According to survey conducted by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Visa Southeast Asia, it seems that in comparison to last year, 9% more travelers looking at Asia as next travel destination. It appears that one in two people who intend to travel overseas in the next two years are looking at Asia as their most likely destination. Hm, I’d like to think this blog is making a dent, after all, hah!

Some highlights of the Asia Travel Intentions Survey 2007:

• of those intending international travel in the next two years, 52 % were considering Asia as their next travel destination.
• Thailand was again rated as the number one destination on travellers’ holiday lists, followed by Japan and China.
• Perceptions of Indonesia were again influenced by safety concerns, namely the 2004 tsunami and potential terrorism attacks

And some very encouraging results from the survey:

One emerging trend observed from the 2007 survey was a desire for travellers to participate in environmentally- and culturally-sensitive travel. Almost nine out of 10 respondents said they would prefer to choose tourism products that showed concern about the impact tourism had on local cultures and customers and also protected the natural environment.

So it looks like more and more are headed this way. Are you one of them? What part of Asia would you like to visit (or visit next)? Hm, maybe I should conduct a poll… Watch out for it!

What better time to breathe life back into this blog than Easter, eh? I’m back from from my trip to the Philippines and and getting ready to bringing you the latest news and stories about Asia travel once again. Welcome aboard!

Fodor’s presents five Hong Kong six must-see’s for those looking for adventure. In no particular order:

Peak Tram:

Hong Kong’s funicular is the world’s steepest — it climbs to a staggering 1,805 feet above sea level. You really can’t afford to miss what is ultimately a great ride. On the way up, grab a seat on the right-hand side for the best views of the harbor and mountains. The trams, which look like old-fashioned trolley cars, are hauled all the way up by cables — in a mere seven minutes.

Victoria’s Peak

Chinese name, Tai Ping Shan, means Mountain of Great Peace, and it certainly seems to inspire momentary hushed awe in visitors at the viewing point, a few yards left along the road from the tram terminal. Spread below you is a glittering forest of skyscrapers. Beyond them the harbor and — on a clear day — Kowloon’s eight mountains. On a rainy day wisps of cloud catch on the buildings’ pointy tops; at night both sides of the harbor burst into color. Consider having dinner at one of the restaurants near the upper terminus.

Star Ferry

If it’s your first time in the city, you’re all but required to cross the harbor and back on the Star Ferry at least once. It’s a beautiful and relaxing trip on characterful vessels. An evening ride is ideal, when the city’s neon and skyscrapers light up the sky. The ferry’s home is Pier 7 of the Outlying Islands Ferry Piers. .

Dragon’s Back

It’s not widely known, but 40% of of Hong Kong is protected in 23 parks, including three marine parks. Within these confines are plenty of great hiking trails, including Dragon’s Back, which crosses the “rooftop” of Hong Kong Island. Take the Peak Tram from Central up to Victoria Peak, and tackle as much or as little of the range as you want. Surprisingly wild country feels a world away from the urban bustle below, and the panoramas are spectacular.

MacLehose Trail

Named after a former governor, this 60-mile trail is the grueling course for the annual charity event, the MacLehose Trailwalker. Top teams finish the hike in an astonishing 15 hours. Mere mortals should allow three to four days from beginning to end, or simply tackle one section or another on a day hike or two. [snip] A portion takes you through the Sai Kung Country Park, Hong Kong’s most beloved preserve, and up a mountain called Ma On Shan. Turn south for a high-ridge view, and walk through Ma On Shan Country Park. From here, walk west along the ridges of the mountains known as the Eight Dragons, which gave Kowloon its name. Cross Tai Po Road and follow the path to the summit of Tai Mo Shan (3,140 feet), Hong Kong’s tallest mountain.

Happy Valley Racetrack

Hong Kong putters are the world’s most avid horse-racing fans, and the beloved track in Happy Valley — opened soon after the British first arrived — is one of their headquarters. The joy of the track, even for those who aren’t into horses, is that it’s smack in the middle of the city and surrounded by towering apartment blocks — indeed, people who balconies hang over the backstretch often have parties on racing days.

More details from the Fodor’s Travel Wire.

Technorati Tags: adventure travel, Asia, asia destinations, asia holiday, asia travel, asia vacation, hiking, Hong Kong, horse racing, mountaneering, outdoor+sports, racetrack, racing, star ferry, Victoria Peak

Are you a member of the one world frequent flyer program?

Starting April 1, 2007, Japan Airlines (JAL) will join oneworld alongside its affiliates -JALways, Japan Asia Airways, JAL Express, J-AIR and Japan Transocean Air.

And to encourage you to go visit and get to know Japan, oneworld launched a special alliance fare for travellers to the country: the Yokoso! Visit Japan pass, allowing a traveller to fly up to 5 domestic flights within a two-month period from the departure date of the first Japanese domestic sector. Each sector flown will be charged at a standard JPY10,000 (approximately US$80).

Go rack up those miles!

Technorati Tags: airlines, Asia, asia destinations, asia holiday, asia travel, asia vacation, frequent flyer, JAL, Japan, Japan Airlines, oneworld, visit japan pass