Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Jul 3 Travel Dashboard

 

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: China's tourism enters peak season as Chinese tourists embrace summer vacation, expects to see 860M railway trips during summer travel rush. Global Times; Xinhua (Jul 1) China to launch over 37,000 cultural tourism consumption events in summer. China Travel News (Jun 28)

Travel Updates:  China announces increase in tax exemption for mainland tourists visiting Macao and Hong Kong SAR. IAG (Jun 28) China to offer 5-year travel permit cards to non-Chinese Hong Kong SAR & Macao permanent residents from next Wed. HKFP; Macau Business (Jun 17) Travel Policy Updates:  China will add New Zealand and Australia to the list of unilateral visa-free countries. The State Council (Jun 17) China announces 15-day unilateral visa-free policy for Polish citizens. Xinhua (Jun 24) China extends visa-free policy for citizens of 12 countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, to December 31, 2025. Malaysian visa-free travel extended to 30 days from 15 days. Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Xinhua (May 30) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Hong Kong Airport reports 30.8% and 34.5% passenger and flight Y-o-Y increases in May. Travel News Asia (Jun 26) Hong Kong SAR launches new summer campaign offering rewards to overnight tourists. TTG Asia (Jul 1)

Travel Updates:  Hong Kong Airlines to launch direct flight to Xining. Travel Daily Media (Jul 1) Hong Kong International Airport introduces new smart screening system. Lifestyle Asia (Jun 27) Travel Policy Updates:  Eswatini nationals will now require a visa for entry into Hong Kong SAR. News Gov HK (Jan 23) "Fly from Hong Kong via Zhuhai" policy 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: PM Kishida vows travel aid programme 6 months after central Japan quake. Kyodo News+ (Jul 1)

Travel Updates: Japan’s Mount Fuji caps visitors and adds fees on trail to summit Dawit Habtemariam starting Jul 1. CNN (Jul 1) 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) From Jun 3, 2024, Japan and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg introduce a Working Holiday Program that allows citizens (age 18 - 30) of one country to have an extended holiday for up to 1 year in another while working to fund their travels. Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg (May 28) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Korea (ROK)’s tourism expected to surpass all previous records this year. Visa Guide (Jun 27) Korea (ROK) sees foreign visitors 95% of pre-pandemic, main visitors from China, Japan, the US, and Chinese Taipei. The Korea Economic Daily (Jun 28)

Travel Updates:  Korea (ROK) extends issuance of e-group visa for nationals of Philippines, Indonesia & Vietnam. Visa Guide (Jun 28) Seoul emerges as luxury tourism hotspot for foreign travellers. The Chosun Daily (Jun 28) Travel Policy Updates:  Korea's Ministry of Justice to extend the pilot e-group visa programme for citizens of three Southeast Asian countries of the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam by two years. Vietnam Plus (Jun 28) Korea (ROK) will launch the "K-culture training" visa for foreigners on a trial basis starting this year, which will be available for people taking part in training programmes on K-pop, choreography and other cultural sectors. Yonhap News Agency (Jun 17) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Macao May tourism number surge, hotel occupancy at 84%; leveled visitor numbers expected in July and August. Macau Daily Times; The Macao News (Jul 1) Macao tourism and economy soar in Q1 2024. Devdiscourse (Jul 2)

Travel Updates:  MGTO participates in UN Tourism Meeting and 1st UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism. Government Information Bureau of the Macao SAR (Jun 29) 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: Indonesia bolsters Catholic tourism on Flores Island, eyes economic growth. Vatican News (Jul 1) Record-breaking foreign tourist visits in Indonesia, highest in four years. Indonesia Expat (Jun 27)

Travel Updates:  Indonesia will simplify licensing, bureaucracy process to attract top global events: Tourism minister. CNA (Jun 27) Travel Policy Updates:  The Directorate General of Immigration has implemented a Transitional Residence Permit policy (or Bridging Visa). With this, foreign nationals holding Visit Visas applied through evisa.imigrasi.go.id are allowed to obtain Limited Stay Permits without having to leave Indonesian territory. Immigration Office TPI Tual (Apr 23) 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: India, Lao PDR enhance tourism collaboration amid air connectivity talks. Economic Times (Jul 1)

Travel Updates:  Lao PDR allows Thai border pass holders to stay longer, go farther. Bangkok Post (Jul 1) Lao PDR officially commences 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tourists. Ecns (Jul 1) Travel Policy Updates:  Lao PDR is planning to introduce a visa-exemption plan during the second half of 2024, targeting Chinese travellers accompanied by travel agents. Tourism Laos (Jun 27) Full information from Tourism Laos >

Destination Headlines: Tourism Malaysia launches RM70 pp durian tour packages; expects to earn RM $2M from durian tour packages. Business Today; VnExpress (Jul 1) Malaysia’s aviation sector reaches 97% recovery amid holiday surge. Business Today (Jun 27)

Travel Updates:  Sabah-MM2H Programme starts accepting applications. The Sun (Jun 30) Rainforest World Music Festival ticket sales up by 35% from last year. Dayak Daily (Jun 30) 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 Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: Singapore tourism's 'Made in Singapore' campaign to commence multi-city B2B roadshow. Everything Experiential (Jun 29) Singapore's Changi Airport launches campaign to attract ANZ visitors. Travel Weekly (Jul 2)

Travel Updates:  Singapore to host World Chess Championship for the first time. CNA (Jul 1) Disney Cruise Line to begin its Asia sailings from Singapore in 2025. Travel Trends Today (Jun 28) Travel Policy Updates:  Singapore and Timor Leste reached a mutual agreement on visa waiver: Holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Ordinary passports issued by Singapore can stay of up to 30 days in Timor-Leste, while holders of Diplomatic, Official, Service and Ordinary passports issued by Timor-Leste will enjoy up to 30 days visa-free stay in Singapore. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jun 27) 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) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Global rankings reaffirm Thailand’s allure as top travel destination; poised for unprecedented surge in tourists. The Nation; The Thaiger (Jul 1) Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket most popular air travel destinations in Q1. The Straits Times (Jun 27)

Travel Updates:  Thailand partners with Labubu to attract 8 million Chinese tourists. The Thaiger (Jul 2) TAT rolls out six train rides as part of ‘Amazing Experience’ tourism. The Nation (Jun 30) Travel Policy Updates:  Thailand will allow tourists and short - term business travellers from 93 countries/regions to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days (instead of 30 days as before). The Government Public Relation Department (May 31) Thailand introduces digital nomads visa - the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - that permits up to 180 days per visit. The Government Public Relation Department (May 31) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Vietnam welcomes over 8.8 million foreign tourists in six months, fulfills half of 2024 foreign tourist goal. SGGP; The Investor (Jun 30) Recovery of Chinese tourism helps Vietnam’s foreign visitation climb by 58% in 1H24. IAG (Jul 1)

Travel Updates:  Vietnam tourism revenue forecast to hit 135 billion USD. Vietnam Plus (Jun 30) Vietnamese airlines gear up for busy summer travel season. Vietnam Plus (Jun 29) 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) Citizens of Kazakhstan and Vietnam can travel visa free between 2 countries from May 25, 2024. Kyrgyz National News Agency (May 7) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: Thailand and Bhutan strengthen ties, promote two kingdom tourism. Khaosod English (Jun 26) Bhutan premier backs sustainable tourism push. The Bangkok Post (Jun 27)

Travel Updates:  Bhutan aviation security gets boost from ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East and ICAO Mission. Travel and Tour World (Jun 27)  Travel Policy Updates:  The mandatory requirement of travel insurances for visitors to Bhutan since COVID - 19 has been lifted with immediate effect on the process of visa application. Bhutan Travel (Department of Tourism) (Apr 23) Organizers of MICE events can apply for waiver of Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) under certain conditions. Tourism Council of Bhutan (Jan 23) Full information from Tourism Council of Bhutan >

Destination Headlines: India’s travel & tourism sector to contribute INR 21.15 TN in 2024: WTTC. Travel Trends Today (Jul 1) Domestic travel surges this summer with travel credit card platform. Travel and Tour World (Jun 28)

Travel Updates:  India offers cost-free double entry e-visa for Malaysians starting July 1. Visa Guide (Jul 1) India launches 30-day free e-Tourist visas for Thai nationals. The Nation (Jun 29) Travel Policy Updates:  Malaysian Nationals will be granted 30-day e-Tourist visa with double entry on gratis basis (no visa fees) with effect from July 1, 2024 till June 30, 2025. High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur (Jul 1) Starting from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the Government of India will grant 30-day e-Tourist visa with single/double entry on a gratis basis to Thai nationals. Embassy of India, Bangkok (Jun 28) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Maldives welcomes one millionth tourist of 2024; more than 115,000 arrivals recorded from China so far. The Bangkok Post; Raajje (Jun 28)

Travel Updates:  Chongqing Airlines operates inaugural Maldives flight. China Travel News (Jun 27)  Travel Policy Updates:  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) Full information from Maldives Immigration >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: International tourists are spending more and staying longer than they did pre-pandemic. SBS News (Jun 26) New South Wales leads Australia in international and domestic tourism. Travel Daily News (Jun 28)

Travel Updates:  Australia includes Philippines in its Work & Holiday Visa programme. Visa Guide (Jun 26) Cathay Pacific to resume seasonal Australia route in December. The Business Travel Magazine (Jun 27) Travel Policy Updates:  Australia added the Philippines to its Work and Holiday (subclass 462) programme, which allows 200 young Filipino and Australian passport holders each year enjoy a 12-month holiday in each other’s country. The program started on July 1, 2024. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jul 1) China and Australia have decided to offer five-year multiple-entry visas for each other's citizens for tourism and business purposes. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China (Jun 18) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Travel ramps up at Hawaii airports as Fourth of July holiday nears. Hawaii News Now (Jul 1) Hawaii governor signs 'regenerative tourism' bill. Travel Weekly (Jul 1)

Travel Updates:  HTA launches its official mark of quality, Qurator. Spectrum News (Jul 1) 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) Travellers arriving in Hawaii directly from an international airport must still comply with U.S. federal requirements. For updates on international travel, visit CDC.gov Full information from Hawaii Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Palau sees significant tourism growth. Marianas Variety (Jun 28)

Destination Headlines: Solomon Airlines to commence Australia to Vanuatu route. Solomon Times (Jun 27) Solomon Islands receives upgraded Seghe Airfield to enhance air connectivity. RNZ (Jul 2)

Americas

Destination Headlines: Deal reached in WestJet mechanics' strike, but travel disruptions still expected. MooseJaw Today (Jul 1) B.C. travellers urged to prepare for busy Canada Day long weekend. CBC (Jun 29)

Travel Updates:  Halifax airport to carry out $18M renovation on international travel facility. CBC (Jun 27) Tourism spending in Canada grows 1.8% in Q1. AA (Jun 26) Travel Policy Updates:  Effective Feb 29, Mexican citizens travelling to Canada will need to meet new visa requirements. Existing eTA will automatically be cancelled unless with a work permit or study visa, eTA in progress will need to be re-applied. All travellers from Mexico will need to apply for eTA or visitor visa before entering. Government of Canada (Feb 29) The Canada - Finland Youth Mobility Agreement lets youth at the age of 18 - 35 of both countries to travel between the 2 countries through International Experience Canada (IEC) Program. Government of Canada (Mar 1) Full information from Government of Canada >

Destination Headlines: Forecasters say the long July 4 holiday will be a record-setting bash. CNN (Jun 29) 5,889,335 foreign visitors travelled to the US in April; Tourism spending in California reaches record high. eTurboNews; Travel and Tour World (Jun 29)

Travel Updates:  MMGY quarterly travels survey reveals rising U.S. interest international vacations. Travel Daily News (Jul 1) Travel Policy Updates:  The U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan launched a new and improved visa appointment system on June 10, 2024. Through the new service, visa applicants will be able to obtain visa information, pay any required visa fees, schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, and receive document courier services. U.S Embassy in Uzbekistan (Jun 7) 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 State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Azerbaijan to participate in 'Tourism EXPO Japan 2024' in Tokyo. Azer News (Jul 2)

Travel Updates:  Azerbaijan to launch tourism personnel center in Shusha. Trend News Agency (Jun 28) Travel Policy Updates:  Azerbaijan and Albania have signed a visa exemption agreement for persons holding regular international passports. Azerbaijan State News Agency (Mar 4) Azerbaijan and Morocco have signed a visa - free agreement for citizens with ordinary passports of both countries. Azerbaijan State News Agency (May 6) Full information from Azerbaijan Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: WTTC: Travel & Tourism in Kenya and Tanzania on a record-high last year. Travel Daily News (Jul 1) KTB assures international travellers Kenya is safe to visit. KBC (Jun 28)

Travel Updates:  Travel agents predict Ksh1.6 trillion revenues & creation of jobs in 2024. Kenyans (Jul 1) Travel Policy Updates:  A person who is a non-Kenyan and intends to enter the territory of Kenya for a period of less than 12 months shall be required to be in possession of a travel health insurance cover designated by the Cabinet Secretary [for Health]. Ministry of Health (Oct 15) Kenya's new visa-free policy is now in effect, enabling foreign nationals to enter the country using an electronic travel authorisation instead of a traditional visa. KCAA (Jan 16) Full information from Directorate of Immigration & Citizen Services >

Destination Headlines: Saudi Arabia gears up for the world's biggest airport by 2030. Travel + Leisure (Jun 29)

Travel Updates:  Saudi Arabia offers e-visas for Esports World Cup. eTurboNews (Jun 27) Saudi Arabia welcomes Chinese tourists under facilitated entry rules starting July 1. Visa Guide (Jul 1) Travel Policy Updates:  Saudi Arabia announced the official Approved Destination Status (ADS), effective July 1, in an effort to prove Saudi Arabia's readiness for welcoming Chinese visitors. Chinese visitors can expect to enjoy streamlined visa procedures, increased flight capacity, Mandarin integration, ... when traveling to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Press Agency (Jun 23) The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stopped issuing Umrah permits through the Nusuk application for period of one month effective from May 23. No holders of visit visas of any type can enter or remain in Makkah, starting from May 23 until June 21. Saudi Gazette (May 23) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Spain set to become world’s most visited destination in 2040. Time Out (Jun 27)

Travel Updates:  Thousands of Spaniards to descend on Málaga to protest against mass tourism. The Guardian (Jun 28) Travel Policy Updates:  The European Commission will increase short stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12%. The increase will apply worldwide as of 11 June 2024. New Schengen visa fees will be 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children aged 6 to below 12 years of age. European Commission (May 20) Tags: PATA