Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Off the beaten track
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 06/01/2020
» What are you afraid of the most when travelling off the map? For most people, lack of security and accessibility probably top the list. With world tourism growing exponentially on the back of cheap flights, and GPS making it easy for anyone to find their destination, getting away from tourist traps is growing more popular in Asia.
Tourism trap
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/07/2019
» Southeast Asia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making the region a tourism magnet. But truly unspoiled beaches are getting harder to find outside of Instagram.
Plastic peril
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/05/2019
» The spectacle of the ever-changing sunset above a beach in front of a five-star resort on a beautiful Pacific island was a memory I will cherish forever. But my reverie was rudely interrupted by the sight that greeted me on a public beach nearby.
ADB leads ocean clean-up
Business, Erich Parpart, Published on 04/05/2019
» The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a US$5 billion (160 billion baht) healthy oceans action plan for Asia-Pacific on May 2 at its 52nd annual board of governors meeting.
Loved to death
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/10/2018
» In March, Thai authorities ordered the temporary closure of Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island for the first time since 1999 to halt the environmental damage caused by too many tourists. A month later the Philippine island of Boracay, one of the world's most famous beach destinations, was closed for the same reason.
Saving our overburdened beaches
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/10/2018
» One of my favourite New Year memories is from Boracay in the Philippines, where the entire sky was lit up in red from fireworks set off from boats offshore.
Dark enough for you?
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/08/2018
» 'Dark tourism" is an interesting concept that did not come to my attention until I watched a Netflix series recently. Few countries actively promote offbeat or slightly dangerous pursuits but it's a niche with potential, if managed carefully -- even if it's hard to explain to your insurer.
China's new travellers
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 13/08/2018
» When the tour boat Phoenix capsized and sank in rough seas off Phuket on July 5, the lives of hundreds of Chinese people changed forever as they dealt with the loss of 47 loved ones.
Spoiled by victory?
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 23/07/2018
» Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian People's Party (CPP) are poised to coast to victory in general elections this coming Sunday, but it may not be smooth sailing ahead for Asia's longest-serving leader.
Portugal explores new frontiers in Southeast Asia
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 09/07/2018
» Portugal is keen to attract investment from Southeast Asian countries and also to see its own companies use Thailand as a springboard to other Asean markets.