China Eastern Opens First Direct Beijing-Bali Route as Chinese Visitor Numbers Surge
China Eastern Airlines has launched the first-ever nonstop flight between Beijing and Bali, landing its inaugural Airbus A330 service on July 11. The route creates a direct link between China's capital and the Indonesian resort island, which saw roughly 297,000 Chinese visitors in the first half of 2026. Indonesian airport operator InJourney says the connection is expected to strengthen Bali's ties to its second-largest source market.
Thailand Opens New High-Speed Rail Link to Phuket
Thailand inaugurated its first high-speed rail segment connecting Bangkok to Phuket this month. The 800-kilometre line reduces travel time from 12 hours by road to under four hours. Tourists now enjoy faster, more comfortable access to the popular island destination.
Peru Opens New Machu Picchu Tram Line on August 5
Peru inaugurates a new electric tram line from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on August 5. The 3.2 km route cuts travel time to 12 minutes. Daily capacity reaches 4,800 passengers.
New Zealand Opens Milford Sound Visitor Centre After Two-Year Renovation
New Zealand reopens the Milford Sound Visitor Centre on August 5 following a 48 million NZD renovation. The facility adds 1200 square meters of exhibition space. Daily visitor capacity increases to 4500 people.
Patagonia National Park Opens 120km New Hiking Trail on August 20
Chile opens a 120-kilometer trail network inside Patagonia National Park on August 20. The route connects Lago Jeinimeni to the Baker River with five new campgrounds. Hikers can complete the full traverse in seven to nine days.
New Zealand Opens 85km Milford Track Extension on August 12
New Zealand opens an 85-kilometer extension to the Milford Track on August 12. The new section links the existing trail to Lake Te Anau. Daily permits are capped at 120 hikers to protect the environment.
Peru Opens New 120km Trail in Huascaran National Park August 1
Peru opens a new 120km multi-use trail in Huascaran National Park on August 1. The route connects Yungay to Chavin with eight new campsites. Permits cost $45 and cap daily entries at 200 hikers.
Patagonia Opens New 95km Multi-Use Trail in Torres del Paine
Chile opens a new 95km multi-use trail inside Torres del Paine National Park on December 1. The route connects the Grey Glacier viewpoint to the French Valley. Permits cost 35 US dollars and are limited to 200 hikers daily.
Patagonia National Park Opens 120km New Hiking Trail on December 1
Chile’s Patagonia National Park will open a 120-kilometre coastal trail on December 1 connecting Puerto Río Tranquilo to Caleta Tortel. The route features five new campgrounds and requires advance permits. It adds 40 percent more hiking terrain to the park.
New Zealand Opens 85km Te Araroa Extension on South Island
New Zealand unveiled an 85-kilometre addition to the Te Araroa Trail on the South Island. The new section links Queenstown to Wanaka via alpine passes. Hikers can now complete the full 3000km trail without road detours.
Patagonia Opens New 120km Multi-Day Trek in Los Glaciares
Argentina opened a new 120-kilometer trekking route in Los Glaciares National Park on July 1. The six-day trail connects El Chalten to the Viedma Glacier with three new refugios. It matters because it provides an alternative to the increasingly crowded Fitz Roy circuit.
Brazil Opens New Amazon Canopy Walkway in Para State
Brazil inaugurated a 1.8-kilometer elevated canopy walkway in Para state's Tapajos National Forest. The structure opens to visitors July 15 with guided tours only. It provides the first safe above-treetop access in the eastern Amazon basin.