The recession squashed leisure travel at the same time as budget-conscious travellers began going online to research, plan and book trips.

BBC: Is this the end of the guidebook?

AirAsia X seeks to tap investor demand for airline stocks at a time when air travel, especially on budget airlines, is growing rapidly across the region.

WSJ: AirAsia X Revives IPO Plan

This year, thanks to benefactors, Laos will field a team for the first time, a 10-man outfit that will travel to Hong Kong on a shoestring budget to compete in a smaller, related tournament.

BBC: Rugby, and a party, in Hong Kong