Haiphong is stepping up its efforts in the fourth quarter of 2013 to implement the Tourism Stimulus Program 2013, which was launched by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) to foster the development of service sectors in Vietnam. As one of the key localities under Tourism Stimulus Program 2013, Haiphong has organised events such as the Hai Phong Promotional Week in July 2013 and the recent Red River Delta Food Festival. In the first 8 months of 2013, the port city welcomed more than 3.4 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 7.11% compared to the same period in 2012.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has expanded its footprint in Thailand with the opening of Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas in Prachuap Khirikhan. The 55-villa property is an easy and scenic three-hour drive from Bangkok and approximately 22 kilometres south of Hua Hin. Sheraton currently operates 4 hotels in Thailand, including Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort and Sheraton Pattaya Resort.

Swiss-Belhotel International is establishing its presence in the Philippines with a new deal to manage a 426-room hotel in Manila. Slated to open in 2016, the country’s first Swiss-Belhotel property will be located in Quezon City’s mixed development in North Triangle; a prime area that will become the next central business district and hub of all commercial activities in Metro Manila.

Low-cost carrier AirAsia Group is strengthening its presence in Thailand’s popular seaside resort destination, Krabi, by adding two new routes: Krabi – Chiang Mai and Krabi – Singapore. The latest changes will make AirAsia the airline with the most flights to Krabi; operating 8 flights daily from Bangkok, 2 flights daily from Kuala Lumpur and once daily from Chiang Mai and Singapore.

From 19 December 2013, Singapore-based budget carrier Scoot will operate 5 flights weekly between Singapore and Perth. This is the rapidly-growing airline’s 13th destination and third destination in Australia.