FLORENCE, Italy, Nov. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Most travellers think they know Tuscany: rolling hills, Renaissance towns, and country roads lined with cypress trees. Very few realise that Tuscany also has one of the most important and beautiful coastlines in Italy, stretching along the Tyrrhenian Sea and opening onto an extraordinary archipelago of seven islands, including the famous Island of Elba. This is the largest protected marine area in Europe, yet still a secret for many visitors.
one of the “nest”, in the Tuscan bush
Poggio ai Santi is part of this coastal world. Set on a hillside above San Vincenzo, it is one of the rare places where the beauty of the Tuscan countryside meets the luminosity of the Mediterranean. From the property, the sea appears like a vast silver horizon, while behind us rise olive groves, Mediterranean macchia, and the gentle rhythm of the coastal hills. It is a landscape where sea air and country scents meet naturally.
Even fewer people know that Bolgheri, home to some of Italy’s greatest wines—Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto—is only twelve kilometres from Poggio ai Santi. These celebrated wines were born on this very coastline. Their exceptional character comes from a unique combination: the reflection of the sea’s light on the vineyards, an exceptional southwest exposure, and soils shaped by ancient marine deposits. This marriage of land and sea allows Bolgheri to produce wines of remarkable elegance and depth.
Poggio ai Santi shares this same microclimate. The coast enjoys mild winters, with temperatures similar to southern Sardinia. For our guests, this means that Poggio ai Santi is a refuge of light and tranquillity all year round, offering winter walks, peaceful landscapes, and the calm beauty of the Mediterranean, away from the busy summer months.
Our philosophy is simple: authenticity, space, and harmony with nature. Suites open onto private gardens or terraces, the air carries the scent of herbs and sea breeze, and the landscape invites relaxation and contemplation. At our restaurant, Il Sale, many ingredients come directly from the estate or from trusted local producers, expressing the flavours of both coast and countryside.
Poggio ai Santi is not only a place to stay—it is an invitation to discover a lesser-known Tuscany: luminous, maritime, agricultural, and deeply authentic. Here, the sea and the hills belong to the same horizon.
HONG KONG, Nov. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, ANKH Pain Relief Health Group has donated HK$1 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross to support their “Tai Po Fire Emergency Appeal”.
The major blaze at Wang Fuk Court has caused serious casualties and left thousands of residents homeless. The Hong Kong Red Cross has swiftly activated its emergency response mechanism to assist those affected, providing on-site first aid, emergency cash assistance, essential daily supplies, psychological support services, and post-disaster recovery aid. The donation from ANKH Pain Relief Health Group will help fund urgent rescue and ongoing recovery efforts.
ANKH Pain Relief Health Group is a Hong Kong-based health organization specializing in pain solutions services. The company stated that this tragic fire has brought deep pain to Tai Po residents and the wider Hong Kong community. Through this contribution, it hopes to extend practical support to those affected. The Group also expressed its condolences to the victims and their families, and paid tribute to the firefighters, medical professionals, and volunteers working tirelessly on the frontline.
London is weighing whether to implement a new tourist tax targeting overnight guests.
Mayor Sadiq Khan is reportedly looking into charging overnight visitors a tax on stays at hotels and short-term rentals.
“The mayor has been clear [about considering] a modest tourist levy, similar to other international cities,” a spokesperson for the mayor of London told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The spokesperson added that such a tax “would boost [the] economy, deliver growth and help cement London’s reputation as a global tourism and business destination.”
London remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing some 21 million visitors in recent years — with around 3.6 million “overnight visits” coming from North America, according to the U.K.’s Office for National Statistics.
The City of London is weighing whether to implement a new tourist tax that would target overnight guests.(Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
The potential tax stems from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which includes a clause permitting local leaders to “raise revenue locally through a new overnight visitor levy.”
While there has been no official declaration of the specifics, many suggest the levy could be 5% per night.
Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, told Conde Nast Traveler that introducing a tourist tax “is the start of a bigger [program] of devolving tax and spending powers to the capital.”
“London is the most productive big city in the U.K., and devolving more fiscal powers would give the capital more policy tools to accelerate growth in the economy,” said Carter.
While there has been no official declaration of the specifics, many suggest the levy could be 5% per night.(iStock)
London recently launched a “Mind the Grab” campaign to warn pedestrians about phone snatches.
Bold purple chalk signs on the edge of some sidewalks say, “Mind the Grab,” and “Step back from the Kerb! Phone snatching hot spot.”
The latest news comes as European cities and other destinations have been grappling with overtourism.
London remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing some 21 million visitors in recent years, with around 3.6 million “overnight visits” coming from North America.(Reuters/Henry Nicholls)
The City of Edinburgh, Scotland, plans to charge a 5% per night tax on accommodations starting in July 2026.
Norway also introduced a tourist tax, allowing certain cities to introduce a 3% tax on overnight stays in “areas particularly affected by tourism,” as Fox News Digital previously reported.
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana introduced and launched the MaiA artificial intelligence system (Meticulous Artificial Intelligence of Indonesia) as part of the priority Tourism 5.0 program at the Sapta Pesona Building in Jakarta on Friday (28/11).
MaiA is an artificial intelligence platform built to improve the quality of national tourism services with adaptive, smart technology that focuses on travelers. The platform is available through indonesia.travel and marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s digital tourism evolution.
“The launch of MaiA is the actual implementation of the government’s commitment to establishing a smart, inclusive, and sustainable tourism ecosystem,” Minister Widiyanti said in her remarks at the event themed Transforming Travel Beyond Ordinary Through Intelligence.
The Minister of Tourism explained that MaiA is not merely a technological innovation, but a representation of a new spirit in Indonesia’s tourism services. MaiA serves as a digital travel companion that understands travelers’ needs, helping them discover travel inspiration, create instant routes, and accompany them as they explore Indonesia with greater confidence and comfort.
“This is our step toward shaping tourism that is not only beautiful to behold, but also intelligent and inclusive for all,” said Minister Widiyanti.
As a symbol of Indonesia’s digital tourism transformation, MaiA strengthens the connection between travelers and the culture, experiences, and stories of Indonesia.
This technology functions as both an intelligent curator and a digital travel companion through a range of key features, including personalized destination recommendations, automatic itinerary creation, an interactive map, and destination summaries available in multiple languages.
Minister Widiyanti emphasized that MaiA is a response to shifting global traveler behavior, with tourists increasingly seeking personal, efficient, and easily accessible travel experiences. Its presence is expected to enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness on the international stage while supporting the government’s efforts to develop sustainable and user-friendly tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism also hopes that MaiA will deliver added value for travelers and strengthen Indonesia’s position as an innovative and relevant destination amid global tourism competition.
“Let us welcome MaiA as a step forward toward a more adaptive, competitive, and world-class future for Indonesian tourism,” said the Minister of Tourism.
The launch of Tourism 5.0 and MaiA was also attended by government representatives, tourism associations, industry partners, and both national and international media.
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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FOSSiBOT officially announces the launch of its new rugged smartphone, the FOSSiBOT F113, engineered for extreme outdoor environments and equipped with the world’s first 50-meter ultra-long-distance infrared night vision system. The F113 redefines all-terrain smartphone capability for outdoor adventurers, field professionals, and night-operation workers.
FOSSiBOT F113 rugged phone
The FOSSiBOT F113 is equipped with the world’s first 50-meter ultra-long-distance infrared night vision system, featuring a 64MP AF infrared night vision camera and a specially designed long-distance IR optical structure. This system provides clear visibility up to 50m in total darkness, significantly surpassing the 5–10 meter limit of typical rugged phones. The feature maintains clarity even in fog, rain, or low-light, making it highly suitable for applications like night patrol, outdoor adventures, rescue operations, and remote surveillance.
Beyond night vision, the F113 features a dedicated 1.5W long-distance flashlight capable of illuminating targets up to 50 meters away. This long-range beam significantly outperforms standard smartphone flashlights, improving visibility and safety in nighttime conditions.
With its massive 20,000mAh non-removable battery and 18W Reverse Charging, the F113 can power multiple days of active outdoor use. Even in cold, high-altitude, or harsh outdoor environments, the F113 delivers stable output and extended endurance.
The F113 is engineered for rugged outdoor use and features:
Corning® Gorilla® Glass for superior scratch & impact resistance
IP68 waterproof, dustproof, and drop-resistant protection
1134 BOX speaker with K-class amplifier (up to 110 dB output)
Barometer for altitude measurement & weather prediction
Glove Mode — ideal for winter or worksite operation
The 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS-TFT Incell punch-hole display and 120Hz high refresh rate provide the F113 with excellent clarity and responsiveness.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 (MTK6877TT), the F113 ensures fast and stable 5G connectivity. The memory configuration includes 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM, with RAM expandable up to 36GB (12GB physical + 24GB virtual). Expandable storage is also supported via a 2TB TF card.
The F113 features a striking rear dynamic breathing light supporting over 20 customizable colors and lighting modes for personalization based on charging animations, call and message alerts, notification reminders, music-driven rhythm lighting.
Pricing and Availability
The F113 limited-time launch price offer ends on December 3rd., now priced at only $279.(Original Price: $399.99). Customers can use promo code: PR113 at checkout for F113exclusive savings.
Shoppers can enjoy new opening special mystery gifts, complimentary ice cream, and curated global flavours from 27 November to 21 December 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The most wonderful time of the year is about to get even more delectable! This festive season, The Food Merchant, Malaysia’s premier gourmet grocer, is unwrapping a new chapter with the opening of its latest outlet at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,marking yet another exciting milestone in the brand’s growth and expansion across Malaysia.
The Food Merchant Expands to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur with a Festive Grand Opening Celebration
Just in time for the holidays, the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur store will celebrate its debut with exciting Christmas promotions. Shoppers can look forward to special goodie bags, mystery gifts, and complimentary ice cream with any purchase, among a variety of festive treats that bring a touch of magic to year-end shopping.
Located in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most prestigious shopping destinations, The Food Merchant Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is set to elevate the city’s grocery scene. The new outlet showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of premium local produce and international favourites, blending everyday essentials with indulgent delicacies from around the world.
“We are thrilled to bring The Food Merchant to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur as we close another year of growth,” said Mr. Ivan Tan, Managing Director of The Food Merchant. “This new store marks an exciting milestone for us. As we head into the festive season, our goal is to create a vibrant, inspiring space brimming with flavor, where every visit offers a new discovery. The Food Merchant Pavilion Kuala Lumpur embodies our passion for transforming everyday shopping into a truly celebratory experience.”
To enhance convenience and festive shopping comfort, the new store offers a range of thoughtful services, including gift wrapping service with complimentary wrappers and thank-you cards, free shopping trolley parking services at the Merchant Care counter, and meat and seafood cutting services. Shoppers can also enjoy exclusive member rewards by joining The Food Merchant’s “Yes I Do!” programme at https://thefoodmerchant.com.my/yes-i-do/.
Since its establishment in 2021, The Food Merchant has grown rapidly, beginning with its flagship store in Pavilion Bukit Jalil and expanding to locations including Pavilion Embassy, WCity OUG, Pavilion Damansara Heights, IOI Mall Damansara, and now Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Each outlet reflects the brand’s passion for food, culture, and community, offering shoppers a unique journey through global flavours and local delights.
In celebration of its grand opening and in active support of the “Visit Malaysia 2026” initiative, The Food Merchant has partnered with Weixin Pay to bring an exclusive offer to the growing number of Chinese tourists. During the campaign period, all Chinese tourists who pay using Weixin Pay will automatically receive a preferential exchange rate at checkout. This collaboration not only provides Chinese tourists with seamless payment convenience and tangible savings but also highlights that Malaysian businesses are creating a more friendly and convenient shopping environment for international visitors.
To learn more about The Food Merchant, visit: https://thefoodmerchant.com.my/ Facebook (@thefoodmerchant.my) and Instagram (@thefoodmerchant.my).
About The Food Merchant®: Founded in 2021, The Food Merchant began its journey with the opening of its flagship store in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, themed ‘Celebration of Food’. Following successful expansions in 2022 to Pavilion Embassy, WCity OUG Sales Gallery, IOI Mall Damansara and flagship store at Pavilion Damansara Heights. The Food Merchant continues to build on the legacy of its founders, who were also responsible for the success of the Village Grocer chain with over 30 stores nationwide.
To learn more about The Food Merchant, visit: https://thefoodmerchant.com.my/ Facebook (@thefoodmerchant.my) and Instagram (@thefoodmerchant.my).
I never understood cruise people. They have the energy of hobbyists who meet in secret Facebook groups and say things like “our last sailing was divine”.
They know their ship classes the way car guys know their engines. They say “at sea” as if they personally own the ocean. They keep photos of the fruit carvings from the buffet. Their entire personality becomes “cruise”.
I used to judge this. I was smug, land-based and very sure of my superior holiday style. Then I boarded the Celebrity Edge for a 12-night New Zealand sailing and, frankly, my sense of self crumbled.
Within 48 hours I developed opinions about stateroom layouts. I checked the daily schedule as if it were scripture. By day five, I caught myself thinking “ah, fellow cruisers” about people I’d never met.
The shift started the second I walked on board. The ship was so shiny and serene that my brain simply gave up resisting. I stepped into the central atrium, saw a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a billionaire’s foyer, heard someone cheerfully saying “welcome home”, and felt something inside me break in the most glamorous way.
Then I discovered my Infinite Veranda stateroom and underwent a spiritual awakening. Whoever came up with the idea of a window that becomes a balcony at the touch of a button deserves a national holiday. I stood there lowering the glass pane like I was performing a ceremonial ritual. Within minutes I had claimed the space as my little nest. I took more naps than a Victorian-era lady recovering from a fainting episode. At one point I considered the moral implications of living the rest of my life in a stateroom and decided it was probably fine.
A sneak peek inside the Infinite Veranda stateroom. Credit: 7YOU
There is something about being gently rocked by the ocean that convinces you you’ve earned rest you did nothing to deserve. The curtains closed, the bed soft, the temperature perfectly controlled. I have never been so committed to the art of doing nothing.
The Retreat: where my personality softened into buttery bliss
Access to The Retreat is one of those things that makes you feel like you’ve infiltrated the upper crust. Suddenly I was a person who said things like “I’ll be by the private pool later” with a casual tone that masked my full-body delight.
The sun deck was all cabanas, soft towels and calm faces. I lounged so hard I could have medalled in it. The staff floated around with cocktails and fresh fruit as if we were on the set of a lifestyle ad, except real and with slightly windblown hair. I read half a book, drank an iced coffee so cold it felt like therapy, and convinced myself that this was very important self-care.
Dinner at Luminae was one of the best. Credit: 7YOU
Dinner at Luminae on the last night was its own kind of revelation. I’m not usually someone who cares about signature dishes from celebrity chefs, but Daniel Boulud’s menu made me consider writing him a thank-you letter. Every dish was perfect. Not good. Not memorable. Perfect. I still think about the main course like it’s an ex who got away.
They tell you that if you want something from another restaurant, they can bring it to you. I didn’t need this service, but simply knowing it existed made me feel like I had unlocked a cheat code for life.
Raw on 5: my little sushi paradise
On day three, we went to Raw on 5, which will now haunt my dreams in a good way. It’s the kind of sushi that makes you rethink all the sushi you’ve eaten before and wonder why you ever accepted less.
Octopus, eel, tuna, sashimi so fresh it almost glowed. Then they served caramelised gingerbread with wasabi gelato. If someone had described this to me beforehand, I would have assumed they were trying to ruin my day. Instead, it was incredible.
I took photos of everything and sent them to my friends, who responded with, “How good are you eating that on a boat?” The jealousy tasted almost as good as the sushi.
Octopus, eel, tuna, sashimi so fresh it almost glowed. Credit: 7YOU
Eden: dinner disguised as theatre
If Raw on 5 was paradise, Eden was a fever dream in the best possible way. The space spans three decks with an open kitchen that feels like an art installation. The performers wander around in slow, whimsical loops, and the lighting makes everything look slightly enchanted. The air feels different. The mood shifts. You find yourself whispering, not because it’s required but because it feels right.
I had perfectly cooked lobster that was so rich and buttery. Credit: 7YOU
I had perfectly cooked lobster was so rich and buttery, I needed a moment of silence. The sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi was soft enough to make me emotional. The filet mignon and mini short rib wellington were the kind of dishes you feel privileged to meet.
I left Eden convinced that food should always be theatre and that life on land is lacking.
A picture-perfect salad at Eden. Credit: 7YOU
Oceanview Café and the surprising joy of the buffet
The buffet felt like a cheerful food festival that somehow moved with us across the ocean. The Caribbean night was the breakout star.
Jerk chicken, stews, fragrant spices, a whole room smelling like pure happiness. The Indian offerings were just as good. I had pumpkin pie one night and actually clapped with excitement. There was ranch dressing available whenever I wanted, which is both a blessing and a slippery slope.
Breakfast became my morning ritual. I sat with a plate of bacon, eggs and waffles, staring out at the water as if auditioning for a mindfulness advert. The coffee was hot. The view is endless. It was a small slice of serenity that set the tone for the whole day.
I sat with a plate of bacon, eggs and waffles. Credit: 7YOU
Cyprus and Tuscan: comforting, warm and memorable
The complimentary dining rooms felt like home in the best way. Cyprus served Mediterranean magic that made me feel like my soul had gone somewhere sunny and gave me the best lamb shank of the entire trip. Tuscan offered Italian warmth and yummy pasta. I still don’t understand how ship kitchens produce food this good while floating over waves, but I’m not here to question miracles.
The SEA Thermal Suite: where I left all sense of time
The SEA Thermal Suite was a full-body exhale. Steam rooms, salt rooms, crystal rooms, heated loungers. I wandered in intending to stay an hour and emerged three hours later like a relaxed ghost. My muscles let go of the tension I’d been carrying since high school.
For a moment, I considered whether I should settle there permanently. I couldn’t think of a downside except the impracticality of explaining to friends why I now lived at sea.
The view from the deck during a nighttime stroll. Credit: 7YOU
The entertainment that changed my view of cruise shows forever
I expected kitschy entertainment. You know, the kind of shows people politely applaud while thinking about dessert. Instead, I got full-scale productions with aerialists who defied gravity, singers who could hold their own on Broadway and game shows that were just a hint unhinged, which made them perfect.
Even karaoke felt like a professional audition. There is nothing more humbling than hearing a stranger casually belt out Whitney Houston on a moving ship.
The Theatre itself deserves respect. Rotating staircases, massive projections, special effects that made you forget you were on water. I underestimated ocean entertainment and I apologise.
The main pool in all her glory. Credit: 7YOU
Shore excursions: my little adventures on land
Our included tour in Tauranga was the Te Puia Thermal Experience, which made me feel like I’d stepped into a science documentary. Steam vents, geysers, bubbling mud that looked like it was plotting something. It was surreal.
Dunedin and Christchurch both involved shuttle buses, which were easy to hop on and off. Auckland was vibrant and walkable, but we took advantage of the local LIME scooters and jetted around the harbour and had the best fun all day seeing the city with extra speed. The Bay of Islands required a tender boat, which made arriving feel dramatic and cinematic, like I was entering on a royal visit.
The Premium Beverage Package and our descent into cocktail royalty
The drinks package was the most dangerous empowerment I’ve ever experienced. Everything was included, which meant that sampling cocktails became our unofficial sport. Cupid, the bartender, adopted us. He always had a suggestion ready, and I trusted him with my life.
There is something about an espresso martini at sea that hits the soul differently. Maybe it’s the salt air. Maybe it’s the thrill of drinking at 11am because you can.
Two martinis, please! Credit: 7YOU
Disembarkation and the cold slap of reality
Leaving the ship felt like being ejected from a dream. I had become used to unlimited food, nightly shows and the ambient sound of waves. Back on land, no one handed me a drink. No one made my bed. No one served sushi without effort from me.
Worst of all, I had to cook for myself. I felt betrayed by society.
Goodbye friend. Leaving the ship felt like being ejected from a dream. Credit: 7YOU
Would I do it again?
Without hesitation. The Celebrity Edge gave me the most seamless, joyful and indulgent travel experience I’ve ever had. And with the upcoming Black Friday offer running from 27 November to 2 December 2025, the timing could not be better.
The deal includes up to 75 per cent off the second guest plus up to AUD 1,500 off select sailings, including journeys on the upcoming Celebrity Xcel arriving in 2025.
New Zealand itineraries start from around AUD 2,000 per person based on twin share interiors. Other 2026 itineraries include Greece, Malta and Turkey from AUD 2,199 and Fiji and Vanuatu from AUD 3,199. Prices were correct as of 17 November 2025, but you know how travel deals love to move around.
BEIJING, Nov. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, announced the successful online release of its action-crime thriller “The Shadow’s Edge”, which quickly achieved top rankings and strong viewer engagement across both iQIYI and third-party charts in its first week of online release. Following an over RMB 1.2 billion box office run, the film’s strong online performance underscores iQIYI’s ability to extend the impact of premium theatrical content across platforms and reinforce its leadership in high-quality entertainment.
Since its online launch on November 14, “The Shadow’s Edge” has led multiple viewership charts across China. According to Enlightent, the film held the top spot in both the “Theatrical” and “All Movies” viewership categories for seven consecutive days. The film also garnered widespread praise from iQIYI users, earning a content popularity index of over 8,400 and an impressive user rating of 9.0. In its first week online, it ranked No.2 on iQIYI’s overall “Hot Chart” and No.1 on the “Movie Hot Chart”, trailing only “Ne Zha 2” as this year’s most popular theatrical title.
Starring Jackie CHAN, Zifeng ZHANG, and Tony Ka-fai LEUNG, “The Shadow’s Edge” follows an elite law enforcement team drawn into a cat-and-mouse chase through the dynamic streets of Macao. As a bold reimagining of the 2007 classic “Eye in the Sky,” “The Shadow’s Edge” stands out for its layered narrative and the tension between human intuition and modern surveillance. The film’s nuanced take on justice and technology has resonated deeply with both critics and viewers, fueling lively discussions online.
The film’s success online has sparked vibrant audience engagement, generating over 200,000 bullet screen and over 10,000 viewer messages. The online release not only allows fans to revisit and analyze the film’s intricate plot and cinematic details, but also inspires new viewers to watch the film and share their enthusiasm, igniting a fresh wave of in-depth discussion across online platforms.
As the inaugural title under iQIYI’s “Blockbuster Initiative,” “The Shadow’s Edge” embodies the company’s vision to unite cinematic storytelling and digital innovation. By investing in high-quality, high-concept productions and leveraging cross-platform distribution, iQIYI is building a sustainable model where films live beyond the box office, cultivating lasting audience loyalty and long-term value.
Beyond self-produced films, iQIYI’s online movie platform remains a powerhouse for premium theatrical titles, including hits like “Ne Zha 2.” As of Q3 2025, iQIYI’s online movie platform has retained the top viewership market share for 15 consecutive quarters, driven by a diverse slate of 12 key titles. The launch of an innovative revenue-sharing model has enabled films with limited offline box office performance to achieve strong online returns—for example, the new title “A Cool Fish 2” generated over RMB 18 million in revenue-sharing income within two months.
Through “The Shadow’s Edge” and beyond, iQIYI is bridging the big screen and the streaming era in ways that keep audiences engaged and stories alive.
Vince Nguyen, a 39-year-old entrepreneur based in Vietnam, spends a few hundreds almost every month traveling to other countries to play pickleball.
The sport, which began as a pastime after injuring himself in American football, has since become central to his lifestyle, as he plays it for two to four hours almost daily.
Since he picked up the sport two years ago, Nguyen has played leisurely in Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Canada. Next month, he is planning to head to China for an upcoming tournament.
He says he forks out a few hundreds on round-trip flights to Taiwan or Malaysia for tournaments and leisure play with friends. Additionally, he pays the court fees, ranging from $4 to $8 for open play, and about $38 a night for hotels. In total, the trips cost him between $386 to $772.
However, he spends almost $1,000 when traveling to Canada, where flights and indoor courts are pricier than in Asia.
“I like to spend a week … playing a few times, checking out different courts, going to different restaurants,” he said.
Vince Nguyen (top right) at a pickleball tournament in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Source: Vince Nguyen
Nguyen believes traveling to play pickleball makes a difference as “every country has a little bit different style” in playing the game, and he is not alone. He is one of the many millennials that are fueling a rising trend in travel: sports tourism.
According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, which polled over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries, about67% of millennials have planned a trip for events related to their interests, including sports, wellness and concerts.
In the U.S. alone,millennials are 80% more likely to plan a vacation for tennis and 87% for pickleball, according to a survey by online travel agency Priceline on travel trends in 2025.
And there are no signs of the sports tourism slowing down. The sports tourism industry is already a $707.29 billion market and is forecasted to nearly triple by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Europe leads the market with a valuation of $248.23 billion last year. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific has been marked the fastest-growing region, anticipated to be worth $149.50 billion in 2025.
Sports tourism in Asia-Pacific is projected to have a compound annual growth rate of 17.85% from 2025 to 2032.
“Good for your soul”
Another millenial, 35-year-old Nirbhay Handa who is based in Singapore, also travels abroad for tennis.
“I’ll go to a tennis camp in Phuket … when I travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi I have a tennis coach that I just go and play with in the evenings after work,” he said. “I think this makes me better at work, because I’m in a better mood. I’m not irritated,” the entrepreneur said.
He takes about six tennis trips a year including ones for business, spending around $200 a week on sessions in Dubai.
Handa said that the sport is more than a hobby to him. “It just became very therapeutic, and it put me on to some good habits … not drinking till late on Friday … giving up social smoking completely,” he added.
He makes it a point to play a game of tennis when he’s abroad for leisure or business.
Tennis, which he deems “good for your soul,” not only helps him unwind but also fulfils his social life.
“It does a little bit of what going out to a pub would do for a lot of people, you know, which is meeting people, meeting your friends over a drink,” he said, but “I feel like I can do that at the tennis court.”
Hitting personal goals
Mike Goldys, who lives in Florida, travels to surf overseas with a goal of playing in as many different surf parks as possible. The 39-year-old has logged 140 hours so far across 26 cities in 10 countries.
“Each surf park … is very unique for me. I … just can’t get enough of it, he said. “I want to keep checking them off and seeing what this one was like in this state.”
“I rarely go back to the same wave pool twice,” he added.
Goldys has spent $18,500 on surf sessions alone, budgeting $6000 to $10,000 per trip depending on flights and accommodation, he said. He also sets aside money for photography and videography to share on social platforms.
Mike Goldys surfing at the Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach, USA.
Source: Andrew Tonra
As a social media strategist at a non-profit organization, he takes one to two weeks off for surfing trips — only tending to work matters for emergencies.
“When you pay to surf in a wave pool you’re guaranteed waves that they’re really powerful and like good shape… a way to accelerate progress,” he said. “[It’s] very quick for someone who doesn’t have the perfect waves all the time” near his residence in Florida.
At $170 an hour, surf parks aren’t cheap. But Goldys insist they’re worth it.
“As long as it doesn’t put you in a bad position afterwards financially,” he said.
Yet, while the six-time World Cup winner and one of the marquee names in the game went unsold, two of her fellow Aussie stars, Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield, were snapped up in big-money deals by the UP Warriorz franchise who have let their captain Healy go.
Lanning, in searing form in the WBBL, was snapped up for $A326,000 by the Lucknow-based franchise while Litchfield sold for $A206,000 — and the pair could make a spectacular opening partnership when the fourth edition of the tournament gets under way in the New Year.
But the big shock of the auction came at the very start when Healy, one of the marquee lots after her recent back-to-back hundreds at the World Cup showcased her continued brilliance at 35, attracted no interest.
Her injury woes, which have plagued her over the past couple of years, may have counted against her, and her poor start to the season in the WBBL would not have helped either as she’s amassed only 65 runs in four innings … yet it was still a shock that the superstar wicketkeeper-batter-captain was overlooked.
“Healy going unsold was surprising for different reasons,” UP Warriorz coach Abhishek Nayar said.
“When you’re allowed only four overseas players (in the team), your options are limited, and many teams prefer all-rounders in their set-up. It’s a tough situation for someone of her stature.”
Almost as surprising was that the matchwinning talent of legspinning maestro Alana King, another Australian star at the recent World Cup, also went unwanted.
Australians, though, will feature as strongly as ever in the league, with 13 players in all featuring among all five teams, including the champions Mumbai Indians, who have snapped up Hobart Hurricanes’ allrounder Nicola Carey and Melbourne Renegades’ bowler Milly Illingworth.
Allrounder Deepti Sharma, whose player-of-the-tournament performance helped India dethrone Healy’s Australians and win the World Cup earlier in the month, fetched the highest price of the day, claimed back by her original team UP Warriorz for A$549,000 using their Right-to-Match card.
In all, the five franchises spent a total of $A6.9 million to sign 67 players ahead of the world’s leading women’s Twenty20 League.
The tournament will begin on January 9 and run to February 5, staged in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, with the final to take place two days before India co-hosts the men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka.
