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

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1 Apr 2026 • 27m31s

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. Meanwhile, developmental tourism projects are still ongoing. We discuss a major long-term investment by a Thai hotel and mall owner, plus a fascinating collaboration between Vietnam’s Sun Group and Singapore’s Changi Airport. And, we finish on a musical note as Hannah waxes lyrical about the Eurovision Song Contest’s debut Asian edition in Bangkok later this year, while Gary gets nostalgic as the Ministry of Sound’s heads to Bali for a 5-week residency.

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