18 από 43.766 Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Apr 24 Travel Dashboard

   

The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate on a weekly basis. Destinations with any updates regarding a change in travel policies will be given priority to be featured, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage.

"2024 Leshan Tourism Global Marketing-Thailand Bangkok Promotion” will take place at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, Thailand on April 30, 2024!  The event is open and free for all. The event will showcase the key scenic areas and tourism products in Leshan through promotion sessions, providing a thorough understanding for potential travel agencies looking to expand in(to) the destination, and there will also be a 1-hour B2B table-top session for interested parties to connect with Leshan's local travel agencies. The event is free of charge, participants will receive promotional materials and souvenirs. The event also features an art exhibition by the Jiazhou School of Painting, the first modern art school in China. The art exhibition is open to all until May 3.  More information

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: China's May Day holiday to see surge in travel to smaller cities, data shows. CGTN (Apr 20) China's cross-border trips exceed 141M in Q1, doubled from last year. CGTN (Apr 18)

Travel Updates:  China launches initiative to promote cultural, tourism consumption. Urdu Point (Apr 23) Travel Policy Updates:  China adopts visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. Government of Georgia (Feb 26) China announces visa-free policy for Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Xinhua (Mar 7)

Destination Headlines: Hong Kong SAR tourism sector hoping for 30% bump in visitors over mainland China’s Labour Day ‘golden week’ holiday. SCMP (Apr 16) Hong Kong International Airport records impressive surge- over 50% in passenger and cargo traffic for March 2024. Travel and Tour World (Apr 23)

Travel Updates:  Revamped Temple Street night market will stay until the end of the year. Lifestyle Asia (Apr 22) Cathay Cargo honours Hong Kong International Airport streak as World’s Busiest Cargo Airport. Travel and Tour World (Apr 16) Travel Policy Updates:  "Fly from Hong Kong via Zhuhai" policy, which took effect on Tuesday, allows travellers arriving at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport on the Chinese mainland to travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to Hong Kong International Airport to fly to overseas destinations without going through immigration in Hong Kong SAR. The same service applies in reverse, with people flying into Hong Kong SAR from overseas being able to transfer to China cities via the HZMB and Zhuhai Airport without the need to undergo Hong Kong immigration procedures. China News Service (CNS) (Dec 13, 2023) Full information from The Government of HKSAR >

Destination Headlines: Japan welcomed record 3 million tourists in March, as yen’s three-decade low lures travellers from US, India, Germany. SCMP (Apr 17) Tokyo soars back into busiest airport ranking amid Japanese travel boom, hotel prices near 30-year high. Skift; The Japan Times (Apr 19)

Travel Updates: Air India, ANA to launch codeshare for India-Japan Travel. Business Traveller (Apr 23) Japan soon to introduce electronic travel authorisation requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Visa Guide (Apr 17) Travel Policy Updates:  From April 1, 2024, nationals and people residing in Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, UAE, US, and more can apply for eVISA for short-term tourism purposes. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Apr 1) On April 1, 2024, expansion of the visa quota between Japan and UK, issued under the Working Holiday Program, became effective. The programme allows UK youth to travel to Japan for leisure while engaging in work opportunities on the side to pay for their travel. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Apr 1) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Expectations in tourism and aviation growing as number of Chinese group visiting Jeju increases.  Maeil Business News (Apr 17) Japan-Korea (ROK) travellers help Incheon air traffic hit pre-COVID levels. Nikkei Asia (Apr 21)

Travel Updates:  Culture Ministry, Korea Tourism Organisation unveil Hallyu-themed tours. The Korea Herald (Apr 23) Travel Policy Updates:  Korea (ROK) began issuing digital nomad visas from Jan. 1, allowing foreigners to stay for up to two years. VnExpress (Jan 3) Group tourists from three Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia can travel without a visa to Korea (ROK)'s Jeonllanam-do province through Muan international airport until March 2025. Ministry of Information and Communications, Vietnam (Mar 5) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Almost 9 million visitors came to Macao during the first quarter of this year; expects over 30 million visitors this year. The Macao News; Focus Asia Pacific (Apr 18) MGTO anticipates 130K visitors daily during Labor Day holiday. Asia Gaming Brief (Apr 18)

Travel Updates:  MGTO to hold roadshow in Singapore as visitors increase. Macau Daily Times (Apr 23) New and resumed air routes from Macao taking off soon. The Macao News (Apr 17) Travel Policy Updates:  All arrivals, regardless of their nationalities, do not require prior approval from the health authorities to enter Macao, nor do they need to present any COVID-19 test result or undergo medical observation upon entry. Health Bureau of Macao SAR Government (Aug 30, 2023) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Cambodia sees over 110,000 foreign tourists travelling across country during traditional New Year. The Star (Apr 18)

Travel Updates:  Angkor pride takes to the air as AirAsia Cambodia announces new domestic schedules. The Phnom Penh Post (Apr 22) Travel Policy Updates:  Cambodia lifts all COVID-19-related restrictions for international travellers, including testing and vaccination requirements. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodia (Oct 10, 2023) Until June 30, 2024, tourists can submit their declarations via the Cambodia e-Arrival card or fill the declarations by hand upon arrival. From July 1, 2024, tourists must submit the declarations via the Cambodia e-Arrival card within 7 days of arrival in the country. Cambodia E-Arrival Card Full Information from Embassy of Cambodia >

Destination Headlines: Indonesia highlights sustainable tourism efforts at UNGA. Antara News (Apr 17)

Travel Updates:  Indonesia issues 23,000 visas for regular Hajj Ppilgrims. Tempo.co (Apr 22) Bali advises foreign tourists to get dengue fever jabs amid rising cases. The Straits Times (Apr 21) Travel Policy Updates:  Indonesia reduces golden visa investment requirements. Indonesian National Police (Feb 2) The Bali Provincial Government has applied a new tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person to foreign tourists entering Bali. The tourist levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Mar 5) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Unprecedented travel surge in Malaysia during Hari Raya. Travel Daily News (Apr 19) Malaysia aims 35.6M foreign tourist arrivals & RM 147.1B spending during Visit Malaysia Year 2026: Manoharan Periasamy. Tourism Breaking News (Apr 17)

Travel Updates:  M’sia records 530,000 tourists arriving from China in early 2024, says Tiong. Borneo Post (Apr 16) Rainforest World Music Festival returns to Sarawak in Malaysia. Travel and Tour World (Apr 22) Travel Policy Updates:  Singaporeans travelling to Malaysia will not be required to fill up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), which will otherwise be compulsory from Jan 1 for foreign travellers. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia (Dec 8, 2023) The Malaysian government has announced that tourists from China and India will be allowed 30-day visa-free entry from Dec. 1 as part of its tourism and economic revival efforts. Belt and road portal (Nov 27, 2023) Full information from Tourism Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: Singapore has been named the smartest city in Asia. Lifestyle Asia (Apr 23) Marina Bay Sands sees profit surge 51.5% to $811.4 million in Q1 on tourism boom. The Straits Times (Apr 18)

Travel Updates:  Singapore gunning for spot as world’s best Mice events destination: STB. Asia News Network (Apr 19) Singapore set to launch first train hotel in September 2024. Travel Daily News (Apr 19) Travel Policy Updates:  People travelling by car between Malaysia and Singapore can now show self - generated QR code instead of the passport at 2 checkpoints at the border. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (Mar 20) Singapore and China grant mutual 30-day visa exemptions starting February 9. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (Jan 25) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Thailand welcomes over 10M foreign arrivals so far this year. Vietnam Plus (Apr 19) Sanam Luang Songkran reported to draw over 784,000. The Nation (Apr 17)

Travel Updates:  Songkran festival drives 90% hotel booking rates in Thailand. The Thaiger (Apr 21) TAT and Klook sign ‘Letter of Intent of Strategic Partnership’ to promote quality tourism experiences. Pattaya Mail (Apr 19) Travel Policy Updates:  The Thai Government has suspended the requirement to fill out the ‘To Mo 6’ (TM6) immigration form for foreign travellers entering and exiting Thailand at 16 land and sea checkpoints from April 15 to October 15. Tourism Authority of Thailand (Apr 14) Passport holders of China and Kazakhstan can enter and stay in Thailand without visas for 30 days. Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom (Mar 1) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Vietnamese tourists shift preference to Asian destinations. VnExpress (Apr 20)

Travel Updates:  Vietnam Airlines to operate seven weekly flights on Hanoi-Singapore route. VnExpress (Apr 22) Travel Policy Updates:  Vietnam has extended the validity of tourist e-visas to 90 from 30 days, with multiple entries, and tripled the duration of visa-free stays for visitors from certain countries to 45 days. Vietnam Immigration Department (Oct 15, 2023) Mongolia and Vietnam have signed a mutual Mongolia-Vietnam visa waiver agreement. Nationals from these bilateral destinations will be exempt for visa required. Vietnam Immigration (Nov 2, 2023) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: Family trip bookings jump 64% in one year, showcasing India’s new travel trends. Travel and Tour World (Apr 22) Indian tourism industry to generate $24 billion in 2024. Skift (Apr 16)

Travel Updates:  Delhi Airport ranked among world’s top 10 busiest airports: ACI report. Times of India (Apr 16) India's Uttar Pradesh state mulls $3.9B investment in hospitality and tourism. Asian Hospitality (Apr 21) Travel Policy Updates:  Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary passport holders participants/delegates intending to attend G20 meetings may apply for Indian e-Visa and Reguler Visa through Indian Visa Online and select  "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" as visa application purpose. Indian Visa Application (Apr 17, 2023) The Union Health Ministry has further eased COVID-19 guidelines for international visitors, dropping the earlier requirement for RT-PCR based testing of a random 2% subset of international travellers. The new guidelines shall come into effect from midnight of July 20.Government of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Aug 1, 2023) Full information from New Delhi Airport >

Destination Headlines: Nearly 100,000 tourists welcomed so far in April. Raajje (Apr 17) Indian tourists to Maldives drop 40%; China arrivals up 200%. Mint (Apr 19)

Travel Updates:  Maldives selected as Official Destination Partner for ITB China 2024. Travel and Tour World (Apr 20)  Travel Policy Updates:  There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Maldives. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19. Passengers must complete a Traveller Declaration Form within 96 hours of both their arrival and their departure flights. Maldivians are no longer required to submit the Declaration form. DFA; Maldives immigration (Nov 27, 2023) Effective from May 14, 2023, “Meeting Visa” will be granted for any foreign national visiting the Maldives for the purpose of attending a meeting, conference, or convention held in the Maldives. Meeting Visa does not require pre-approval, and it will be issued to foreign nationals who meet the entry requirements under the mentioned visa. Maldives Immigration (May 23, 2023) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Maldives >

Destination Headlines: PIA resumes international flights from Skardu Airport. Pro Pakistani (Apr 20)

Travel Updates:  Pakistan revives ‘Safari Tourist Train’ to explore Potohar region’s scenic landscapes. Arab News (Apr 21) Georgia & Pakistan lift visa requirements for diplomatic & official passports. Visa Guide (Apr 16)  Travel Policy Updates:  Pakistanis need to get updated polio vaccination cards before travelling abroad. Pakistanis who need to update their polio vaccination status should visit any government hospital or medical facility to get polio drops and request fill in the form via the National Immunization Management System portal. Pakistan Observer (Aug 1, 2023) Full information from Government of Pakistan >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Increase in seat availability leads to decreased air travel costs in Australia. Travel and Tour World (Apr 20) Australia’s Melbourne Airport tops national rankings, places 19th worldwide. Travel and Tour World (Apr 21)

Travel Updates:  Tourist ban proposed for South Australia’s Lake Eyre in plan to protect cultural significance for traditional owners. 7News (Apr 19) Australian Government introduces new visa standards for international students in 2024. Travel and Tour World (Apr 20) Travel Policy Updates:  On July 1, 2023, Papua New Guinea became the newest partner country to join the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program. The arrangement allows up to 100 Papua New Guinea nationals to travel to Australia on a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. Department of Home Affairs (Jul 4, 2023) Australia extends ten-year Frequent Traveller visa to eligible ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste.  Prime Minister of Australia (Mar 5) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Tourism Fiji sees positive start to 2024. FBC News (Apr 23)

Travel Updates:  Fiji Airways & Porter Airlines announce new interlining partnership. Aviation Source News (Apr 18) Travel Policy Updates:  Fiji and UAE announce visa-free travel. This means that passport holders from the UAE and Fiji including diplomatic, special, ordinary and service passports can now enjoy visa-free access to each other’s territories. Ministry of Foreign Affair (Dec 3, 2023) Full information from Tourism Fiji >

Destination Headlines: Haiku Stairs to be removed following bad tourist behavior. CNN (Apr 17)

Travel Updates:  HDOT launches autonomous electric shuttle at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Department of Transportation (Apr 16) Travel Policy Updates:  On March 10, 2023, CDC removed the requirement for air passengers from China, Hong Kong SAR or Macao, China to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding a flight to the United States. Hawaii Tourism Authority (Mar 10, 2023) Travellers arriving in Hawaii directly from an international airport must still comply with U.S. federal requirements.  Full information from Hawaii Tourism Authority >

Americas

Destination Headlines: Quintana Roo remains strong to attract tourism investments. The Yucatan Times (Apr 21) Los Cabos officials call on tourists to protect beaches. The Cabo Sun (Apr 19)

Travel Updates:  Delta & Aeromexico launch new service between Boston and Mexico City. Aviation Source News (Apr 17) Cancun named one of the top destinations this summer according to Google. The Cancun Sun (Apr 18) Travel Policy Updates:  Mexico to require visas for Peru nationals after migration spike. Gobierno de Mexico (Apr 6) As of October 22, 2023, foreigners who intend to transit through Mexican international airports whose nationalities require a visa to travel to Mexico must have a Visitor visa without permission to carry out remunerated activities in order to board any flight to Mexico. Embassy of Mexico (Oct 22, 2023) Full information from Government of Mexico >

Destination Headlines: March US travel agencies air ticket sales top $9 billion. Airlines Reporting Corporation (Apr 18) Road trip summer: 75% of US travellers plan to drive this summer, survey finds. FOX Weather (Apr 22)

Travel Updates:  US extends Papua New Guineans visa validity to 6 months. Visa Guide (Apr 18) 90% of Americans plan to travel in 2024, but more than half say cost impacts their plans. Pacific Daily News (Apr 22) Travel Policy Updates:  The US Mission in Vietnam will change its consular exchange rate from US$1=25,000VND to US$1=26,000VND starting from April 10, 2024. All visa applicants who pay the visa processing fee on or after April 10, 2024, must pay at the new exchange rate of US$1=26,000VND. U.S Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam (Apr, 2024) From April 17, 2024, U.S Embassy issues visitor visas (B-1/B-2 visas) to Papua New Guinean citizens traveling to the United States, which has the validity of six months maximum with single entry. US Embassy to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu (Apr 17) Full information from U.S. Department of Health & Services >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: BiH the biggest Gulf market for Summer 2024, Dubai-Sarajevo route the second busisest among Gulf - EX-YU routes. EX-YU Aviation (Apr 22)

Travel Updates:  Bosnia & Herzegovina to permit entry for Kosovo pupils without travel documents. Visa Guide (Apr 17) Travel Policy Updates:  In January 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina followed EU visa policy by removing Oman from its list of visa-free countries (Oman's citizens need to apply for Bosnia & Herzegovina visa when traveling there starting from Feb 10, 2024). European External Action Service (Mar 12) Citizens of the following countries may enter to Bosnia and Herzegovina up to 90 days over a period of six months starting from the date of first entry, unless they hold the passport or a valid identification card proving identity and citizenship of: Member States of the European Union, States Parties to the Schengen Agreement and Andorra, Montenegro, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, the Holy See (Vatican) and Switzerland. Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Apr 28, 2023) Full information from Tourism BiH >

Destination Headlines: Saudi Tourism Authority launches ‘Visit Saudi’ platform. Siasat (Apr 21)

Travel Updates:  Saudi Arabia’s Umrah visa rule to remain valid for 3 months from issuance date. Travel and Tour World (Apr 21) China Southern Airlines launches first direct route between China and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Press Agency (Apr 17) Travel Policy Updates:  All travellers must fill out the Registration Immunization Information Form on the Muqeem Portal before travelling to the Saudi Arabia to allow travellers to register their immunization data. The Tawakkalna Application on mobile phone might be useful while in Saudi Arabia to show vaccination status at any stage. DFA Saudi Arabia (Apr 28, 2023) Saudi citizens can enter Albania visa-free until the end of the year. The Saudi Embassy in Tirana (Mar 20) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Widely reported £97 tourist rule is ‘a hoax’, clarified Spanish government. The Telegraph (Apr 18) Spanish tourism reports a growth of 13.8% in the first quarter. Tourism Review News (Apr 21)

Travel Updates:  Spanish airlines increase capacity as they expect record summer demand. Reuters (Apr 16) Thousands rally in Spain's Canary Islands against mass tourism. BBC (Apr 21) Travel Policy Updates:  COVID-19 test is not required to travel to Spain for all passengers. Spain Visa (Jun 26, 2023) Spain tightens visa requirements for Senegalese travellers. Spain's Embassy in Senegal Twitter (Jan 29) Full information from Spanish Tourism >

Destination Headlines: Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi drive UAE tourism to record levels, WTTC figures show. ITTN (Apr 19) Dubai airport: Full schedule resumes after flooding chaos. BBC (Apr 20)

Travel Updates:  UAE’s tourism sector expected to create 833,000 jobs by 2024’s end. Visa Guide (Apr 22) British Airways resumes flights between Abu Dhabi-London. Siasat (Apr 22) Travel Policy Updates:  Flu vaccination cards for UAE residents are now mandatory for Umrah and Hajj travellers. Gulf Today (Mar 25) UAE list of countries eligible for visa-free regime up to 87. Check visa per country here: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/visa-exemptions-for-non-citizen (Mar 17) Full information from UAE Government Portal >

 Tags: PATA