love. Whether it’s rediscovering hidden spots, revisiting favorite cafés, or simply relaxing in a familiar atmosphere, return travel is proving more desirable than ever. Many cities now see travelers returning not just annually, but multiple times in one year—underscoring the growing importance of emotional connection and experience continuity in the travel industry.
Bangkok Remains Asia’s Top Destination for Repeat Travelers
Bangkok ranks first on the Repeat Visitor Ranking for the second year in a row. The city’s vibrant street markets, rich cultural landmarks, and modern urban experiences consistently attract international visitors. From the serenity of riverside temples to the buzz of rooftop bars, Bangkok offers something for every kind of traveler—and it keeps delivering reasons to return.
To maintain this momentum, Thailand has introduced new travel promotions aimed at encouraging international arrivals. A special campaign running throughout July and mid-August features exclusive deals across hotels, shopping, and entertainment. These offers focus on travelers from key regional markets including India, China, Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam, with the goal of increasing both first-time and repeat visits.
Thailand’s Other Cities Grow in Popularity Among Return Visitors
Beyond Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai are also seeing strong numbers of returning travelers. Each destination offers its own unique experiences—whether it’s island adventures in Phuket, nightlife in Pattaya, cultural richness in Chiang Mai, or borderland charm in Hat Yai. Travelers who visit one city often return to explore others, adding to Thailand’s reputation as a multi-stop destination.
Thailand is making travel between cities easier. Planned infrastructure projects include airport expansions, improved public transport systems, and intercity rail upgrades. These enhancements aim to reduce travel time and make internal travel smoother, which will likely encourage even more repeat visits across different regions.
Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia Feature Strongly in Repeat Travel Trends
While Thailand dominates the top spots, other countries also feature prominently. Tokyo and Osaka, both in Japan, remain among the most revisited cities in Asia. Travelers return for a blend of traditional and contemporary culture. In Tokyo, repeat visitors enjoy everything from futuristic entertainment districts to historic shrines and seasonal cherry blossom views. Osaka, known for its food culture and warm hospitality, sees travelers coming back for its street food, markets, and historical sites.
Seoul, another top contender, attracts repeat travelers with its dynamic mix of fashion, heritage, K-pop, and high-tech convenience. Whether exploring ancient palaces or shopping in the city’s trendiest districts, returning tourists find new layers to experience each time they visit.
Bali also maintains its reputation as one of Asia’s most beloved destinations. Its natural landscapes, laid-back atmosphere, and wellness-focused experiences draw tourists back again and again. Many travelers who visit Bali once often return for longer stays, exploring different parts of the island or engaging in spiritual retreats.
Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong Round Out the Top 10
Malaysia appears twice in the top ten with Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Kuala Lumpur remains a top choice for its skyscrapers, shopping, and nightlife, while Johor Bahru benefits from its close proximity to Singapore and growing family-oriented attractions. Both cities offer return travelers a mix of comfort, culture, and convenience.
Da Nang in Vietnam continues to gain popularity for its coastal charm and historical appeal. Repeat travelers enjoy its beaches, local markets, and easy access to nearby heritage towns like Hoi An and Hue.
Taipei remains a favorite among urban travelers. With its blend of modern city life, traditional temples, and famous night markets, it keeps visitors engaged across multiple trips. Hong Kong, although just outside the top 10, continues to attract travelers who want a mix of cosmopolitan energy and cultural richness. Its diverse neighborhoods, harbor views, and shopping districts ensure there’s always something new to discover—even on a return trip.
Travelers Prefer Familiar Destinations With Depth and Variety
This shift toward repeat travel signals changing tourist behavior. Today’s travelers value familiarity, comfort, and deep experiences over novelty alone. Returning to a known destination allows them to dig deeper, explore off-the-beaten-path areas, and relax without the pressure of rushing through an itinerary.
Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong continue to lead Asia’s tourism scene, outperforming emerging destinations due to their strong visitor loyalty, superior infrastructure, and consistently high repeat travel driven by convenience, safety, and diverse experiences.
Many travelers now treat repeat travel as a lifestyle—building lasting relationships with destinations they love. The increase in regional flight options, easy booking tools, and customized promotions encourages this kind of travel. Cities that offer a mix of culture, variety, convenience, and emotional connection are winning repeat visitors and becoming long-term favorites.
The Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa rises serenely from a mass of greenery, the white balconies on each room making its façade look almost like it’s been embossed. Of the three Seibu Prince hotels here, Shin Takanawa offers the best balance of comfort and cost — and guests can use some facilities in the other two properties as well. All three benefit from access to sprawling Japanese gardens, which are especially beautiful in springtime.
The hotel’s large size can work against it: it’s popular for conferences, so the common areas sometimes become crowded, and service can lack a personal touch at busy times. However, it’s also a strength: among other facilities, the hotel has room for three restaurants, two lounges and an excellent bar.
Between its convenient location near Shinagawa Station, comfortable rooms, well-maintained facilities and reasonable price point, Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa makes a great base for exploring Tokyo and the wider Kanto region.
Overall score 7/10
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Rooms and suites
Score 7/10 Most of the hotel’s 908 rooms — the Superiors — are on the first 30 floors. Each has a small balcony and a simple but sufficient bathroom with bath, shower and good-size mirror. The Natural category rooms are slightly soulless, but the Modern category ones have touches like adjustable lighting and earth-toned bed runners that warm things up significantly. They’re all large by Tokyo standards, but the triple and quad rooms feel a bit cramped.
The 14th and 15th floors are reserved for Club rooms (which are similar to the Modern Superior rooms) and spacious elegant suites, which all come with added perks. Chief among these is access to the Club Lounge, where complimentary breakfasts and snacks are served in a luxurious indoor space — all rich, dark colours and natural materials — or on the terrace. Club-floor guests also have access to facilities in the neighbouring Seibu Prince properties: the sauna and whirlpool bath (free) and the gym (extra fee) in the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo; and the Club Lounge in the Grand Prince Takanawa.
Many rooms on the hotel’s north side have clear views of the red-and-white Tokyo Tower, while those facing south will enjoy the serene sight of Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days.
Food and drink
Score 8/10 There aren’t many restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, but with so many in-house options you won’t mind. Buffet breakfasts at Zakuro include a huge range of Japanese and western food, omelettes and scrambled eggs to order, and a salad and fruit bar. The signature dish is the Prince Hotel original curry (chicken in a thick, rich sauce served with Japanese rice) — definitely a hearty way to start your day. Lunch and dinner are also buffet-style.
Shimizu serves Japanese gozen-style breakfasts: rice, a main dish such as grilled fish plus various sides. Set menus are also available at lunch and dinner, ranging from tempura and sushi to complex kaiseki meals. Children’s menus are available, and there are some à la carte dishes at dinner.
The third restaurant, Kokiden, focuses on Chinese cuisine. The lunch and dinner menus mostly feature Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, and you can choose between extensive set meals and à la carte. Again, kids’ menus are available.
Then there’s the Momiji Lounge, which specialises in afternoon tea, with seasonal specials featuring different fruits and flowers like delicate pink cherry blossoms in spring or juicy, refreshing Yubari melon in summer. The relaxed space also has simple dining options like pasta, salads and sandwiches, plus everything from tea and coffee to cocktails, which you can enjoy with live music, often classical or usually jazz, on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Score 7/10 Encompassing almost five acres between the Shin Takanawa, Grand Prince Takanawa and Prince Sakura Tokyo Tower hotels, the Prince Hotel Japanese Garden is an impressive sight. Considered planting means it’s beautiful in every season, but spring is the standout, when its 210 species of cherry blossom trees are in bloom. As with all of the hotel’s public areas, the gardens are wheelchair-accessible, and staff are happy to assist with the hills and bumpy areas. A koi carp-feeding activity is available for children and in the summer months families can enjoy the outdoor Diamond Pool, while the rooftop Sky Pool is restricted to guests aged 16 or above.
Where is it?
Score 7/10 The hotel is in a fairly quiet neighbourhood without many tourist sights. That said, there are some charming shrines and temples nearby, and bayside Tennozu Isle is half an hour’s walk away. Shinagawa Station — ten minutes’ walk away — and the area just east has a plethora of shops, restaurants and bars.
The location is ideal for anyone using Haneda airport, which is around 25 minutes’ drive away, or less than 15 minutes by train from Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is a major transport hub, with multiple lines including the useful Yamanote loop, the Narita Express to Tokyo’s other airport, and bullet trains on the Tokaido line west to Shizuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. Under five minutes’ walk west of the hotel is Takanawadai Station on the Asakusa subway line.
You can use the excellent public transport connections for easy access to sights including Tsukiji’s bustling Outer Market, river cruises from Hinode Pier, Tokyo Port Brewery (one of very few saké producers in the city) and Tokyo Tower.
Price B&B doubles from £149 Restaurant mains from £13 Family-friendly Y Accessible Y
Rebecca Hallet was a guest of Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (princehotels.com/shintakanawa)
The Philippine government has green-lit a public-private partnership (PPP) deal to run and maintain the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), a key project aimed at boosting commuter services and opening up easier access to tourism spots in the Manila metro area. Getting the concession plan ready is a big step forward for the railway, which is designed to cut down traffic, link more places, and promote sustainable growth in one of the busiest cities in Southeast Asia.
The North-South Commuter Railway sits at the heart of the government’s promise to upgrade public transport. It will act like a spinal column for Manila’s transport system, offering a high-capacity, fast, and green choice for everyday travellers and tourists. Under the PPP deal, a private firm will team up with the Philippine government to run and maintain the line, securing its long-term viability and environmental stewardship.
A New Era of Connectivity for Commuters and Tourists
The NSCR is poised to transform commuter life across the metro. By connecting key urban hubs to the capital’s transport nodes, the line will provide a speedy alternative to Manila’s famous gridlock, cutting travel time and boosting the overall travel experience for both regular riders and tourists.
For visitors to the Philippines, the new rail network makes it easier than ever to hop between Manila’s must-see spots and the wider region. Iconic places like Intramuros, Rizal Park, the Manila Bay promenade, and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) will now sit just a short ride apart, helping tourism expand across the Metro. The North-South Commuter Railway will link the capital to a string of exciting destinations, letting travellers move smoothly and spend more time enjoying the sights.
The service doesn’t just help out-of-town guests—locals will feel the difference, too. The train will knit together popular districts across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, so visitors can bounce between neighbourhoods and attractions without the usual hassle. An easy, comfy ride means more chances to see hidden gems and savour every moment.
PPP Agreement: Keeping it Running Smoothly for Years to Come
The North-South Commuter Railway leans on a public-private partnership (PPP) to keep the system running efficiently over the long haul. Once the tracks are laid and trains are running, a private consortium will handle everything from daily operations to maintenance. This setup is designed to keep trains safe, on time, and focused on giving every passenger a pleasant ride.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the national government have chosen private-sector partners after a thorough review of their track records in running large transport projects. The government will keep a close watch on the entire initiative to ensure it hits all quality benchmarks and aligns with the country’s long-term development vision.
The public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement focuses on making the railway financially viable. Both public and private sides will take on specific risks and benefits. This approach will also support step-by-step growth, with planned expansions timed to match rising passenger demand.
Tackling Metro Manila’s Traffic Woes
Metro Manila’s traffic is among the worst in Southeast Asia. Daily commutes are a grind for millions who rely on buses, jeepneys, and cars. The new North-South Commuter Railway will offer a quick and reliable travel option, helping to shift trips away from the roads and easing congestion on busy streets.
Linking important parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the railway will cut travel times, boost productivity, and raise the day-to-day living standard for all who travel the region. A steady rail service will lighten road traffic, make the air cleaner, and offer a greener way to travel for Metro Manila’s growing number of residents and commuters.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Building and running the North-South Commuter Railway will bring strong economic and environmental wins. Crews will hire thousands of workers during the construction period, and train service will support steady jobs once the system is running. The railway will open quick, direct routes to city centers, schools, and tourist sites, helping local businesses and the travel trade grow.
Environmentally, the North-South Commuter Railway was designed with sustainability in mind. The system will cut carbon emissions and promote greener travel by moving people from cars and buses into electric trains. This shift will lessen traffic pollution and support the Philippines in meeting its broader climate and sustainability goals.
Timeline and Future Developments
Construction of the North-South Commuter Railway will roll out in several phases, starting with the core segment projected to enter service within the next few years. This effort aligns with the Philippine government’s Build, Build, Build program, a nationwide push to refresh public infrastructure and raise living standards for every Filipino.
Plans for further line extensions are already on the drawing board. When they materialize, the railway will reach deeper into the National Capital Region and possibly into surrounding provinces. Completing the full alignment will give the entire public transport network a valuable upgrade and strengthen ongoing growth in the tourism sector.
Conclusion
Clearing the concession plan for the North-South Commuter Railway marks a decisive advance for transport in Metro Manila. The public-private partnership model guarantees that the system will deliver the dependable, low-cost, and eco-friendly mobility that riders are demanding. Once the network is finished, both daily commuters and tourists will notice faster, more comfortable journeys, making every visit local and global something to look forward to.
With construction moving forward, the Philippine government is dedicated to building a modern, dependable, and eco-friendly transport network. This system will keep pace with the nation’s expanding economy and the booming tourism industry.
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