Tokyo tops the list for biggest flight savings in Skyscanner’s new DROPS feature
Skyscanner has launched DROPS, a new app-exclusive feature that helps travellers find flights that have dropped in price by at least 20% compared to the past week. Scanning over 80 billion prices daily, the feature updates users with fresh deals every day based on their nearest airport. Singapore travellers benefited most from DROPS on Wednesdays, with 38% of price drops happening before 9 AM. Bangkok ranked as the most frequently discounted destination, followed by Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.
Beyond frequent price drops, Tokyo emerged as the destination with the biggest savings, with an average discount of $397 per flight. Other major savings included Chengdu ($327) and Chongqing ($324). Travellers can access these daily deals by downloading the Skyscanner app.
Japan’s public transport just got easier for Apple users
Starting 6 March 2025, tourists in Japan can use the new Welcome Suica mobile app on their iPhones and Apple Watches to pay for trains, buses, and even some services. Unlike the physical Welcome Suica card, which expires in 28 days, the digital version remains valid for 180 days. A major advantage is that travelers can top up credit before arriving in Japan, making it easier to start using public transport immediately. The app also offers real-time travel updates, route maps, and Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket purchases.
Previously, visitors had to buy physical Suica cards from airport vending machines or JR East service counters, often facing long queues. Now, with the ability to add funds via Apple Pay, tourists can skip the hassle and access transport seamlessly. Japan is also resuming sales of physical Suica and PASMO cards from 1 March 2025 after a shortage caused by semiconductor supply issues. These prepaid cards function similarly to Singapore’s EZ-Link or Hong Kong’s Octopus card.
With both digital and physical Suica options available, tourists have greater flexibility in choosing how they pay for public transport. This move makes travel in Japan more convenient and accessible, reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving the visitor experience.
Klook expands digital access to Sunway Theme Parks
With Malaysia seeing record-breaking tourist arrivals, Klook has expanded its partnership with Sunway Theme Parks to enhance visitor experiences at Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Lost World Of Tambun in 2025.
The collaboration, formalised through an MoU signed by Sarah Wan (Klook) and Calvin Ho (Sunway Theme Parks), includes seamless digital access and exclusive deals to attract more inbound tourists. This joint marketing investment reinforces Malaysia’s aim to be seen as a top family-friendly destination, with Klook aiming to make theme park visits hassle-free through integrated booking and perks.
South Korea’s new e-Arrival system kicked off on Feb 24
Starting 24 February 2025, international tourists entering South Korea must complete an e-Arrival Card at least three days before arrival, replacing the traditional paper declaration form. The new digital system exempts Korean residents, K-ETA holders, and airline crew members, making immigration more efficient for visitors. While the paper form remains available until 31 December 2025, the online submission eliminates the need for physical documents at immigration checkpoints. Each e-Arrival Card is valid for 72 hours after submission and can include up to nine additional travelers in a single declaration.
The form, which is free of charge, requires a passport, flight details, accommodation information, and an email address. Updates can be made online before arrival, and travelers do not need to print or present a PDF copy at immigration. For children under 14 years old, a family member must complete the form on their behalf.
South Korea’s transition to a fully digital entry system aims to simplify travel while ensuring a smoother arrival experience for international visitors.
Airline IT spending hits $37 billion as AI takes flight
Global airline IT spending surged to $37 billion in 2024, up from $35 billion in 2023, marking the highest investment level since 2019, according to the SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report. IT spending as a share of airline revenue rose to 3.8%, recovering from a dip in 2023. The report also found that 72% of IT executives from the top 379 airlines expect further increases in 2025, with cybersecurity, data analysis, and passenger management as key focus areas. Airlines are also investing in AI and business intelligence, with 56% prioritizing generative AI and 48% focusing on business intelligence software in the next 12 months.
Digital transformation remains a key priority. British Airways is investing £100 million in automation and machine learning as part of its £7 billion transformation plan, while Southwest Airlines has earmarked $1.7 billion for technology upgrades, maintenance, and cloud migration in 2024. The report also revealed that 25% of airlines have begun training AI on operational data, while 42% are organizing data to support AI initiatives. AI adoption is currently focused on internal efficiencies and operational improvements rather than passenger-facing applications.
The report found that 31% of IT professionals cite agile and flexible work structures as a top challenge, followed by cybersecurity threats (30%), data-driven operational efficiency (23%), and data maturity (23%). Biometric technology adoption has remained steady, with 24% of airlines now implementing ‘single token’ authentication, up from 17% previously. However, 75% of airlines plan to introduce biometrics by 2027, signaling a long-term shift toward digital identity verification in air travel.
