Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)
(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).
Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Indonesia implements Health Pass for int'l visitors; China air travel shows significant recovery; and more.
Northeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
China's air travel shows significant recovery, record high expected this year. CNA (Aug 30)
Trip.com Group witnesses remarkable growth in inbound travel. China Travel News (Aug 28)
Travel Updates:
Chinese tourists favour offbeat European destinations and slow, immersive travel. Travel Daily News (Aug 27)
Tencent-backed video game Wukong helps boost Shanxi tourism by 156%. China Travel News (Aug 30)
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)
Hong Kong SAR sees 155% surge in Indian visitors in 2024. Devdiscourse (Aug 29)
Hong Kong International Airport pioneers new sustainable practices, reveals in 2023/24 report. Travel and Tour World (Aug 30)
Travel Updates:
Hong Kong Tourism Board looks to revamp “A Symphony of Lights” with new show curator. Campaign Middle East (Aug 28)
HK Express will bring back direct flights to Hiroshima, Japan starting November 1. Lifestyle Asia (Aug 29)
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)
International visitors to Japan reached record-high 3.29 million in July 2024, totaling 20 million and more this year. Travel Voice Japan (Aug 26)
July foreigner hotel stays in Japan soar 35.2% to record 14.94M. Japan Today (Aug 31)
Travel Updates:
Japan mulls removing tax-free limit on consumable goods purchases. Kyodo News(Aug 27)
Japan set to introduce new entry system for foreign tourists. Japan Today(Aug 30)
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)
“Feel Soul Good”: New Seoul Tourism video starring BTS’ Jin. Skift(Aug 30)
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)
Macao logs over 1.17M group tour tourists from Jan to Jul. Macau Business (Aug 29)
Macao Jul-Aug visit volume over 90% 2019 period, plane traffic up 70% Y-o-Y. GGR Asia; The Macao News (Sep 2)
Travel Updates:
MGTO gearing up for new markets beyond Southeast Asia to boost tourism. Macau Daily Times (Aug 29)
The “Experience Macao Limited Edition” campaign officially launches. The Sun (Aug 26)
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)
Indonesia records 13 million foreign tourist arrivals until August. Antara News(Aug 30)
Golden Visa programme brings Indonesia over $259M within a year. Visa Guide(Aug 30)
Travel Updates:
Indonesia implements SATUSEHAT Health Pass for international travellers amid Mpox concerns. Travel Daily News (Sep 2)
"Keep The Wonder" campaign launched to support sustainable tourism. Antara News (Aug 27)
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)
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)
Agoda reveals Malaysians looking overseas for upcoming Malaysia Day - over 2.5x more international accommodation searches. The Korea Herald (Sep 2)
Malaysia to refund passengers if flights are delayed by more than five hours. Independent (Aug 31)
Travel Updates:
AirAsia marks historic return to Subang Airport with inaugural flights to Sabah and Sarawak. Air Asia (Aug 30)
Malaysian Airlines to open new route from Kuala Lumpur to Da Nang next month. VnExpress (Aug 29)
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)
Visa-required nationals onboard cruise ship vessels arriving in the Philippines will now be able to secure entry visas faster and more conveniently. Department of Tourism (Jun 16)
In an advisory dated Nov. 30, the DFA said the operations of its Philippine e-Visa System in China will be temporarily suspended “until further notice”. Philippine News Agency (Dec 3)
Singapore's top university adopts measures to curb tourist influx. VnExpress(Aug 28)
Travel Updates:
Peach Aviation launches daily flights between Osaka and Singapore. TTG Asia (Aug 30)
Minor Hotels set to debut its Avani Hotels & Resorts brand in Singapore in 2027. Tatler Asia (Sep 2)
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)
More than 12 million foreign arrivals expected before end of year, eyes THB 1.8T in tourism revenue. The Nation; Bangkok Post(Sep 2)
Floods in the North have little impact on foreign tourist plans, says TAT. The Nation (Aug 31)
Travel Updates:
Thailand’s new logistics set for a major shift with Pattaya Airways’ first flight. Travel and Tour World (Aug 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)
Vietnam among top destinations attracting Indian tourists to return. Vietnam Net(Aug 30)
Tan Son Nhat airport expects to serve 120,000 passengers daily over National Day. VoV(Aug 30)
Travel Updates:
Nha Trang listed among top five Asian destinations for diving. Vietnam Plus (Aug 31)
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)
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)
Over 700,000 tourists visit Nepal in eight months. myRepublica (Sep 2)
Tourist arrival in August soars by 8.3%. Khaburhub (Sep 2)
Travel Updates:
Flights resume on Jomsom-Pokhara route after 61-day halt. News On Air (Aug 30)
Travel Policy Updates:
Nepali citizens travelling through tour package and the members/employees of legal entities/organisations travelling to the golf countries and Malaysia have to take approval from department of immigration prior their visit. DFA (Oct 3)
Nepal issues a study visa to an American citizen holding a passport of the USA, on the basis of reciprocity, the multi-entry visa fee for 5 years (study period) will be fixed at USD 160 and this visa fee will be applied from 1st Baisakh 2080 (April 14, 2023). Department of Immigration (Apr 17)
Flight Centre Travel Group reports AU$320M profit for FY24. Travel Daily News (Aug 29)
Travel Updates:
Accor celebrates the certification of its 100th hotel in Australia by Ecotourism Australia. Travel and Tour World(Sep 3)
Koala Airlines unveils plans to be Australia's next low cost carrier. Travel Weekly(Aug 28)
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)
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)
Tourism hits record $351M in July with 98,332 visitors. The Fiji Times(Sep 1)
Travel Updates:
Fiji and Korea (ROK) discuss collaboration in tourism. FBC News(Sep 2)
Travel Policy Updates:
Fijian nationals no longer need transit visas when they travel through New Zealand. New Zealand Immigration(Jun 6)
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)
Hawaii hotel rates down, occupancy up in July. Travel Weekly(Aug 30)
Destination Headlines:
Palau hopes to host 2026 Pacific Islands Forum summit. The Examiner(Aug 28)
Americas
Destination Headlines:
B.C. expecting busy travel routes for Labour Day long weekend. Global News (Aug 30)
Travel Updates:
Air Canada introduces flexible rebooking policy as it seeks pilot deal. Travel Pulse (Aug 28)
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)
US travellers set to end summer on a high note with record Labor Day air travel. Reuters (Aug 29)
US airline cancellation rate remains low despite record summer travel. Reuters (Aug 29)
Travel Updates:
Arizona’s new logo reminds tourists it’s more than the Grand Canyon. Fast Company (Aug 28)
Hilton Worldwide expands in US hospitality markets while strengthening commitment to sustainable travel through the “Travel with Purpose” platform. Travel and Tour World (Sep 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)
Germany continues to lead the way in accessible travel with expanded offerings for all travellers. ZAWYA (Aug 28)
Ryanair to cut flights to Berlin due to 'sky-high costs'. DW (Aug 27)
Travel Updates:
Hyatt opens Unbound Collection Hotel in Mainz, Germany. Travel Agent Central (Aug 29)
Travel Policy Updates:
All COVID-19 entry restrictions to Germany have been provisionally lifted. Entry into Germany will again be permitted for all travel purposes (including tourism and visiting trips). For entry into Germany, proof of vaccination, proof of convalescence or proof of testing is no longer required. Federal Ministry of Health (Apr 28)
Germany's immigration law reforms is expected to come into force in three steps in November 2023, March 2024 and June 2024. The reforms to the Skilled Immigration Act particularly focus on workers with vocational, non-academic training. Existing rules for qualified professionals with university degrees will also be relaxed. The German legislator has restructured and widened the migration possibilities with an EU Blue Card. Federal Government (Oct 22)
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)
Spain hits record number of international tourists and spending in July and for the year. La Vanguardia (Sep 2)
‘I’m a tourist too!’: Major holiday hotspot in Spain launches campaign to counter ‘anti-tourism’ movement. The Olive Press (Aug 28)
Travel Updates:
Spain’s Andalucia to launch direct flights with China: Plans will see visitors from the country soar to 50,000 per year. The Olive Press (Sep 1)
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)
Tourist arrivals to Istanbul hit nearly 10.5 million in 7 months; Istanbul airports see passenger numbers near 70M. Daily Sabah; Turkiye Today (Sep 1)
Travel Updates:
Trabzon Airport unveils new international arrivals terminal and CIP Building. Ftn News(Aug 29)
Travel Policy Updates:
Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry launched Digital Nomad Visa for a select list of countries, including the US, Canada and Russia to name a few. CNBC (Apr 25)
