The South East Asia Travel Show

6 Apr 2026 • 17m51s

Ep 296: LCC Strategy Shifts, Türkiye & Taiwan in the Spotlight & Vietnam Targets 50 Million Visitors: Start the Week with The South East Asia Travel Show

The episode examines how fuel costs have escalated dramatically for airlines, now consuming “50-55% of its operating costs. That previously was 30-35%.” As Middle East tensions escalate, Southeast Asian low-cost carriers face intensifying financial pressures. Hosts Gary and Hannah explore developments across Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, Bahrain, and Taiwan, discussing Batik Air’s 35% flight reduction and network cutbacks by competing carriers. They also examine Tony Fernandes’ hints regarding a potential partnership with a major Turkish airline and SunPhuQuoc Airways’ decision to launch international operations from Taipei.

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1 Apr 2026 • 27m31s

Ep 295: ASEAN's Energy Crisis, Godzilla Heat, Changi in Vietnam & Eurovision Asia: March 2026 in Review

March 2026 will not be remembered fondly across Asia, as a worsening energy crisis impacts all sectors of regional economies, including travel. Gary and Hannah review the most eventful month for South East Asia since Covid - and provide up-to-date analysis of the current situation, and what to expect next. We look at the increasing airline fuel surcharge rates being applied, including an eye-watering 157% fare increase announced today. In response, Thailand has slashed its annual visitor arrivals target and AirAsia is reviewing the inauguration of its Bahrain transcontinental hub in June.

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30 Mar 2026 • 15m57s

Ep 294: Sustainable Aviation & Tourist Entry Taxes in Singapore & Thailand, New Cruise Ports & Robot Dog Tour Guides

As we enter a decisive week for Middle East warfare and diplomacy, South East Asia is watching with deepening collective and national economic concerns. Gary and Hannah start the week in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia in search of answers to South East Asia’s big travel questions. What are the implications of the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit being cut to ‘the bare bones’? As Singapore delays implementation of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy, is now the right time for Thailand to revive its THB300 Tourism Tax?

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26 Mar 2026 • 19m16s

Ep 293: A New Survey Report on the Impacts of War in the Middle East on Travel Businesses in South East Asia

“48% of South East Asian travel businesses believe that the prospects for their business in Q2 2026 are worse than they had anticipated at the start of the year.” But, dig deeper and the opinion variances between travel industry players throughout the region are noticeable. On this week’s show Hannah is in the hot seat, as Gary interviews her about a new survey report put together by her team at Pear Anderson and the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA).

The Travel Industry Podcast for ASEAN and Asia Pacific...

🔉 Currently Playing

Ep 297: How Have 6 Weeks of War Changed ASEAN's Travel Economies?: Start the Weekend with The South East Asia Travel Show

About The Podcast

August 2022: In Review

July 2022: In Review

📻 Recent Episodes

Ep 296: LCC Strategy Shifts, Türkiye & Taiwan in the Spotlight & Vietnam Targets 50 Million Visitors: Start the Week with The South East Asia Travel Show

Ep 295: ASEAN's Energy Crisis, Godzilla Heat, Changi in Vietnam & Eurovision Asia: March 2026 in Review

Ep 294: Sustainable Aviation & Tourist Entry Taxes in Singapore & Thailand, New Cruise Ports & Robot Dog Tour Guides

Ep 293: A New Survey Report on the Impacts of War in the Middle East on Travel Businesses in South East Asia

Hannah Pearson

Gary Bowerman