Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Asia Pacific Weekly: Korea (ROK) simplifies visa process for Filipinos; UAE Hotel Revenue Hits $6.7B; and more.

 

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: China expands visa-free access: Norway joins the list. Skift (Sep 11) Inbound travel set to continue recovery trend. Chinadaily (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  Hainan Airlines boosts air travel between China and Serbia with strong performance on key route. Travel and Tour World (Sep 12) TUI Blue continues rapid expansion in China and Southeast Asia. China Travel News (Sep 14) Travel Policy Updates:  China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday that the country's 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to three more entry ports, taking the number of ports covered by the policy to 37. The State Council (Jul 15) China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced to implement a new policy from July 30, 2024, allowing foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong SAR and Macao, China to enter and stay for 144 hours in Hainan Province without visas. National Immigration Administration (Aug 1) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Chinese Taipei sees 5 million international visitors as of August. Taiwan News (Sep 11) Chinese Taipei hikes overflight fees by 35%. Taiwan News (Sep 11)

Travel Updates:  Taiwan Tourism unveils Waves of Wonder at Times Square, New York promising endless surprises. Travel and Tour World (Sep 15) Travel Policy Updates:  MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. Bureau of Consular Affairs (Jun 4) People who have been in Afghanistan, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) for four weeks or longer within the past year, must submit proof of having taken the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) four weeks to one year before applying for Chinese Taipei visas. Bureau of Consular Affairs (Jan 17) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Taipei >

Destination Headlines: Guest nights in Japan in July 2024 were up 8.6% Y-o-Y, boosted by a 35% increase in foreigners. Travel Voice Japan (Sep 14) Tokyo-Chinese Taipei travel pass launched. Taipei Times (Sep 13)

Travel Updates: Kyoto’s famed Gion-kaku tower open to public until Sept. 30. The Asahi Shimbun (Sep 13) Tobu Railway and Hitachi launch biometric authentication services, such as empty-hand payment or maybe passing through a railway gate in the future. Travel Voice Japan (Sep 11) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting August 1, 2024, UAE foreign residents are required to apply for a Japan visa via VFS Global, as the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai has entrusted the company with facilitating the visa application process. Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai (Jul 24) Foreign nationals/people who wish to travel to Japan for tourism for a short-term period can apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa (eVISA). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Aug 1) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Exchanges of 40M people by 2030 pledged with China, Japan. Korea.net (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  Busan completes eco-friendly ‘Hug Station’ bus stops. Stars and Stripes (Sep 15) Capital hosts Hallyu-themed tourism programmes for int'l visitors. Korea.net (Sep 13) Travel Policy Updates:  Korea Tourism Organization has made it easier for Filipinos to apply for a visa by removing the need for bank certificates, bank statements, and income tax returns for eligible credit card holders starting September 6, 2024. Korean Tourism Organization (Sep 9) 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) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Daily border crossings at Macao Border Gate expected to reach 320,000 during Mid-Autumn Festival. Macau Business (Sep 13) 200,000 residents use new QR code for customs clearance. Macau Daily Times (Sep 13)

Travel Updates:  MGM Macau and MGM COTAI focuses on China, Hong Kong SAR, Korea (ROK), and Southeast Asia hospitality sector. Travel and Tour World (Aug 13) 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) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Cambodia’s Angkor Wat is selected as most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage site in Asia. Telangana Today (Sep 16) Number of Chinese tourists to Cambodia's Angkor up 33.5% in 8 months of 2024. Xinhua (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  Cambodia’s tourism sector expands with focus on Halal tourism, sustainability, and infrastructure development. Travel and Tour World (Sep 12) Visa collaborates with Ministry of Tourism to accelerate tourism growth in Cambodia. CPP (Sep 11) Travel Policy Updates:  From July 1, 2024, tourists must submit the declarations via the Cambodia e-Arrival card 7 days before the date of arrival in the country. Cambodia E-Arrival Card Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperations >

Destination Headlines: Indonesia gears to greet one million Indian tourists. The Hindu (Sep 14) Indonesia wins Asia’s Leading Adventure Destination at the World Travel Awards 2024. Social Expat (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  Marriott International to open five new hotels in Indonesia by 2030. Travel Wires (Sep 12) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting from July 25, Golden Visa holders can enjoy extended stay periods (up to 10 years), priority immigration service lanes at international airports, and efficiency as they no longer need to apply for limited stay permits (ITAS) at the immigration office. Directorate General of Immigration (Jul 25) Hong Kong SAR residents have officially been granted visa-free access to Indonesia. It could facilitate international business to enabling spontaneous trips to Indonesia. Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia (Sep 4) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Malaysians travelling to UK required to apply electronic travel authorisation from Jan 8. New Straits Times (Sep 11)

Travel Updates:  Malaysia Airlines unleashes new groundbreaking Carbon Credits from Kuamut Rainforest to boost eco-friendly travel in Malaysia. Travel and Tour World (Sep 11) Marriott to open 20 hotels in Malaysia. FTN News (Sep 12) 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: Visa-free policy between Singapore and China boosts tourism. China News Service (Sep 11) Travel DMC Group Singapore to promote sustainable tourism, enhance guest experience. TTG Asia (Sep 17)

Travel Updates:  A strategic merger: Air India and Vistara alliance with Singapore Airlines. Travel Radar (Sep 11) MHT partners with Singapore firm to boost cruise tourism. Muscat Daily (Sep 15) 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) Singapore has exempted visa requirements for all Omani citizens. Foreign Ministry of Oman (Jul 15) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Thailand to launch mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt nationals. Travel Daily News (Sep 16) Thailand to welcome 2 million tourists from Korea (ROK) for Chuseok holidays. Asian Business Review (Sep 13)

Travel Updates:  TAT rolls out plans to boost Chinese tourist numbers in Thailand. The Nation (Sep 15) 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 honoured as Asia's leading destination for the 6th time by World Travel Awards. Vietnam Plus (Sep 14) Vietnam National Authority of Tourism held roadshow in Perth. Travel Weekly (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  Vietnam's cross-border QR codes with Thailand and Cambodia begin to take shape. Vietnam Investment Review (Sep 11) Vietjet introduces new direct flight from Ahmedabad, India to Da Nang, Vietnam. Travel Daily Media (Sep 16) 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: Bhutan to welcome unlimited tourists, says Tourism Chief Carissa Nimah. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  Bhutan launches tourism services portal to enhance visitor experience. Travel Daily News (Sep 12)  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: Rise of the Indian tourist: travel industry pivots to next big market. Financial Times (Sep 13)

Travel Updates:  ITOA, OTOAI ink MoU to promote tourism between Iran and India. TravelBiz Monitor (Sep 16) AirAsia Thailand expands with new direct flights from India to Thailand. Travel Daily News Asia-Pacific (Sep 16) Travel Policy Updates:  India resumes visa issuance process for Afghanistan. Ministry of External Affairs, India (Jul 25) Nationals of Japan, Korea (ROK) &  the UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) are eligible for Visa-on-Arrival to India. Government of India (Aug 9) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Green Tourism Pakistan achieves milestones with SIFC support. Samaa TV (Sep 13)

Travel Updates:  First Pakistani tourism seminar held in Syria to promote bilateral travel. Samaa TV (Sep 15)  Travel Policy Updates:  Pakistan approved visa-free entry for GCC business visitors. Online visas will be issued within 24 hours to businessmen, investors, and tourists from 126 countries with visa fee waived. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (Jul 28) Full information from Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Australia’s tourism boom Sydney Melbourne and The Great Barrier Reef driving millions of global visitors. Travel and Tour World (Sep 14) Western Australia and Indonesia strengthen diplomatic ties and travel connectivity. Indonesia Expat (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  Two regional Victorian spots have been crowned among the best nationwide in Australia's top tourism town awards. Time out (Sep 13) Travel Policy Updates:  Australia have extended the business visitor visa for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and Timor-Leste nationalities to up to 5 years, instead of up to 3 years, for applications lodged after Apri 1, 2024. Department of Home Affairs (Jul 1) Australia will join the United States’ Global Entry program from 2025, making travel easier for the hundreds of thousands of Australians who visit the US every year. The program will initially be available from January 2025 to a limited number of Australians that travel most frequently to the US, with work underway to open up the program to all eligible Australians who wish to apply later in 2025. Minister for Foreign Affairs (Aug 6) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Fall brings a feast of festivals in Hawaii. Travel Weekly (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  About half of all flights between the US mainland and Hawaii will soon offer passengers free, high-speed Wi-Fi. Beat of Hawaii (Sep 13) 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: Paga Hill aiming to bring slice of global cruise market to Papua New Guinea. Business Advantage PNG (Sep 10)

Destination Headlines: Tourism Solomons specialist online training relaunched. Solomon Times Online (Sep 16)

Destination Headlines: Qantas unveils direct Brisbane to Port Vila flight in Vanuatu, opening new doors for tourism and business opportunities. Asian Aviation, Travel and Tour World (Sep 11)

Americas

Destination Headlines: Air Canada and ALPA reach tentative agreement on a new four-year contract. Travel Daily News (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  Air Canada enhances connectivity with new flights to Jacksonville and Cincinnati. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16) Travel Policy Updates:  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: US dominates the world stage, setting unmatched records as the most powerful travel market. Travel and Tour World (Sep 17) Latinos and Hispanics continue to be significant drivers of US travel. Airbnb Newsroom (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  American Airlines expands Mexico access with hassle-free direct flights from Dallas to Tampico. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16) Naturally Lewis Inc. receives the prestigious New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) Tourism Excellence Award. Travel and Tour World (Sep 17) 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: Trips to Kenya gain increasing popularity among Chinese tourists. People's Daily Online (Sep 10)

Travel Updates:  National Museums of Kenya launches 'Night Tours' to boost Kenya's tourism sector. Mwakilishi (Sep 15) 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, 2023) 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: Azimuth Festival set to boost Saudi Arabia’s surging tourism with over 600,000 attendees in AlUla this September. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16) Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector gains renewed focus as Hong Kong SAR investors engage with Vision 2030. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  Qatar Airways expands network in Saudi Arabia. Breaking Travel News (Sep 16) From seamless travel to tailored experiences, AI is transforming Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. Arab News (Sep 12) 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) Saudi Arabia has eased tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travellers with “immediate effect” wherein applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of $750 or its equivalent. Geo news (Jul 3) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Aena’s airports in Spain see over 32.1 million passengers in August. Travel and Tour World (Sep 13) IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Vignette Collection in Spain. Breaking Travel News (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  Spanish island Majorca undergoing transformation. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16) Catalonia Santo Domingo Hotel set to host 2024 National Tourism Award. Dominican Today (Sep 11) 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) Full information from Spanish Tourism >

Destination Headlines: UAE’s Hotel industry hits new heights with $6.7 billion in revenue, signifying remarkable expansion and tourism excellence. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16) Dubai’s healthcare tourism industry thrives as 691,000 international arrivals, expected at this year’s medical expo. Travel and Tour World (Sep 14)

Travel Updates:  Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches new innovative home check-in service, enhancing travel convenience in the UAE. Travel and Tour World (Sep 17) UAE and Volar launch new first green aviation technology hub in Dubai: pioneering sustainable air travel solutions. Travel and Tour World (Sep 16) Travel Policy Updates:  UAE resumes visa application for Nigerian passport holders. A valid Document verification number is required for visa application. Document Verification Hub (Jul 15) UAE list of countries eligible for visa-free regime up to 87. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mar 17) Full information from UAE Government Portal > Tags:      PATA