Golden Week on the horizon, and it seems like SE Asia is a popular destination for outbound Chinese travellers.

As Agoda reports Bangkok is 4th most popular; Trip.com that Thailand is 2nd, Malaysia 4th, Vietnam 5th most popular destinations; and Fliggy that Thailand is 2nd, Malaysia 5th. Meanwhile, Chonburi Tourism Federation reports no significant uptick for Pattaya from Chinese tourists over the week.

• The Malaysian Ringgit and the Thai Baht appreciate vs the USD to the highest levels in 30 months and 19 months respectively, boosting outbound travel potential, but inbound players are concerned local tourism could take a hit.

• AirAsia grabs headlines in every market this week, with news that it will impose a carbon tax, AirAsia Cambodia will launch flights to Singapore, AirAsia Philippines will look at US flights, AirAsia Indonesia will expand its operations in East Nusa Tenggara and AirAsia Malaysia will add 150k seats by year-end.

• Thailand is the first country in SE Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, with the law to take effect from 22 Jan 2025.

View Report here (PDF)