Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Canada to end 10-year multiple-entry visa; Jeju to attract digital nomads via 'workcation' visa; and more.

The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate weekly, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage.

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Seven villages made it to UN Tourism's 'Best Tourism Village' list. China Daily (Nov 15)

Travel Updates:  China & Solomon Islands reach mutual visa-free travel agreement. Visa Guide (Nov 7) Air travel receipts going digital as of December. China Daily (Nov 11) Travel Policy Updates:   China and the Solomon Islands signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for citizens holding ordinary passports. International Web Portal of Beijing (Nov 7) China extends the visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and Korea (ROK) on a trial basis. From November 8, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from 9 countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes. Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People's Republic of China (Nov 1) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Japan remains preferred destination for New Year holiday. Bangkok Post (Nov 6) Japan hotel rates hit September record on tourism boom. Nikkei Asia (Nov 8)

Travel Updates: Japan weighs end to duty-free shopping cap for foreign tourists. Nikkei Asia (Nov 18) Universal Studios Japan to open Donkey Kong-themed area on Dec. 11. Kyodo News (Nov 12) Travel Policy Updates:  Japan Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, will start operations on November 3, 2024. The Embassy of Japan will entrust VFS Global with the facilitation of the Japan visa application process. The Embassy of Japan will no longer accept visa applications directly from the visa applicants. Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh (Oct 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: More than 20 million passengers travel on Korea (ROK)-Japan routes in January-October period. Korea JooAng Daily (Nov 17) Korean Air reports 10% revenue increase in Q3 2024. Travel Daily News (Nov 8)

Travel Updates:  Gangwon State expands youth and sports tourism exchanges with East Asian countries. Business Korea (Nov 14) Jeju Island to attract digital nomads via 'workcation' visa. Korea.net (Nov 15) Travel Policy Updates:  The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines announces the extension of simplification of visa application requirements to: 1. elected politicians, 2. government officials, 3. professional license holders and, 4. credit card holders. Extension Period: from January 1,  2025 to December 31, 2025 (1 year). Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines (Oct 24) KTO revises its personal information processing policy to comply with the Personal Information Protection Act and related laws, regulations, and guidelines. In particular, change of personal information items; and contact information of personal information protection manager or person in charge. The revised Privacy Policy is effective from October 23, 2024. Korean Tourism Organization (Oct 16) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Macao hotel booking rate exceeds 90% during Grand Prix: MGTO. AGB (Nov 13) Non-gaming visitor spending has climbed 8% year-on-year. The Macao News (Nov 13)

Travel Updates:  Macao Grand Prix Museum x MGM co-launch brand-new interactive VR installation. MGTO (Nov 13) Travel Policy Updates:  Macao passport holders will be allowed to enter Kazakhstan without a visa and remain in the Central Asian country for up to 14 days per visit. The exemption from the visa requirements for both countries’ nationals will start applying from October 24, 2024. Macau Daily Times (Oct 24) All visitors must hold a passport or a valid travel document for travel to Macao. Visas and entry permits are required by all visitors except the national passport holders of the following countries/territories in the list (link) When a non-resident enters Macao, the Public Security Police Force not only inspects his or her identity document but also verifies his or her identity by collecting biometric data. The biometric data includes fingerprints or palm prints, iris or retina patterns, facial features. Macao Government Tourism Office; Immigration Clearance of Non-residents of Macao (Jul 26) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Destination Headlines: E-Visa issuance to visit Mongolia increases threefold. Mongolian National News Agency (Nov 8)

Travel Updates:  Winter Horse Festival of Mongolia taking place Nov 21-24. Mongolian National News Agency (Nov 13) Travel Policy Updates:  The Immigration Agency of Mongolia has begun issuing invitation-based visas of all 54 categories electronically. Mongolian National News Agency (Sep 20) Citizens from 99 countries can now apply for e-visas for 30 days of tourism purposes, and citizens from 34 countries have been exempted from visa requirements, in total of citizens from 65 countries can travel visa-free to Mongolia during this period. Immigration Agency of Mongolia Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Consular Department >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia issues guidance over volcanic eruption impacting Bali travel. The Bali Sun (Nov 15)

Travel Updates:  Marriott opens The Sira, a luxe resort in Indonesia. Travel Weekly (Nov 7) Les Village in Bali named Best Tourism Village in Indonesia ADWI 2024. Tempo.co (Nov 18) Travel Policy Updates:  The Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration has partnered with VFS Global to launch a new e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service for 97 eligible nationalities, starting in December 2024. TTG Asia (Nov 4) Foreign nationals holding Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP) and Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) can now use the immigration autogate at Soekarno-Hatta and Ngurah Rai airports. Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Nov 2) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Strong international interest in Sabah tourism campaign. The Star (Nov 12) Malaysia named 'Destination Of the Year' at Tripzilla Excellence Awards 2024. The Star (Nov 18)

Travel Updates:  Malaysia launches MyTourist Pass to encourage public transport use. Vietnam Plus (Nov 11) Tiong calls for tax incentives to boost local tourism ahead of Malaysia Tourism Year 2026. The Borneo Post (Nov 9) Travel Policy Updates:  Malaysia has extended visa-free policy for Chinese citizens until 2026. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sep 25) All foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Effective January 1, 2024, completion of this MDAC will be mandatory, except for some conditions mentioned in the list. Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jan 1) Full information from Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: PHL tourist arrivals to hit 9.7 million by 2028.  Business World (Nov 13) AirAsia Philippines surpasses 2023 passenger count with 6.6M travellers. Travel Daily News (Nov 14)

Travel Updates:  Cebu Pacific sees share in air travel market rising to 60%. PhilStar (Nov 15) Travel Policy Updates:  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) Full information from Tourism Philippines >

Destination Headlines: Singapore recorded 1.31M visitors in October, up 16.7%. Business Today (Nov 13)

Travel Updates:  Changi Airport to implement fee hikes for passengers and airlines ahead of upgrade. Lifestyle Asia (Nov 17) Singapore Tourism Board partners Skyscanner to boost visitor numbers. TTG Asia (Nov 8) 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 nears 2024 tourism target with almost 30M arrivals; targets 8M European tourists in 2025. The Nation; Bangkok Post (Nov 13) Thailand’s marriage equality law to boost tourism by 4 million visitors. Travel Daily News (Nov 15)

Travel Updates:  Thailand named Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Destination of the Year. TAT Newsroom (Nov 8) Thailand announces new holidays in bid to stoke tourism growth. The Diplomat (Nov 14) Travel Policy Updates:  The suspension of the TM6 immigration form for foreigners entering Thailand via 16 land and sea checkpoints has been extended until April 30 next year. Thailand Business News (Oct 16) Thailand introduces digital nomads visa - the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - that permits up to 180 days per visit. 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) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Vietnam welcomes over 14.1 million foreign visitors in 10 months. Vietnam Net (Nov 7) Vietnam launches new e-visa portal to facilitate foreigners' entry. VnExpress (Nov 8)

Travel Updates:  UN Tourism to host First Global Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Vietnam. UN Tourism (Nov 12) IHG targets 40 hotels in Vietnam with ambitious expansion plan. Travel and Tour World (Nov 18) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting November 11, international travellers to Vietnam will be able to apply for electronic visas (e-visas) through a new web portal thithucdientu.gov.vn and https://evisa.gov.vn. Vietnam portal on Immigration (Nov 9) Foreigners and Vietnamese people holding foreign passports who enter or reside on Phú Quốc Island are exempt from visas for a temporary stay of up to 30 days. Viet Nam News (Sep 17) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: Tourism restrictions lifted in 4 Bandarban upazilas; hotels announce 35% discounts. UNB; TBS News (Nov 7)

Travel Updates:  Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee launches community-based tourism 'Otithi'. TBS News (Nov 8)  Travel Policy Updates:  Foreign citizens (except SAARC countries) of Bangladeshi origin along with their spouse and children are eligible for the endorsement of “NVR (No Visa Required) to Travel to Bangladesh" in their foreign passports. Citizens other than those of the USA must submit proof of residence in the USA (Resident Permit /Work-Permit /Valid Visa, etc.). Foreign citizens having investment in Bangladesh worth USD 5 (five) million is also eligible to receive NVR. Applicants must fill-out online application form (mandatory) at www.visa.gov.bd. Bangladesh National Portal (Jul 23) Full information from Bangladesh Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: India outbound tourism to reach 50 million trips by 2030. Travel and Tour World (Nov 9) “Our goal is to 10X our number of inbound tourists – from 9.3 million to 100 million!” Tourism DG. Hotelier India (Nov 13)

Travel Updates:  Singapore fund brings back travel brand Cox & King. Times of India (Nov 13) Travel Policy Updates:  Indian travellers will soon be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, potentially as early as spring 2025. Times of India (Oct 28) The Indian Visa Application Center in Bangladesh is currently only processing visa applications related to emergencies and humanitarian issues. VisaGuide (Oct 4) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Over 124,000 tourists arrive in October; Annapurna region welcomes over 33,000 tourists in October. The Rising Nepal; The Himalayan Times (Nov 18) Top priority is to operate two international airports: Tourism Minister. The Rising Nepal (Nov 9)

Travel Updates:  Nepal enables tourists to make QR payments with their local e-wallets. Fintech News (Nov 11) Pokhara embraces new role as tourism hub with extended hours. Nepal Monitor (Nov 6)  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) Full information from Nepal Tourism Board >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Australians hold $1.04 billion in unspent travel currency, study finds. Travel Daily News (Nov 11) Tourism Australia and Air India ink MoU. TTR Weekly (Nov 18)

Travel Updates:  Etihad Airways concludes unilateral codeshare with Virgin Australia. Times Aerospace (Nov 18) Princess Cruises reveals new 2026-27 Australian programme. Travel Weekly (Nov 18) Travel Policy Updates:  If travellers hold or apply for an Australian visa, and have a new passport, they must update their passport details by accessing ImmiAccount or fill out a form online before entering or leaving Australia. This excludes holders of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) 601. Australian Government (Nov 8) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Guam Visitors Bureau President and CEO resigns. eTurboNews (Nov 15)

Travel Updates:  United Airlines announces new direct nonstop service between Taipei and Guam. KUAM News (Nov 19) Travel Policy Updates:  Travellers to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (G–CNMI VWP) need to submit Form I–736 electronically in advance of travel and receive an electronic travel authorization prior to embarking on a carrier for travel to Guam or the CNMI starting from September 30, 2024 - November 28, 2024. US Customs and Border Protection (Oct 18) Entry requirements for Guam are the same as for any US destination. Entry requirements are dictated by The United States Customs and Border Protection Agency (USCBP) International passengers from eligible countries are encouraged to use the ESTA program (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for entry. Airport Guam Full information from Guam Visitors Bureau >

Destination Headlines: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority partners with LPGA to enhance global marketing and destination stewardship. Maui Now (Nov 12) Hawaii flights surge with increased US and international connections. Beat of Hawaii (Nov 18)

Travel Updates:  Hawaiian Airlines to offer locals-only discounts. Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Nov 19) Travel Policy Updates:  Attendees of the 2025 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Honolulu, Hawai’i are encouraged to use 2025 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting invitation letter form to assist with attaining a visa to travel to Honolulu, Hawai’i. ISMRM (Oct 11) Full information from Hawaii Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: World’s largest coral found in the Pacific Ocean, near the Solomon Islands. AP News (Nov 16)

Travel Updates:  China & Solomon Islands reach mutual visa-free travel agreement. Visa Guide (Nov 7) Bilikiki Cruises and Emperor Divers partner to boost Solomon Islands dive tourism. Solomon Times (Nov 8) Travel Policy Updates:  The Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China celebrated the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passports holders. Solomon Islands Government (Nov 8) Saudi Foreign Minister, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands sign "Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement" for diplomatic, private and official passports. Solomon Islands Government (Oct 6) Full information from Solomon Airlines >

Destination Headlines: Jeju Air’s Busan service set to bring 3,000 tourists to Saipan this winter. Marianas Variety (Nov 19)

Destination Headlines: Qantas ‘Palau Paradise Express’ prepares for its December launch. Aviation Source News (Nov 8)

Americas

Destination Headlines: Grey Cup Festival to bring big boost to Vancouver’s economy. CityNews (Nov 15)

Travel Updates:  Canada tightens visa rules to end 10-year multiple-entry visa. Travel + Leisure (Nov 9) Air Canada adds seasonal nonstop Nashvillle-Vancouver flight. Biz Journals (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Canada has decided to end the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE). Study permit applications submitted on or after November 8, 2024 will be processed under the regular study permit stream. Government of Canada (Nov 8) Canada has amended its tourist visa policy, ending the practice of routinely granting 10-year multiple-entry visas. Business Standard (Nov 8) Full information from Government of Canada >

Destination Headlines: India now 2nd largest source of foreign visitors to the US, with a 27% yearly increase. Hindustan Times (Nov 17) Florida tourism hits record high with more than 34M visitors despite hurricanes. Fox News (Nov 13)

Travel Updates:  Record 80 million Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving holiday, industry group says. Reuters (Nov 18) Travel Policy Updates:  The U.S. Mission to India opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India (Sep 30) Starting October 1, 2024, citizens of the United States will be able to stay in Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days instead of the current limit, which stands at 30 days. U.S. Embassy in Qatar (Sep 24) Full information from U.S. Department of State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Over 205K tourists visited BiH in September. Sarajevo Times (Nov 8) Bosnia and Herzegovina reintroduces departure tax across all airports. Rus Tourism News (Nov 13)

Travel Updates:  Sarajevo Canton selects 7 airlines for 2024-2026 flight subsidies. SeeNews (Nov 6) Sarajevo announces eight new air routes to major European cities. N1 Info (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting January 1, 2025, Kosovo will unilaterally allow free movement for holders of identification cards from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prishtina Insight (Oct 14) 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: 1) Member States of the European Union, 2) States Parties to the Schengen Agreement and 3) Andorra, Montenegro, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, the Holy See (Vatican) and Switzerland. Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Apr 28) Full information from Tourism BiH >

Destination Headlines: Berlin launches bid to host future NFL International Games. Sports Travel (Nov 12) German National Tourist Office India concludes high-profile events for agents. BW Hotelier (Nov 16)

Travel Updates:  Germany marks 1989 Berlin Wall fall with ‘Preserve Freedom’ party. Arab News (Nov 9) Travel Policy Updates:  Third-country nationals require a visa to enter Germany. The short-stay Schengen visa allows its holders to enter and reside in Germany for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day period. For stays of up to 90 days, visitors apply for a Schengen visa, and for longer stays, visitors apply for a national visa. Visitors may apply for a Schengen visa from between six months and generally no later than 15 days before their planned trip *Starting from May 2025, visitors will be required to apply for ETIAS to enter Germany. German Federal Foreign Office (Apr 28) Full information from German Federal Foreign Office >

Destination Headlines: Saudi Tourism Development Fund inks MSME finance deals. Zawya (Nov 11) Saudi Arabia launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub. Arab News (Nov 19)

Travel Updates:  Ambitious regenerative tourism project taking shape on Saudi’s western coastline. Euro News (Nov 8) Saudi Arabia launches first AI digital human travel companion ‘SARA’. The Siasat Daily (Nov 12) Travel Policy Updates:  The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced updates to the regulations governing temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services. Arab News (Oct 1) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Dubai's economy grows 3.3% in second quarter on tourism and technology sectors boost. The National (Nov 10) Dubai International welcomes 68.6M guests in 9 months. ZAWYA (Nov 19)

Travel Updates:  Ras Al Khaimah unveils Golden Visa Programme for educators. Travel + Leisure (Nov 15) Travel Policy Updates:  New golden visa scheme announced for private school educators in Ras Al Khaimah. It grants a 10-year, self-sponsored residency to eligible professionals who meet the set criteria, enabling them to enjoy stability and focus on their professional contributions. ICP Smart Services (Nov 15) The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security announced on Thursday the extension of the UAE visa amnesty programme for two months, with the new deadline ending on December 31, 2024. Khaleej Times (Nov 4) Full information from UAE Government Portal >

See All Destinations' Updates Tags:  PATA