Global tourism hit a new record level in 2025 with 1.52 billion international tourist arrivals recorded worldwide, driven by strong increases in Asia and Africa, UN Tourism said Tuesday.

Malaysia’s passport has steadily risen in global rankings, even surpassing those of the U.S. and several European countries, driven by the country’s political stability, low immigration risk, and relatively transparent institutions, insiders said.

Popular actress Ashley Chu and her friends went on a holiday to Phu Quoc, voted Asia’s most beautiful by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, in the first days of the New Year.

Mil Toast House VN, a popular bakery brand originating from South Korea, has permanently closed from Jan. 22 after over one year of operation.

Banh mi heo quay, Vietnamese sandwich stuffed with roasted pork belly, surpassed Vietnam’s iconic dishes such as pho and bun bo Hue to top a list of 100 best Vietnamese dishes, according to a ranking by global food magazine TasteAtlas.

Korean media report that outbound travel preferences among South Korean travelers are gradually shifting from long-haul urban destinations toward locations that offer moderate seasonal change and convenient travel conditions, and Phu Quoc has been cited as an increasingly popular choice for early-year travel.

More than 30 passengers were left behind at the U.K.’s Manchester Airport after a Jet2 flight bound for Alicante, Spain, departed without them.

The Ministry of Public Security will work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study and propose more open visa policies, with a focus on expanding unilateral visa exemptions for major and high-potential source markets in order to attract high-quality international visitors.

Singapore’s Changi ranked 11th among the 2025 world’s most connected airports, down two places from 2024, and placed second in Southeast Asia behind Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport, according to a report by British aviation firm OAG.

Foreign tourists who posed in yoga positions at a temple in Chiang Mai have drawn criticism from many Thais, who view the behavior as offensive and culturally inappropriate.