Jakarta breaks own tourism record, Sydney backpackers refuse to travel, and Air NZ to fly Auckland-Bali. Read these stories and more in our Asia travel news round-up.
Jakarta breaks own tourism record…
Jakarta received more than two million tourists in 2011, taking the city beyond the official arrivals target. According to Travel Daily Asia, data revealed from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency showed that 2.0 million tourists travelled to Jakarta last year, a 5.9% rise from 2010. Statistics state that foreign visitors to Jakarta were Malaysian and Singaporean mainly, followed by Japanese, Chinese, South Korean, Australian and US tourists. Authorities have now set an annual arrivals target of 2.1 million for 2012.
Backpacking Pic: upn18.com
Sydney backpackers refuse to travel…
Backpackers visiting Australia are having trouble moving beyond Sydney and end up postponing plans to travel around the country because it’s too expensive. The backpacker industry is concerned about this trend, as the tourism industry in Australia is primarily dependent on backpackers. The annual International Visitor Survey reveals that while the overall number of backpackers visiting Australia in 2011 was the same as it was in 2007, many states recorded a significant drop in backpacker numbers. The Sydney Morning Herald mentions that it is probably because of the myth that Queensland is either underwater or on fire. Moreover, there is the false belief that there are no jobs in regional Australia, as many backpackers depend on a working holiday.
Air New Zealand Pic: topnews.net.nz
Air NZ plans new Auckland-Bali flights…
Air New Zealand is planning to add twice-weekly flights to Bali to its international service. The airline confirmed the new Boeing 767-300 service to the popular Indonesian holiday destination will operate over the peak demand period from June to October. Chief executive Rob Fyfe said the new flights would make Bali more accessible to New Zealanders.
Pattaya launches first rooftop film festival
Pattaya’s trend-setting and leading design hotel – the dusitD2 baraquda Pattaya - will be hosting “Pattaya Rooftop Film Fest 2012, the first rooftop film festival in Southeast Asia. Commemorating 150 years of Thai-German diplomatic relations, the film festival will screen nine German films, including some popular titles such as the political comedy Goodbye, Lenin!, Run Lola Run and the Stasi era–set drama The Lives of Others. The festival is poised to become a highlight because of the trendy setting on the beautiful rooftop lounge and the high quality program of renowned contemporary German films.
Pattaya Rooftop Film Festival Pic: wikalenda.com
Top 10 tips for travelling solo
Travelling solo is an intimidating yet exciting adventure that has become a trend amongst a lot of youngsters in this day and age. Many first time travellers and backpackers may have jitters, however, it is an experience worth having. Here are a few tips posted by Jonathan Burnham on how to make the most of travelling alone.
