Ep 140: The Top 12 Travel Talking Points in South East Asia & China in 2022 So Far

About This Episode

5 Jul 2022 • 35m57s

“The slew of [Chinese government] policy changes has prompted an increase in flights, with airline companies racing against each other to resume international flights with China.”

Breaking developments in China mean the second half of 2022 in South East Asia will be dominated by the quest to entice back Chinese tourists. But how did we get here?

This week, Gary and Hannah discuss the 12 key travel and tourism developments that define 2022 to date - and set the scene for a stronger recovery in the second half of the year.

Our journey takes us to Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Bali by way of China, India, Japan and South Korea. We also discuss the return of cruise travel in the region, the jet fuel and human resource challenges, overland travel growth and a busy 6 months for domestic tourism.

Plus, what challenges and opportunities await for the remainder of the year?

Resources

Global Times: China further streamlines procedures for intl arrivals article

View All Episodes

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Play
21 Sep 2026 • 32m49s

Ep 319: AirAsia Fights Back: Why is '70 Million' the South East Asian Carrier's Most Important Strategic Forecast?

43 million. 15,000. 250. 154. 60%. 40%. 34%. Restating its statistical credentials is a vital part of AirAsia’s battle to reclaim the media narrative that it was starting to lose last week, reassure passengers and investors and arrest its market cap rout. As it reiterates its importance to ASEAN’s air travel landscape, the crucial number to watch is 70 million. During a combative press performance on Friday, AirAsia Co-Founder, Tony Fernandes, attacked media reporting, repeatedly stated that the KL-based, ASEAN-centric carrier group is financially viable and is seeking funding to recapitalise its debts at a lower borrowing cost not to stay afloat.
Play
14 Sep 2026 • 20m54s

Ep 318: How Deep Are AirAsia's Financial Troubles? And How Vital is AirAsia to the Air Travel Landscapes of South East Asia & Asia Pacific?

“It’s hard to imagine how South East Asia’s air travel landscape would look without AirAsia.” This podcast episode examines AirAsia’s financial crisis and regional significance. The airline group operates 7 carriers across 5 countries and serves as a vital connector throughout ASEAN and broader Asia-Pacific markets. The episode details AirAsia’s current struggles, including an RM831 million second-quarter loss attributed to the 2026 Iran War fuel crisis. The airline has reduced capacity by up to 25% and seeks approximately US$1.