What Is Last-Chance Tourism and Why It’s Changing Asia

A heatwave has settled over Europe since the end of May 2026. It strikes populations in suffocating waves as the summer holidays begin. A new vacation trend is already emerging—the “coolcation.” The idea: travel to places where the heat does not crush the mind and body. And this tourism reality in the midst of climate change has also reached Asia, which, according to the World Economic Forum, is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world.

In Japan—where temperature records had already been broken in the summer of 2025—CNN reports that this new reality has even given rise to a new word: kokusho-bi or “cruelly hot day.” But beyond the semantics, it is the whole range of tourism practices that is evolving in Asia. More and more travelers are willing to engage in activities very early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the daytime heat, for example. The company Get Your Guide has already noted a 70% surge in these time slots, CNN reports.

Last-Chance Tourism Is Taking Shape

It is hard to give up certain activities or outings because of the heat when you have come from very far—and paid a lot—to discover a region of the world. Especially since some destinations are widely threatened by climate change and are certainly in their last years as tourist destinations. This is the case for the Maldives, or the Pacific islands, for example.

To remain competitive and attractive despite heat waves, floods, or storms, all induced by global warming, destinations must redouble their ingenuity. In some countries, tourists are redirected from one region to another, milder between June and August—a period during which most of the Northern Hemisphere is on vacation. This is how, for example, the Hokkaido region in Japan has seen an increase in visitation in recent years.

Mongolia: A New Leading Asian Destination?

Tourist sites face another problem: the lack of regularity in the seasons and the difficulty of forecasting variations in climate and temperature. In Nepal, hotels have hired staff responsible for assessing climate risks year-round. Some hiking routes are thus closed for long months.

Other Asian countries are benefiting from this search for coolness. In the first half of 2026, the number of tourists rose by 33% in Mongolia. And authorities expect this rate to grow exponentially in the years to come. They are investing heavily in the construction of hotels and leisure activities in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Want to share your view on climate change in France? Participate in the photo contest The Climate Eye!

Sales Challenge: Asia Launches Australia Challenge


Challenge de ventes : Asia lance le Défi Australie - Depositphotos.com  Auteur tupungato

IFTM


Asia a lancé un grand challenge de ventes dédié à l’Australie.

“Le Défi Australie”, c’est son nom, récompensera les agents de voyages les plus prescripteurs de la destination chez le voyagiste.

Les cinq meilleurs agents ayant effectué des réservations entre le 1er novembre 2024 et le 30 juin 2025 pour des voyages en Australie d’Asia, auront la chance de partir en novembre 2025 à la découverte de l’Ouest australien et de tester le nouveau vol direct de Qantas.

Asia est en effet le premier tour-opérateur à s’être positionné dès l’été 2024 sur le nouveau vol direct de Qantas reliant Paris à Perth ! Le président du tour-opérateur, Guillaume Linton, nous avait d’ailleurs partagé ses impressions lors de l’un des tous premiers vols fin Juillet

Ce trajet en Dreamliner 787, positionné en amorce des jeux Olympiques de Paris, permet pour la première fois dans l’histoire de l’aviation commerciale, de joindre l’Australie en moins de 16 heures depuis Paris !

L’Australie Occidentale, dont Perth est la capitale, état le plus ensoleillé du pays, offre une porte d’entrée idéale pour explorer l’Australie d’ouest en est. Dans cette optique, Asia a intégré pour ses départs 2025 en petits groupes, ce vol Paris/Perth à ses 2 circuits Tentations, avec une nouveauté : La Grande Traversée de l’Australie.


Western Australia, the New Gateway

This long journey of 22 days/19 nights offers a complete immersion down under. Limited to 16 participants, this voyage thus starts in Western Australia, a vast region still relatively unknown to French travelers, yet spectacular in many ways.

On the program: the dynamic yet relaxed city of Perth, the preserved Rottnest Island, a true natural sanctuary famous for its quokkas and its paradise beaches, and the possibility of a side trip to Fremantle, a charming port city renowned for its lively markets and trendy cafés, where street art is found at every corner.

The itinerary continues through the Northern Territory, from the Top End to the Red Centre, weaving between rock-art sites, Aboriginal ceremonial places, billabongs paradise of birdlife, natural waterfalls and ochre canyons, before reaching the reefs of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest around Cairns in Queensland.

The journey also includes exploring the great metropolises of Sydney and Melbourne, the Blue Mountains National Park and the Great Ocean Road, in the southeast of the country. A trip with a French-speaking guide who combines Australia’s finest natural and cultural treasures.

For nearly 40 years of programming, Asia also aims to be the specialist in Australia autodrives (by car, 4×4 and motorhomes), with a whole palette of road or off-road itineraries, for all budgets and assembled to measure by the operator’s team of expert tour planners, all duly certified “Aussie Specialists”.


The most deserving travel agents will be able to discover a preview of these wild landscapes along the western coast!

MSC World Asia Countdown Begins Ahead of Le Havre Christening


MSC World Asia, nouveau fleuron de MSC Croisières, entre dans sa phase finale de préparation - Depositphotos.com @DonyaNedomam

CroisiEurope


Six months before its inaugural voyage, MSC Cruises is stepping up its communications around its new flagship, the MSC World Asia.

The liner will be officially christened on November 28, 2026 in Le Havre, before kicking off its inaugural Mediterranean season on December 4. As the third unit of the World Class lineup, this next‑generation vessel underlines the company’s innovation strategy.

Inspired by Asian cultures in its design and ambience, it promises an experience blending entertainment, gastronomy and family leisure, while serving several major Mediterranean ports: Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Valletta.

The christening in Le Havre will bring together international tourism players, the company’s partners and media for an evening that will be both traditional and modern. This choice also underscores the strategic importance of the French market for MSC Cruises.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, highlights the momentum of the World Class range: “Our ships are enjoying remarkable success… MSC World Asia marks a new milestone in this journey“, emphasizing continuous innovation and the enhancement of the passenger experience.

The ship’s command has been entrusted to Captain Paolo Benini, praised for his recent experience aboard the MSC Euribia and his leadership abilities.


Six flagship experiences

As its entry into service approaches, the company reveals six major attractions that will structure the onboard leisure offering:

The ship will notably offer Cliffhanger, a swing suspended 50 meters above the sea, a first in Europe for the line.

It will also feature The Spiral @ Tree of Life, an 81.3-meter dry slide spanning 11 decks, designed as the ship’s signature attraction.

Thrill‑seekers will also enjoy Twin Racer and U Drop Waterslides, crafted for competition and spectacular drops.

The experience continues with Adventure Trail High Ropes Course, a two‑level aerial course incorporating zip lines and balance challenges.

For immersive entertainment, the MSC Formula Racer simulator will allow guests to experience the Formula 1 world in virtual settings.

Finally, the MSC Luna Park Arena will offer a digital interactive space where the floor becomes an evolving playground for varied challenges and activities.


A strengthened dining and leisure offering

Beyond these novelties, the ship will position itself as a true floating resort. It will boast more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, seven swimming pools, thirteen hot tubs, as well as an entertainment lineup designed for all ages.

The design will also feature a collection of artworks inspired by Asia and the largest range of suites ever offered within the MSC Yacht Club concept.


Amelia Brille Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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Asia, Africa, Europe: Latest Travel Requirements


Tour d'horizon des dernières évolutions en matière de formalités de voyage | © ShutterStock

CroisiEurope


Despite this (fresh) end of summer and the recent return to activity, many travelers are preparing to hit the road again, whether for business or off-season leisure.

However, some rules of the game have changed.

Travel formalities for a few destinations, often influenced by health and geopolitical policies, have recently undergone several adjustments.

Here is therefore a tour of the latest changes, restrictions, obligations and relaxations of travel that have come into force, so that you can plan your upcoming trips, or those of your clients, under the best possible conditions.


ASIA : travel formalities are evolving in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, …

SRI LANKA : the e-Visa is suspended but a visa exemption announced for 38 countries

Since August 2, 2024, and a court ruling concerning the allegedly suspect management of the service, the e-Visa system has been suspended until further notice in Sri Lanka.

While awaiting a judicial resolution of this situation, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, and according to the latest authorities’ announcements, visitors from 38 countries, including France, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland, will benefit from visa exemption in the coming weeks.

Details are expected to be published starting October 8.

PAKISTAN : 126 countries benefit from free visa

Since August 14, tourists and business travelers from 126 countries obtain a free electronic visa valid for 3 months with multiple entries to Pakistan.

This e-Visa is issued in less than 24 hours and the application process is greatly simplified.

French, Belgian, Canadian and Swiss travelers are eligible for this new electronic visa.

THAILAND : ETA travel authorization on the horizon

VisasNews reveals exclusively: Thailand is preparing to introduce an electronic travel authorization “ETA.”

This travel formalité will apply to citizens of 93 visa-exempt countries and territories for 60 days and should be free.

A pilot launching phase is planned for December next, before a full rollout announced by June 2025.

INDONESIA : a health pass to counter the Mpox virus

The Mpox virus takes us back to the dark days of Covid, especially regarding travel…

Since August 27, all travelers departing for Indonesia must hold a health pass before heading to the archipelago.

Named “SATUSEHAT Health Pass,” this health form must be completed online on the portal: sshp.kemkes.go.id.

CHINA : no fingerprints for visa until end of 2025

Until then, this fingerprinting requirement is suspended through the end of the year; Chinese visa applicants will not have their fingerprints collected before 2026.

The Embassy of China in France announces that short-stay visa applicants (up to 180 days) with single or double entry are exempt from fingerprint collection until December 31, 2025.

ISRAEL : ETA-IL requirement postponed to 2025

While it was due to take effect on August 1, 2024, the ETA-IL electronic travel authorization will finally be required only from January 1, 2025.

Israeli authorities announced that the pilot phase of the ETA-IL travel authorization, launched last July, has been extended until December 31, 2024.

Visa-exempt travelers to Israel will be required to hold an ETA-IL only from January 1, 2025.


AFRICA : mandatory insurance, e-Visa and possible reintroduction of visa under the program

MADAGASCAR : the 90-day e-Visa is back

While it previously allowed only 60 consecutive days in Madagascar, the e-Visa now allows an extra 30 days to stay in the country.

Suspended when the service resumed after the pandemic, Madagascar’s 90-day electronic visa was reactivated in August. Its price is set at 50 € or 55 US$.

ZIMBABWE : the electronic visa on arrival also reactivated

After having been required to obtain a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe since last year, French travelers and citizens of 117 other countries can again apply for an e-Visa before departure.

Zimbabwe’s e-Visa portal has been revamped, and authorities have taken the opportunity to reinstate the electronic visa on arrival (e-Visa On Arrival) to simplify immigration formalities on arrival in the country.

Payable online, or on arrival in Zimbabwe, this e-Visa can be obtained in a matter of minutes.

TANZANIA : Zanzibar introduces mandatory insurance

From October 1 onward, visitors to Zanzibar will be required to hold mandatory insurance before traveling to the archipelago.

This requirement, which resembles more a stay tax and which concerns local tourism professionals, must be purchased through ZIC (Zanzibar Insurance Corporation) on the portal visitzanzibar.go.tz.

This insurance costs 44 US$, about 40 €, and covers solo travels up to 92 days per stay.

SÉNÉGAL : towards reintroducing visas for exempted countries ?

It has almost been 10 years since French and European tourists no longer need a visa to visit Senegal, but that could change soon…

Indeed, Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yacine Fall, stated earlier this week that it is “important that Senegal revisit the issue of free visas and that we try to implement a reciprocity policy”.

This measure is being considered by the Senegalese government and, if implemented, could impact many countries, including European nations.


EUROPE : electronic travel authorization becomes widespread

UNITED KINGDOM : French and Europeans will need an ETA from 2025

A major and anticipated announcement for French and European tourists: the United Kingdom will require an electronic travel authorization ETA for its visa-exempt visitors starting in 2025.

The ETA will cost £10, about €12, and will be valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires if it has a shorter validity.

French and European tourists and business travelers will be able to apply for their ETA from March 5, 2025 on the GOV.UK portal or via the mobile app “UK ETA” on iOS and Android.

From April 2, 2025, presenting an ETA will be mandatory to enter the United Kingdom.

UKRAINE : an ETA in preparation

To secure its borders and strengthen control over the entry and exit of foreigners, Ukraine is also preparing an ETA.

Little information for now, but Ukrainian authorities are currently defining and approving a list of countries that will benefit from a visa-exemption regime for entering Ukraine, and whose citizens will have to submit “an electronic notification, in accordance with the established procedure, regarding their intention to enter Ukraine”.

CHANNEL ISLANDS : Jersey and Guernsey extend entry for French day-trippers with a national ID

Authorities in Jersey and Guernsey have decided to extend the measure allowing French day-trippers to enter with only a national ID card until the end of September 2025.

This program, which allowed French travelers to visit the two bailiwicks for a single day, without overnight stays, with just a national ID card, was originally set to end at the end of September.

The recent UK government’s announcement regarding the introduction of the ETA in April 2025 should normally prevent this program from ending in September 2025.

BELARUS : 35 European countries temporarily visa-exempt

European travelers from 35 countries no longer need a visa to enter Belarus by air or land.

This exceptional measure, which ends on December 31, 2024, allows stays of up to 30 days visa-free in the country and can be used an unlimited number of times but only within 90 days per calendar year.


AMERICA : the e-Visa is functional in Cuba

Announced last May to replace the tourist card, the electronic visa is now fully functional in Cuba

International travelers must now apply for their visa online on the evisacuba.cu portal. During the ordering process, it is necessary to select an embassy or consulate that will process the visa application and collect the e-Visa fees.

It is important to note that online payment by credit card is not possible. For residents of France, it is necessary to make a bank transfer or send a bank-certified check for the amount of 22 € to finalize the e-Visa application.

Some visa/vacation agencies, having a contract with a Cuban embassy, can issue e-Visas after online payment by credit card.

Travelers with a valid “Tarjeta del Turista” can still use it until the end of the year.

With the tourist card or the e-Visa in hand, it is essential to fill out the travel declaration “D’Viajeros” within 48 hours prior to departure, this step validating the electronic visa.

Can Asia Still Surprise Your Customers in 2026?


Kuala Lumpur, Malaisie © DTH Travel

CroisiEurope


Laos, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia… destinations now essential for travelers from France.

For tourism professionals, the challenge is no longer merely to offer them, but to tell their stories differently.

In the face of more experienced and demanding clients, itineraries are evolving: less demonstrative, more authentic. Less “checklist”, more immersive.

Present in 14 destinations in Asia, DTH Travel relies on its local teams to design tailor-made programs, aligned with these new expectations.


Laos and Vietnam: Active exploration, responsible tourism, and gentle mobility

In Laos as in Vietnam, DTH Travel develops an approach centered on gentle mobility and human-scale itineraries to foster immersion while limiting environmental impact.

In Oudomxay Province in Laos, Nam Kat Yorla Pa illustrates an approach where tourism development adapts to the forest, not the other way around.

Located along the Nam Kat River, at the heart of a protected environment, the site offers experiences built around this ecosystem: forest hikes, zip lines, guided treks by local experts, and bicycle rides.



Nam Kat Yorla Pa, Laos © DTH Travel

In Vietnam, DTH Travel emphasizes gentle mobility to offer a more immersive discovery. Around Hue, bicycle and e-bike itineraries take backroads and traverse rice fields, villages and agricultural landscapes.

Regular stops allow encounters with local communities and the discovery of cultural sites.

In the essential metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, urban itineraries designed to limit car usage invite travelers to explore these destinations differently, between popular neighborhoods, street markets, culinary experiences, and cultural heritage.


Hong Kong: A Low-Carbon Urban Experience


Jardin Nan Lian à Kowloon © DTH Travel

Often perceived as a stopover destination, Hong Kong deserves a stay in its own right. DTH Travel offers here a distinctly urban and immersive approach, built around a simple principle: explore the destination in one day using only public transport and walking through its districts.

The experience relies on a highly efficient network (tramways, MTR metro, ferries), enabling you to traverse the city and explore its neighborhoods without a car.

A choice that reduces the trip’s carbon footprint while offering immediate immersion in the daily life of residents.

In Central, the exploration centers on Hollywood Road, between galleries, antique shops and street art, in a dense and vibrant urban setting.

Nearby, Upper Lascar Row (commonly known as Cat Street) brings together antique stalls and second-hand objects, ranging from porcelains to collectible pieces in a traditional market.

Across the harbor, in Kowloon, the Chi Lin Nunnery, built in the Tang Dynasty architectural style, and the Nan Lian Garden contrast with the surrounding urban intensity and offer a true breath of air in the heart of the city.

Finally, in Mong Kok, the Ladies Market embodies Hong Kong’s most popular energy. Here the market offers a wide range of everyday products, souvenirs and accessories, in a typically local atmosphere.


Minqin: Ecotourism and Local Engagement at the Heart of China


Minqin, Chine © DTH Travel

In Gansu Province, Minqin illustrates another way of discovering China.

Located between the Tengger and Badain Jaran deserts, this fragile region is defined by a delicate balance between oases, agricultural areas and arid spaces.

For decades, local communities have continuously worked to combat desertification, notably through planting saxaul trees, shrubs essential for soil stabilization and land preservation.

DTH Travel invites travelers to discover these initiatives and also to participate.

Walks along forest belts, encounters with farmers, and even participation in reforestation actions depending on the season.

The experience thus goes beyond mere discovery: it becomes contributive and educational.


A New Way to Build Travel in Asia


Through these examples, a fundamental trend is becoming clear: the value of a journey rests not only on the destination, but on how it is designed.

It is in this logic that DTH Travel supports tourism professionals: by leveraging its local teams to design tailor-made programs, capable of renewing the way these destinations are sold and experienced.

More than ever, the objective is not merely to take travelers to Asia, but to enable them to experience it differently, even when they think they already know it.

To imagine your next itineraries, the DTH Travel teams are at your disposal.

Mathilde Thrierr

[email protected]

www.dth.travel

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Experience Asia Differently: Khiri Travel Launches Ultra-Luxury Tailor-Made Trips





From the shores of Sri Lanka to the royal heritage of Laos, passing through the ancestral skies of Myanmar, these experiences go far beyond the traditional luxury journey. They are carefully crafted moments that allow travelers to move at their own pace while forming authentic connections with the destinations they explore. It is not merely about seeing more, but about feeling more — through enriching encounters, discreet exclusivity, and immersive experiences that leave a lasting imprint.


Sri Lanka

Sea voyage: a marine expedition



© Khiri Travel  - Sri Lanka

Along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Khiri Travel offers an exclusive marine expedition across the Indian Ocean aboard a private catamaran. Designed to steer clear of the crowds gathered for whale watching, this experience provides a calmer, more intimate and privileged connection with the ocean and its wildlife.

Chathurika, a passionate marine biologist dedicated to environmental protection, accompanies this journey to share her knowledge and the stories gathered from years of ocean exploration. As the catamaran glides toward the horizon, the coastline fades away, giving way to a profound sense of calm and escape. A light breakfast is served on board while travelers observe dolphins roaming freely at sea. With a touch of luck, majestic whales may appear to elevate the experience, offering unforgettable moments in their natural habitat.

After several hours at sea, the catamaran anchors in a peaceful setting where guests can swim or enjoy a stand-up paddle session. Champagne, wine, cold beers and non-alcoholic beverages are served on board, while a refined lunch celebrating the flavors of the sea concludes this experience with elegance.

This journey also reflects Khiri Travel’s commitment to regenerative tourism. The trip includes a contribution to the OCEA project for restoring seagrass beds in Kalpitiya, supporting marine conservation while offsetting the environmental impact of the cruise. The result is a luxurious experience that combines relaxation, discovery and environmental responsibility.


Laos

A night at the museum: a private tour



© Canva - Khiri Travel - Laos

In Luang Prabang, Khiri Travel turns a visit to the National Museum into an intimate and exclusive cultural experience. Housed in the former royal palace of King Sisavang Vong, constructed in 1904 during the French colonial era, this palace stands today as one of Laos’ most important historic monuments.

Since the museum closes to the public in the evening, guests are invited to a private guided tour through the salons and apartments of the former royal residence. For a privileged hour, the residence becomes entirely exclusive, giving travelers the opportunity to discover this place steeped in history in a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Visitors explore remarkably preserved spaces, including the majestic throne room, the queen’s apartments, and the reception rooms once used to host foreign dignitaries. Each room reveals a facet of Laos’ royal heritage, blending tradition, diplomacy and cultural legacy, offering a rare glimpse into the kingdom’s past. The palace architecture elegantly showcases the meeting of Lao traditional style with the refinement of French Beaux-Arts. Delicate glass mosaics, gilded ornaments and refined interiors are bathed in the soft evening light, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and sophistication.

Among the palace’s most treasured works is the sacred Phra Bang Buddha, a statue gilded with gold leaves and a major spiritual symbol of Laos, after which the city of Luang Prabang takes its name. Elegant collections of paintings, silverware, diplomatic gifts and cultural frescoes enrich the visit, while the private apartments of the royal family offer an intimate glimpse into life at the palace in former times.

From the main residence, visitors can also discover the royal barge shelter, the collection of vintage cars and the palace’s tranquil gardens, far from the bustle and crowds. More than a simple museum tour, this experience provides a privileged immersion into the soul of Laos, blending royal heritage, exclusivity and discreet elegance.





Découvrez l'Asie autrement : Khiri Travel lance des voyages ultra-luxueux sur mesure

For more information, visit khiri.com or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you and helping you create enriching journeys across Asia.
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Asia: The Major Festivals That Can Transform Your Trip into an Unforgettable Experience


Bhoutan © DTH Travel

Dream Yacht


In this quest for cultural immersion, festivals and traditional celebrations present a tremendous opportunity. For a few days, sometimes a few weeks, a destination reveals its most precious aspects: its beliefs, its traditions, its history, its creativity and its identity.

For tourism professionals, these events also constitute a powerful differentiating lever. Building an itinerary around a festival or a cultural event allows offering a unique experience, difficult to compare with a classic circuit, while giving real added value to the journey.

Asia, with its exceptional cultural diversity, offers year-round a multitude of celebrations that deserve to be integrated into programs for 2026 and 2027.


When an entire country goes into festive mode

Certain celebrations literally transform a destination.

In Bhutan, the famous Tshechus bring together local communities, monks and pilgrims around sacred dances performed in the fortress-monasteries of the Himalayan kingdom. The Paro Tshechu (18 to 22 March 2027) and the Thimphu Tshechu (21 to 23 September 2026) rank among the country’s most spectacular events.



Japon © DTH Travel

In Japan, the festival calendar rhythmically marks the seasons. From the monumental sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February to the majestic floats of the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto in July, and the timeless magic of cherry blossoms in spring, each period of the year offers a different view of Japanese culture.



Thaïlande © DTH Travel

In Thailand, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival of Chiang Mai (November 24-25, 2026) remains one of Asia’s most iconic experiences. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the sky simultaneously, creating an atmosphere filled with spirituality and emotion. If you wish to offer this experience to your clients, DTH Travel still has spaces available to attend this event.


Celebrations that tell a country’s soul

Beyond the spectacle, some events allow a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural dimension of destinations. In Cambodia, Pchum Ben, the Ancestors’ Festival, offers a rare immersion into Khmer Buddhist traditions. From October 10 to 12, 2026, families gather in pagodas to honor past generations.

A few weeks later, the country shifts to a completely different ambiance with Bon Om Touk, the Water Festival (November 23-25, 2026), which makes Phnom Penh pulse to the rhythm of boat races, concerts and popular celebrations.

In Malaysia, Thaipusam (January 22, 2027) impresses with the fervor of pilgrims climbing the Batu Caves’ famous steps in a spectacular display of faith.

In Sri Lanka, from July to October (peaking in August and September), the Minneriya Elephant Gathering is one of the year’s major highlights. Each dry season, herds of elephants gather around the Minneriya reservoir, producing one of Asia’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. The moment is especially striking in the late afternoon, when the animals arrive at the reservoir’s shores bathed in the sunset light. This natural phenomenon offers a unique immersion into Sri Lankan biodiversity and perfectly illustrates the link between nature, conservation, and responsible tourism.




Philippines © DTH Travel

The Philippines also offers a unique experience with the Sinulog, Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang festivals in January 2027. For several weeks, the streets transform into giant stages where music, dance and religious traditions blend.


The opportunity to craft unique journeys

However, building an itinerary around an event requires careful preparation. Festival periods often bring high hotel demand, specific logistical constraints and larger crowds. This is where local expertise becomes essential to select suitable accommodations and activities, or to combine the event with nearby less-visited destinations.

The goal is not merely to attend a celebration, but to allow travelers to understand its meaning and to experience it in the best possible conditions.

At DTH Travel, our local teams across 14 destinations in Asia assist tourism professionals in designing tailor-made itineraries that integrate these major cultural milestones, while preserving the authenticity and comfort of the experience.

Because beyond the destination itself, it is often the moments of celebration that leave the most lasting memories.

To imagine your next itineraries, the DTH Travel teams are at your disposal.


DTH Travel, your partner in Asia


Asie : les grands festivals qui peuvent transformer un voyage en expérience inoubliable
Mathilde Thrierr

[email protected]

www.dth.travel

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Georgia Between Europe and Asia: A Seasonal Journey

It’s hardly an accident that the ancient Greeks made this land the setting for the Argonauts and the realm of Medea. Georgia is none other than the stage for one of the earliest European adventure tales: the ancient Colchis, where Jason recovered the Golden Fleece. A unique blend of History and modernity, this small territory of 69,700 square kilometers packs within its stunning geography twelve climatic zones and wild natural spaces, some peaks exceeding 5,000 meters, hundreds of mineral springs, dense forests, and shores washed by the Black Sea. Each season is unique, revealing a different face of the country as light changes: hiking, trekking or ski touring are practiced in a pristine environment. Hospitality here expresses itself through millennia-old rituals; many sites and traditions are listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

Summer: Between Sky and Sea

From the summits of the Caucasus to the beaches along the Adjara coast, the country willingly reveals itself under the summer sun. To the north, the high range of the Greater Caucasus sees hikers wandering through forests of beech and hornbeam, crisscrossed by turbulent torrents and crowned by glaciers. In its villages, a mountain way of life endures—authentic and rugged—paced by folk festivals. In Upper Svaneti, the remarkable village of Ushguli, perched at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, raises its tall medieval defensive towers against the blue of the sky.

Svaneti
Svaneti

Kolkheti
Kolkheti

At the other end of the country, just two or three hours by road, lies the Black Sea. Nestled against the Turkish border, the Adjara coast enjoys a subtropical climate: palms provide welcome shade, the air is thick with humidity. Cosmopolitan, distinctive, the seaside city of Batumi blends Art Nouveau architecture and Ottoman influences, glass towers and casinos along a vibrant seafront that buzzes in the summer months. There you will find busy yet pleasant beaches for a refreshing dip. To discover wilder coves, you must head a little further north.

Batumi
Batumi

Autumn: the Harvest Season

By late September, the sun becomes oblique, the forests turn gold, and the air grows softer. This is the pinnacle of the year, a genuine and gentle transition toward winter. The country pulses to the rhythm of the rtveli, the traditional grape harvest. In villages, grapes are trodden by foot in wooden vats, the satsnakheli, after which the juice is poured into qvevri—ovoide clay vessels—where it begins to ferment. Georgia has been producing wine for more than 8,000 years, and this ancestral method is inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list.

rtveli are a moment of great conviviality marked by a feast called supra. Dozens of toasts are made according to a well-established ritual orchestrated by the master of ceremonies, the tamada; one dances to traditional music, and typical dishes are tasted: khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings stuffed), pkhali (delightful vegetable-based starters).
rtveli are a moment of great conviviality marked by a feast called supra. We raise dozens of toasts according to a well-established ritual orchestrated by the master of ceremonies, the tamada, we dance to traditional music, and we sample typical dishes: khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (stuffed dumplings), pkhali (delightful vegetable-based appetizers).
rtveli are a moment of great conviviality marked by a feast called supra. We raise dozens of toasts according to a well-established ritual orchestrated by the master of ceremonies, the tamada, we dance to traditional music, and we sample typical dishes: khachapuri, (pains au fromage), khinkalis (ravioli), pkhali (savory vegetable starters).
Tbilisi – Bains sulfureux

Tbilisi is especially welcoming in the heart of winter: visitors linger there before resuming the road to ski on the less crowded but often pristine slopes of the Greater Caucasus! Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tetnuldi (Svaneti), Bakhmaro and Goderdzi… you simply need to choose your resort!

Bakuriani
Bakuriani

Kolkheti

A destination at the other end of the country is the Black Sea. Nestled near the Turkish border, the Adjara coast enjoys a subtropical climate: palms cast welcome shade, the air is laden with humidity. Cosmopolitan and distinctive, the seaside city of Batumi blends Art Nouveau architecture with Ottoman influences, glass towers and casinos along a lively seafront that comes alive in the summer. Here you’ll find popular, pleasant beaches for cooling off. To discover wilder coves, you should head a bit further north.

Batumi
Batumi

Winter: From the warmth of Tbilisi to the ski slopes

Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, pleasantly stretches along the banks of the Mtkvari River. One enjoys visiting the Narikala fortress and its labyrinth of cobbled streets, lined with wooden-balconied houses. The medieval Metekhi Church, followed by the famed Abanotubani sulfur baths, also deserve a stop to discover the millennial tradition of thermal cures that characterizes the country.

Tbilissi - Bains sulfureux
Tbilisi – Bains sulfureux

Tbilisi is particularly welcoming in the heart of winter: one is happy to stay before resuming the journey to ski on the seldom-busy yet often pristine slopes of the Greater Caucasus! Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tetnuldi (Svaneti), Bakhmaro and Goderdzi… you just have to choose your resort!

Bakuriani
Bakuriani

Kolkheti

The Georgia can be visited all year round, but each season offers its own distinctive experiences. All that remains is to choose your preferred season.

More information here.

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