Japan recorded a new monthly tourism record of 3.46 million visitors in February 2026, even as arrivals from mainland China declined by 45% year-on-year.
The data highlights a significant shift in Japan’s tourism dynamics — from reliance on a single dominant market to a more diversified and resilient visitor base.
Air Macau will resume flights between Macau and the Philippines from 1 July 2026, ending a near two-year suspension and restoring a key regional travel link.
The move signals improving demand in Southeast Asia travel corridors and reflects broader recovery trends across Asia’s aviation and tourism sectors.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau to promote horse-themed culture, sports and tourism in the Greater Bay Area. The centerpiece is the “Two Cities, Three Racecourses” concept: Happy Valley Racecourse and Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong, plus Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou.
This is not a conventional gaming-expansion story. It is more accurately a regional tourism, sports and cultural integration move, using horse racing as the anchor experience across Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The stated aim is to support Guangzhou’s development as a world-class tourism city while strengthening Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s events capital.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment has announced a new hotel brand, “REM”, set to launch at its flagship City of Dreams in Macau in the second half of the year.
The move signals Melco’s continued push to refresh its hospitality portfolio and target high-value, experience-driven travelers.
Singapore recorded a 9% year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals in February 2026, with a notable 61% surge in arrivals from mainland China, highlighting a continued recovery in regional travel demand.
The data underscores Singapore’s resilience as a leading tourism hub in Asia and reflects the broader normalization of cross-border travel flows.
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 19/03/2026
