In 2025, TPO shares key year-end updates, including the relocation of its Secretariat to Busan Administrative Complex Town and the admission of 18 new member cities and organizations.
On November 28 2025, TPO moved its Secretariat to a Busan administrative complex Town. The move enhances the working environment of the Secretariat and supports more efficient coordination with member cities and partner organizations, reinforcing TPO’s operational capacity as its activities continue to expand.
Welcoming 18 New Members: Expanding the TPO Network
In 2025, TPO welcomes a total of 18 new member cities and organizations through its formal membership approval process. Applications are first reviewed by the 44th Executive Committee, followed by final approval at the 12th General Assembly held in September.
The newly admitted members represent a diverse range of regions, with a notable increase in members from Korea, alongside participation from other countries, including:
• Category 1
– Malaysia (1): Miri
– Mongolia (1): Umnugovi Province
– Korea (10): Haman county, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Geochang County, Goseong-gun, Hapcheon-gun, Sancheong-gun, Uiryeong County, Changnyeong-gun, Hamyang-gun,
– Kazakhstan (1): Aktau
• Category 2
– Institution (1): Gyeongnam Tourism Organization
• Category 3
– Business (3): MICE Dot, Green Trip, MICE KING
This expansion underscores growing interest in TPO’s platform and further strengthens its role in promoting cooperation among cities and tourism-related organizations.
Looking Ahead: New Leadership and the 2026 TPO Forum
Looking ahead, TPO prepares for the launch of its new Executive Committee with Busan as President City and Gimhae and Kota Kinabalu as the new Co-President Cities. The new leadership was elected at the 12th TPO General Assembly held in September in Ho Chi Minh City and will guide the organization’s strategic direction for the next two years starting in 2026.
• Executive Committee member (2026-2027)
Busan, Fukuoka, Gimhae, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Ipoh, Jakarta, Jeonju, Kota Kinabalu, Samarkand, Sanya and Taichung
• The 10th TPO Forum (September, 2026)
In September next year, the 10th TPO Forum will be held in Taichung, providing an important platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cooperation among member cities and organizations.
Together, these developments mark a meaningful close to 2025 and set the stage for TPO’s continued growth and engagement in the year ahead.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) jointly issued the “Action Plan for the Integrated Development of Culture and Tourism and the Civil Aviation Industry” on 3 December 2025. The plan aims to promote synergy between the culture and tourism sector and civil aviation, and to actively stimulate culture and tourism consumption.
Key actions include:
• Enhancing travel service quality: improving facilitation measures for inbound tourism (e.g. immediate tax refund, foreign language information and guidance); creating a barrier free environment for the elderly travelers, strengthening safe and convenient transport services for educational tours, improving the travel experience for family travel; and reinforcing safety and cold-weather measures for winter tourism.
• Improving air routes and service facilities: enhancing accessibility for domestic travel, expanding inbound international routes, and upgrading airport service facilities.
• Deepening cross sector integration: developing aviation themed tourism products and optimizing regulations for low altitude tourism.
• Creating an enabling environment for integrated development: building communication and cooperation mechanisms, strengthening policy support and safeguards, and enhancing promotion and public communication.
Statistical Analysis and Outlook
Release of the “2024–2025 Cross-Border Tourism Consumption Trends Report”
The World Tourism Alliance (WTA) released the “2024 2025 Cross border Tourism Consumption Trends Report” on 19 November 2025, based on a combination of cross-border booking data from Trip.com Group and consumption data from Mastercard.
The report projects that the number of global cross border tourists will increase by around 3–5% year on year (YoY) in 2025, with China’s outbound tourism expected to show a clear shift toward short haul destinations and experience oriented travel.
The report also notes that China’s expanding visa-free entry policies will further strengthen its competitiveness in attracting inbound visitors, and suggests that China and the wider Asia region are likely to consolidate their position as key hubs in the global tourism market.
Release of the “Report on the Development of Self-Driving and Camping Tourism in China (2024-2025)”
According to the “Report on the Development of Self-Driving and Camping Tourism in China” released by the China Tourism Automobile and Cruise Association (CTACA) in November 2025, the number of self-driving tourists in 2024 reached 4.35 billion, marking an increase of 750 million compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the average expenditure per person for self-driving trips was approximately 1,240 yuan. This spending accounts for about 40% of total expenses and includes costs for tolls, energy, maintenance, and emergency rescue service.
International Civil Aviation Passenger Volume in China Increases 10.8% YoY in October 2025
According to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the number of civil aviation passengers in October reached 67.835 million, a 10.8% increase compared to the same month last year. From January to October 2025, the cumulative passenger volume reached 650 million, representing a 5.3% year-on-year growth. The recovery of international routes continues to be robust, maintaining a steady upward trend in demand for overseas travel.
Other Trends
[Russia] Implementation of Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Citizens, Establishing Reciprocal Visa-Free Travel Between China and Russia
According to an announcement on 1 December 2025, holders of valid Chinese regular passports may enter Russia visa-free for up to 30 days from 1 December 2025 to 14 September 2026. Based on a prior announcement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holders of Russian ordinary passports are also permitted to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days from 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026, establishing a period of reciprocal visa-free travel between the two countries.
Following the announcement, searches related to Russia on the Chinese Online Travel Agency (OTA) Tong Cheng more than doubled, with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Harbin identified by the top five cities with the highest growth in search volume. Additionally, data from another OTA, Fliggy, showed that searches for flight tickets to Russia surged more than eightfold compared to the previous day, while booking rates increased approximately fivefold.
[Cambodia] Planned Implementation of Visa Waiver Policy for Chinese Citizens
On December 2, the Cambodian government announced that holders of valid Chinese regular passports will be allowed to enter Cambodia visa free for up to 14 days, effective from June 15, 2026, to October 15, 2026.
Following this announcement, data from the OTA Qunar showed a significant surge in interest; flight searches from Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen to Phnom Penh increased by 5.2, 4.3, and 3 times respectively compared to the previous hour. Additionally, searches for flights departing from Guangzhou and Xiamen more than doubled.
[India] Full Resumption of Tourist Visa Issuance for Chinese Citizens
On November 22 2025, the Indian government announced the full resumption of tourist visa issuance for Chinese citizens after a five-year hiatus. This move is viewed as a further step toward normalizing bilateral exchanges, following the agreement reached in January 2025 to resume direct flights between the two countries.
Sourced by Korea Tourism Organization Data Lab – Chinese Tourism Industry Trend: 1st December Issue, Chinese Tourism Industry Trend: 2nd November Issue
Dadaepo Beach is a signature coastal destination of Saha-gu, Busan, offering a special place where the vast scenery created by the sea and sky can be enjoyed in everyday life. Its wide sandy beach and open horizon provide visitors with relaxation and healing, attracting both residents and tourists throughout all four seasons.
The greatest charm of Dadaepo lies in its spectacular sunset, widely recognized as one of Busan’s finest. As the sun slowly descends toward the sea, the sky and ocean are painted in brilliant shades of red, creating a breathtaking finale to the day. Thanks to its west-facing coastline, the vibrant colors of the sunset stretching beyond the horizon make Dadaepo a beloved destination for photographers and visitors alike.
At the peak of sunset, the beach, sea, and sky blend seamlessly into a scene reminiscent of a beautiful painting. These unforgettable views have gained widespread attention on social media and photography communities, earning Dadaepo the reputation of a “sunset hotspot” and “Busan’s premier sunset destination.” A leisurely walk along the shore at dusk offers lasting memories for couples, families, and friends.
Dadaepo’s sunset experience is further enhanced by nearby attractions such as the Dream Sunset Fountain, walking trails, and waterfront spaces, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day-to-night stay. From daytime relaxation on the beach to watching the crimson sunset, and finally to enjoying the illuminated fountain and nighttime scenery, Dadaepo stands out as a comprehensive tourism destination representing Saha-gu.
More than just a natural landscape, the sunset at Dadaepo symbolizes tourism in western Busan and offers the most beautiful way to conclude the day. As the sun gently sinks toward the sea, visitors are invited to experience a truly special evening in Busan at Dadaepo.
With the expanding visa-free policy and a recovering inbound tourism market, Sanya is embracing the festive season as a key growth opportunity. The fourth quarter, aligning with Christmas and New Year celebrations worldwide, positions Sanya to attract more international visitors.
To enhance its appeal as a tropical coastal destination, Sanya Tourism Board has launched the “New Year, New Beginning” dual-festival campaign. This initiative combines digital outreach and immersive experiences to promote Sanya’s unique cultural offerings and warm holiday atmosphere.
The campaign operates both online and offline. Through partners like Klook and Trip.com, targeted promotions and festive content to engage global audiences. On the ground, the International Terminal of Sanya Phoenix International Airport serves as a welcoming hub from mid-December to early January. Visitors can enjoy holiday decorations, interactive activities, and gifts—creating a memorable first impression.
By blending digital engagement with real-world warmth, Sanya aims to strengthen its global tourism appeal and ensure every visitor feels the promise of a new beginning.
The Light & Sound @ Ipoh Padang, situated in the heart of Ipoh city, is an excellent synthesis of heritage, culture, and technology. At night, the historic OCBC Bank Building Facade transforms into a vibrant monument, where an enchanting display of light, music, and storytelling illuminates the city’s heritage. The show has successfully established itself along Jalan Tun Sambanthan as one of the city’s most beloved nighttime attractions, appealing to both locals and tourists as an innovative and captivating way to enjoy the charm of Ipoh.
Using state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, the Light & Sound @ Ipoh Padang turns the building into a massive moving picture gallery. Vibrant graphics, synchronised music, and dynamic lighting come together to present a one-of-a-kind artistic showcase that honours Perak’s cultural identity. The programme vividly illustrates Ipoh’s transformation from a tin-mining town into a historic city filled with architectural beauty and thriving urban life. Each scene is thoughtfully crafted to help viewers connect with the city through its history and present-day development, evoking feelings of wonder and appreciation.
One of the most cherished highlights of the show is the inclusion of the evergreen “Kampung Boy” characters by Dato’ Lat, Perak’s iconic cartoonist. His beloved drawings add a nostalgic and heartwarming touch, reminding audiences of Malaysia’s rural roots and the timeless simplicity of village life. The combination of traditional imagery with modern projection technology gives the show a distinctive local flavour, making it both entertaining and culturally meaningful.
The atmosphere at Ipoh Padang during the show is lively yet calming. People of all ages gather on the open field to enjoy the dazzling night display. The surrounding colonial buildings and scenic views further enhance the magical experience. Visitors are encouraged to take a stroll around the field before or after the show, exploring the nearby historic landmarks, cafes, and food vendors that reflect the charm of Ipoh’s old town.
The Light & Sound @ Ipoh Padang runs every Friday to Sunday, from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., making it an ideal weekend activity for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re visiting Ipoh for the first time or returning to rediscover its beauty, this spectacular event promises an unforgettable evening filled with colour, culture, and creativity. More than just a performance, it stands as a visual tribute to Ipoh’s heritage and proudly showcases the enduring spirit of Perak.
In celebration of the year-end season, Saha District in Busan Metropolitan City will transform three locations—Buneccia at Jangnim Port, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Goejeong Hoewhwa-namu Saemteo Park—into a “Street of Hopeful Lights.” The light festival is scheduled to run for approximately 90 days, from December 1 to February 28 next year.
LED lights reflecting the unique charm of Saha District will be installed to spread a hopeful atmosphere throughout the entire district, presenting a special winter festival where both residents and visitors can enjoy the lights together.
At Buneccia in Jangnim Port, the Rainbow Bridge, the shimmering waters of Jangnim Harbor, and the promenade along the port will be utilized to create a dazzling and romantic light street. In Gamcheon Culture Village, various key photo zones, murals, and even the floors throughout the alleys will be used to produce a diverse array of lights. Finally, at Goejeong Hoewhwa-namu Saemteo Park, centered on The Little Prince-themed content, fantastical thematic displays will be added to provide visitors with a special experience as if they are strolling through a fairytale world.
This light street festival goes beyond simply enjoying beautiful scenery, offering an opportunity for families, couples, and friends to create memories and fully embrace the winter spirit of Saha District. Amid the warm glow and splendid illuminations, visitors can momentarily forget the hustle of daily life, experience the various photo zones and thematic displays prepared by Saha District, and look forward to a special and memorable time this winter.
Lorong Seni @ Lorong Panglima is a vibrant alleyway in Ipoh’s historic district that showcases local art and culture. To promote traditional art, handicraft, and music while boosting Ipoh’s status as a cultural tourist destination, this unique attraction was officially opened on 23rd July 2022 by the Ipoh City Council.
The location becomes a bustling marketplace where local craftspeople and merchants set up booths every Saturday from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm. Stop by the booths selling authentic Ipoh souvenirs, traditional clothing, musical instruments, and handicrafts. Tourists may take home a memorable memento of their experience with each product that showcases the local creativity.
Murals, artwork, and cultural exhibits surround the alley, transforming it into a beautiful outdoor gallery. As a performance venue, it also allows local artists and musicians to present their work and perform live music. Locals and tourists alike are drawn to the vibrant images, traditional crafts, and lively noises that create an inviting ambiance.
Symbolic of communal pride and cultural preservation, Lorong Seni @ Lorong Panglima goes beyond being an ordinary tourist attraction. It preserves Ipoh’s historic beauty while boosting the city’s creative economy by providing a venue for artists and small business owners to showcase their wares. Its prime location along the famous Concubine Lane has made it an absolute must-visit for history buffs and anybody else interested in the old town’s splendour.
Lorong Seni @ Lorong Panglima portrays Ipoh, as a city where tradition and creativity intertwine and where every corner has a tradition to be remembered, with its combination of history, artistry, and local character. In addition to protect cultural heritage, this initiative encourages the next generation to value and continue old crafts in contemporary ways. The alleyway’s beautiful paintings and vibrant ambiance have made it a popular location for photography, particularly among social media users who help promote this little-known treasure.
Three international air routes — between Sanya and Minsk; Ulaanbaatar, Sanya and Ulan-Ude; and Sanya and Kuala Lumpur — were opened between Oct. 8 and 11, marking a major expansion of Sanya’s international air route network.
The Sanya-Kuala Lumpur route is operated by Malaysia’s Batik Air and runs twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering Southeast Asian travelers a more convenient option when visiting south China’s island province of Hainan.
The Ulaanbaatar-Sanya-Ulan-Ude route is operated by Mongolia’s Hunnu Air while the Sanya-Minsk route, which is operated by Belavia-Belarusian Airlines, is the first-ever direct air link between Sanya and Belarus.
To date, Sanya has established a total of 38 international air routes connecting 29 overseas destinations across key regions, including Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Europe. More routes, including one between Sanya and Cheongju, are expected to open soon.
Currently, citizens of 86 countries can visit Hainan visa-free with ordinary passports. The combination of visa-free entry policies and direct flights has boosted the island’s inbound tourism significantly.
Sanya will leverage the expansion of its international air links to work with cities and counties in the Greater Sanya tourism economic circle to develop more diversified tourism routes and attract more overseas visitors, according to an official of the Sanya Tourism Board.
When people think of Yogyakarta, they often imagine history temples and iconic streets. But beyond these famous spots, Yogyakarta hides authentic experiences in its traditional markets called “Pasar”, In the context of “Pasar”refers to a vibrant traditional market where visitors can find not only raw ingredients and household goods but also a wide variety of local and traditional foods.
More than just a place to shop, it’s a hub of culinary culture, offering authentic tastes and a lively atmosphere that reflects the daily life and food traditions of the community. If you’re a food lover or a cultural explorer, include Culinary Pasar Kranggan, Pasar Ngasem, and Pasar Condronegaran in your travel list. These markets are more than places to eat they reflect Yogyakarta’s rich culture, warm community, and unforgettable flavors.
Culinary Pasar Kranggan a Flavorful Journey from Local Traditions to Global Inspirations
Start your journey at Pasar Kranggan, near Tugu Yogyakarta, a lively market open from 5 AM till night. Enjoy local dishes like pecel sayur (vegetables with peanut sauce), lontong opor (rice cakes in coconut chicken curry), and jenang sumsum (sweet rice flour porridge).
Discover snacks like a pem (soft and sweet rice flour cake) often served at Javanese ceremonies, and herbal drinks like jamu. The upstairs food court blends tradition and modernity with Sate Klatak, Soto Tangkar, Roti Jala, Korean BBQ, and desserts. Pasar Kranggan is a flavorful start to your global foods adventure.
Culinary Pasar Ngasem the Royal Taste Near the Palace
Next, make your way to Pasar Ngasem, located just a stone’s throw from the Kraton Yogyakarta is the Sultan’s Palace. Head to Pasar Ngasem near the Kraton Yogyakarta, a peaceful market rooted in royal tradition. Enjoy local dishes like gudeg is young jackfruit stew, brongkos is spiced beef stew, klepon is sweet rice cake balls with palm sugar, jadah tempe is sticky rice with fermented soybeans, and geblek is crispy cassava crackers. Surrounded by history, it’s perfect for savoring traditional flavors while exploring nearby Taman Sari or the charming old lanes for a cultural experience.
Culinary Pasar Condronegaran the Street Food with Heart
Looking for hidden gems? Pasar Condronegaran is a quiet local market with heartwarming street food like jenang sumsum, tahu gimbal, and sate kere – all simple, comforting dishes loved by locals. At night, the market lights up with angkringan carts serving nasi kucing is a small rice with some kind of fish or tempe with a small portion and wedang jahe. Locals gather to relax, chat, and enjoy the moment. It’s a great place to experience daily life in Yogyakarta beyond the tourist paths.
Why Visit These Markets?
Pasar Kranggan, Ngasem, and Condronegaran show different sides of Yogyakarta its energy, heritage, and heart. Whether you’re starting your day, exploring palace culture, or enjoying evening snacks, these markets connect you to the city’s soul.
To truly taste Yogyakarta, skip the usual route.
Start at the market where every bite tells a story.
The Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO) successfully concluded two major talent development programs in October, reinforcing its commitment to building a sustainable tourism workforce.
K-CLIP Welcomes Record Participation
TPO announced that the Korean Culture & Language Immersion Program (K-CLIP) was successfully completed across four Korean cities, Andong, Mungyeong, Daegu, and Busan from October 19 to 29, 2025. The program welcomed 29 young participants from 22 cities across 10 countries and regions, including Australia, China, and Malaysia.
K-CLIP 2025 achieved record-breaking interest with 225 applications from 93 cities across 19 countries, the highest since its launch in 2009. Over 11 days, participants engaged in traditional cultural activities, visited UNESCO World Heritage sites, explored cultural heritage, and experienced modern tourism attractions. The program culminated in group marketing presentations where participants showcased innovative tourism promotion strategies.
Lasting Impact Through Education and Networking
Participants also attended several sessions of the Global City Tourism Summit, broadening their perspectives on global tourism trends. This integrated approach resulted in an exceptional satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5.
One participant captured the program’s impact: “I truly learned a lot throughout the whole K-CLIP program, and I never expected that through this trip, I would meet my dearest Korean friend”a reflection of K-CLIP’s dual achievement in education and cross-cultural networking.
Following the program, select graduates were appointed as TPO Supporters for a three-month to create media content promoting TPO member cities on TPO’s official YouTube channel. (https://youtube.com/@tposecretariat7984?si=AszUAG-bTPmriFLi)
Capacity Building Program Explores Workation Models
During the same period, the Capacity Building Program was held in Busan from October 27 to 30, 2025. Themed “Coexistence of Work and Travel: New Lifestyles Created by Workation”, Busan’s tourism policy combining work and vacation, the program brought together 14 government officials from 9 cities across five countries.
The program consisted of workation center visits, case study discussions, site inspections, and policy exchange sessions. Participants toured Busan’s workation center, experiencing the city’s public workation model with high-quality facilities and strong connectivity. They attended thematic sessions at the first Global City Tourism Summit and visited Busan’s tourist destinations, including the beach train, local coffee streets, and media art museums. These activities provided valuable benchmarking opportunities, demonstrating how tourism infrastructure can serve both leisure travelers and remote workers.
Expanding Global Tourism Collaboration
Building on this year’s success, TPO plans to continue both programs in 2026 and is currently accepting applications from member cities interested in hosting CLIP and other tourism promotion programs.
“K-CLIP and the Capacity Building Program demonstrate TPO’s role in cultivating future tourism talent and leading cooperation among member cities,” said Kang Da-eun, Secretary-General of TPO. “We remain committed to advancing sustainable tourism development and global talent cultivation.”
Through these programs, TPO continues to strengthen tourism workforce development and building on this year’s success, TPO plans to continue CLIP programs in 2026 and is currently accepting applications from member cities interested in hosting the 2026 CLIP program until December 12. Interested cities can submit applications via email to jaseo@aptpo.org.
