Asia guide

Tourists enjoying the sun and sand at the Maldives’ luxury island resorts have barely put down their cocktails during the political crisis rocking Asia’s newest democracy, oblivious to behind-the-scenes links of tourism to the tumult. More >

It is one of Asia’s fastest growing industries and shows no signs of losing steam even as the global economy wobbles.

Travelling abroad for medical treatment is now a multi-billion dollar business. More >

THE decision by Qantas to shift its centre of gravity closer to Asia will cost more than $500 million once its investment in the setting up of two new airlines is taken into account.

The airline’s chief executive, Alan Joyce, said it was still assessing the ”transformation costs” for its international operations, but early estimates were between $350 million and $450 million – more than half of which will be in impairment charges for aircraft retirements. More >