Beat the Summer Heat in Japan’s Green Tea Capital with "Cha-gori" Treat yourself to "Cha-gori"—Shizuoka’s irresistible green tea shaved ice tradition this summer! Every year around this time, the central Suruga region comes alive as local tea artisans, trendy cafes, and luxury hotels craft stunning, one-of-a-kind shaved ice desserts made with authentic, premium Shizuoka green tea.
The real magic of Cha-gori lies in the perfect balance of rich, authentic tea flavours and stunning, camera-ready presentations. Each venue showcases its own unique craftsmanship, elevating classic matcha and fragrant hojicha with homemade tea syrups, airy tea foams (espuma), and fresh local fruits.
Destination Headlines:- 22.9 million foreign arrivals: China's summer travel boom. CGTN (Jul 17)
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Travel Updates: - China and Kazakhstan agree to increase number of weekly round-trip flights. SCMP (Jul 17)
Travel Policy Updates: - China rolls out new departure tax refund policy. Beginning September 1, travellers will only need to submit identity information once and will receive a QR code which can be used nationwide, allowing automatic storage of electronic receipts and invoices. The State Council (PRC) (Jul 16)
- China has introduced unified family reunion rules for mainland residents relocating to HKSAR, replacing the previous points-based approval system. The new policy standardises eligibility and application procedures, with the changes taking effect last July 1. Visa HQ (Jul 1)
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Destination Headlines:- HKTB launches 'Only in Hong Kong' to showcase its unique soul. The Standard (Jul 19)
- Hong Kong sees 13% surge in visitor arrivals in first half of 2026, reaching 26.71M; solid spike in Australian visitors. The Standard; LATTE (Jul 20)
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Travel Updates: - Cathay Pacific to add 4 Latin American destinations via Madrid code-share with Iberia. SCMP (Jul 15)
Travel Policy Updates: - The new HKSAR–Shenzhen Joint Immigration Clearance, effective since July 14, allows travellers to undergo departure and arrival clearance at a single checkpoint at their destination. HKFP (Jul 17)
- Hong Kong and Uzbekistan have agreed to introduce mutual visa-free travel for stays up to 30 days. Visa HQ (Jul 1)
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Destination Headlines:- Japan sees 2% drop in foreign visitors in first half of 2026; wins more Russian travellers as visits jump 24.7%. The Japan Times; ftn News (Jul 18)
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Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: - Monorail opens in Japan's Kesennuma to revive tourism after 2011 disaster. KazInform (Jul 19)
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Destination Headlines:- Agoda reports rising interest in solo travel among Korean travellers. Bastille Post Global (Jul 20)
- Korea eyes major increase in mandatory casino tourism levy to 15% of revenue. IAG (Jul 16)
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Travel Policy Updates: - Korea establishes direct air route with Algeria for the first time. Korea JoongAng Daily (Jul 20)
- Korea expands its Discover Seoul Pass, adds more benefits for users. Lifestyle Asia (Jul 18)
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Destination Headlines:- Cebu Pacific passenger traffic rises on strong domestic travel demand. Insider PH (Jul 15)
- PHL visitor arrivals near 3.2M in 1H on China, India surge.
Business Mirror (Jul 20)
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Travel Updates: - Delta Airlines to resume nonstop Manila–Los Angeles flights in 2027. Philstar (Jul 19)
Travel Policy Updates: - Philippines launched e-visas for Bangladeshi citizens from June 8, allowing online application. Dhaka Tribune (Jun 8)
- As announced by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) on July 1, Chinese Taipei passport holders may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days until June 2027. PNA (Jul 1)
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Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: - Effective July 1, 2026, Singapore's Immigration Order 2026 updates the list of travellers exempt from visa requirements, including Singapore permanent residents, certain UN laissez-passer holders, visiting forces, eligible Chinese passport holders, and holders of specified diplomatic, official, or service passports from countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, India, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. The Order also revokes the previous visa exemption order. Singapore Statutes Online (Jul 1)
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Destination Headlines:- Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals reach 17.36 million in 2026. The Nation (Jul 21)
- Koh Samui named world’s best island for 2026. The Nation (Jul 17)
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Travel Updates: - Thai Cabinet given green light to removing the requirement to apply for a visa at a consulate prior to travelling to Thailand. Thai PBS World (Jul 20)
Travel Policy Updates: - Visa Policy measures have been revised for 65+ countries where they are granted a 30-day visa-free entry for tourism purposes. Additionally, selected destinations, including Azerbaijan, have been given Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) privileges. Thailand PRD (Jul 15)
- Thailand is beginning to introduce the Thailand Immigration Management (THIM) app to simplify the arrival process for foreign travellers. The app allows visitors to complete their Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) electronically before arrival, reducing paperwork and immigration processing times. Once profile has been registered, travellers will only need to update flight numbers and arrival dates for future trips. During its pilot phase, THIM is optional, with broader mandatory implementation planned later in August 2026. Thai Embassy (Jul 6)
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Destination Headlines: - Vietnam remains second most popular destination for Korean tourists; gains momentum with travellers from China. Vietnam Plus; Macau Business (Jul 20)
- Vietnam's international air passenger traffic rises 15.4% in 6M. VnEconomy (Jul 20)
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Travel Updates: - Sun PhuQuoc Airways to launch Bangkok–Phu Quoc flights. Safari India (Jul 20)
Travel Policy Updates: - Vietnam shortens visa-free stay for Indonesians from 30 days to 14 days July 15, 2026. Travel & Tour World (Jul 13)
- Vietnam continues its visa exemption programme and extends visa-free stays for eligible countries with certain partners (Chile & Panama) being allowed to reside for over 90 days, valid until 2028 or until further notice. My Vietnam Visa (Jul 6)
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Destination Headlines:- Kaziranga national park records highest tourist influx in 2025-26 year. The News Mill (Jul 14)
- India’s tourism GDP grows 7.3%, outpacing global average despite weaker international visitor spending: Gloria Guevara. Travtalk (Jul 16)
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Travel Updates: - Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport to have direct flights to 22 Indian cities. The Economic Times (Jul 20)
Travel Policy Updates: - Effective June 29, India waives tourist and medical visa fees for Fijians. High Commission of India, Suva (Jun 30)
- India resumed issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi nationals from June 28. Gulf News (Jun 25)
- India has relaunched Air Suvidha 2.0, requiring all international arrivals to submit a mandatory online health self-declaration up to 24 hours before arrival. Visa News (Jul 1)
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Destination Headlines:- Hotel investment tops Rs 650 billion, capacity reaches 4 million tourists. MyRepublica (Jul 17)
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Travel Updates: - New trekking route to Annapurna Base Camp constructed. The Rising Nepal (Jul 20)
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Travel Updates:- Australia lifts security advice for Lao PDR. Travel Weekly (Jul 20)
- Travellers arriving through Sydney International Airport and Melbourne International Airport can now complete their biosecurity declaration 72 hours before their departure to Australia through the Qantas App and will receive a QR code for ID verification during the arrival review. Minister for Trade & Tourism (Jul 13)
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Travel Policy Updates: - Effective July 1, 2026, Australia's updated visa application charges apply only to applications lodged on or after that date, while applications submitted earlier remain subject to the previous fees regardless of when they are decided. Most visa categories saw an average increase of around 3%, reflecting Australia's annual indexation of visa charges. RACC Australia (Jul 1)
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Destination Headline:- Hawaii tourism rebounding as travellers find new value opportunities. KTVU (Jul 17)
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Travel Updates: - Alaska Airlines announces new Hawaii flights. Travel Pulse (Jul 15)
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Travel Updates:- Canada to temporarily bar entry by foreign nationals recently in Congo due to Ebola risk until August 29. CBC (Jul 19)
- City Express by Marriott Debuts in Canada with City Express by Marriott Port Hope. Breaking Travel News (Jul 20)
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Travel Policy Updates: - The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases announcements of an expected longer application period for visitor visas from Nigeria and Pakistan. CIC News (Jul 15)
- Starting on May 26, Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa—and have therefore previously been screened by Canada or the US—may be eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. People who already have a valid TRV can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Government of Canada (May 25)
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Destination Headlines:- New York tops 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index. Yanolja Research (Jul 16)
- US tourism falls 3.4% in June despite World Cup boost. ftn News (Jul 17)
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Travel Updates: - New US codeshare routes for Porter and WestJet. Travel Pulse (Jul 17)
Travel Policy Updates: - The United States is inaugurating a temporary premium visa interview system where B1 business and B2 tourist visa applicants can pay an additional $750 USD to secure an interview slot within 10 working days. Travel & Tour World (Jul 4)
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Travel Updates: - Saudi Arabia launches multiple-entry Umrah visa. AGBI (Jul 20)
- Saudia to introduce Riyadh–Tokyo flights. Connecting Travel (Jul 17)
Travel Policy Updates: - Saudi Arabia inaugurates the Visa Package for Jordan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico Passengers. Travellers may secure an online tourist visa within 48 hours as part of a bundled travel booking including round-trip flights, accommodation at licensed hotels, and an electronic tourist visa. Gulf Business (Jul 11)
- Effective July 1, holders of all types of UK passports can enter Saudi Arabia under an eTA with multiple entries and to stay for up to 180 days, either consecutively or across multiple visits within one year. The authorisation also permits travel to Saudi Arabia for a range of purposes, including tourism, short-term study, and business. Saudi Press Agency (Jun 25)
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Destination Headlines:- Spain's Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport to get a €1.15 billion expansion. Time Out (Jul 17)
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Travel Updates: - Riyadh Air launches direct flights to Spain. Travel Daily Media (Jul 19)
- Gibraltar and Spain end border checks in boost for businesses. France24 (Jul 14)
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Destination Headlines:- Dubai airports are operating near full capacity despite US-Iran tensions: CEO. Gulf News (Jul 20)
- UAE Summer bookings move closer to departure. Travel Daily News (Jul 17)
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Travel Updates: - Dubai introduces 5-year multiple entry tourist visa for frequent visitors. Travel + Lesiure (Jul 20)
Travel Policy Updates: - Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa holding ordinary passports, along with their accompanying family members, are eligible to obtain a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival, provided they hold a valid residence permit issued by the USA, a EU member state, the UK, Singapore, Japan, Korea (ROK), Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Gulf News (Jun 25)
- The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has extended a temporary grace period for visa regularisation, which remains valid until July 9. After this date, affected residents must ensure full compliance with residency rules or risk possible penalties. The Times of India (Jul 1)
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Tags: PATA
