Issue 19.1 – The Allure of Asia

With all these mixed signals, we consumers need to constantly be on the lookout for travel experiences that give value

By Gaya Travel on August 8, 20243 minutes read

By the time this issue comes out, half of 2024 has already gone. Though Gaya Travel team members did experience a rather slow start at the beginning of the year, our schedule suddenly became hectic from mid-April onwards because many opportunities to travel arose only then. And we foresee this pace to continue throughout the year, in line with the expected increase in tourism activities, particularly in Malaysia and Asia.

Despite hearing about how the global economy is facing downside risks in 2024, tourism remains resilient. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is forecasting that barring any untoward incidents, by year’s end, travel and tourism should have recovered completely to pre-pandemic levels, based on the statistics obtained in May 2024.

So, what does this mean? For one, Gaya Travel hopes that flight ticket prices will go down, considering most airlines are back to full capacity, boosting the supply of airline seats to various destinations. But then again, recently the founder of AirAsia Tony Fernandes claimed that ticket prices remain high due to high demand. Popular locations like Japan and Bali are also overcrowded.

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With all these mixed signals, we consumers need to constantly be on the lookout for travel experiences that give value – some might find it acceptable to pay high prices as long as they safely reach their destinations, but need to skimp on other expenses like lodging or food. Others might prefer travelling to closer and more affordable destinations so that they do not need to reduce food and shopping. Perhaps more and more of us will travel during the off-peak season because that is when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. Whatever the decision may be, travellers need to be astute in getting the most out of their travel while managing their finances accordingly.So, to help travellers decide on where to go next, Gaya Travel invites readers to read about our team members’ first-hand experience in Khao Yai and Bangkok in Thailand (page 22), Jordan (page 32), Almaty in Kazakhstan (page 42), Jaipur in India (page 50), Sentosa Island in Singapore (page 56), Perlis (page 62), Tioman Island in Pahang (page 70), and Pasir Gudang in Johor (page 76).

When it comes to Hotels & Resorts, flip the pages to find out more about Fairmont Jaipur (page 108), glamping options in Pahang (page 113), Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa (page 112), lyf Chinatown Kuala Lumpur (page 122), and Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore (page 128).

We hope you find Gaya Travel Magazine Issue 19.1 informative and helpful for your travels in 2024 and beyond. See you in the next issue, and safe travels!

JUHAN KAMARUDDIN @ JEREMY KHALIL
Email your comments to jeremy@gayatravel.com.my