Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Jun 26 Travel Dashboard

 

New destination–Turkiye, added to the dashboard! The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate weekly, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage.

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Beijing scraps reservation system for most tourist sites in time for summer travel season. SCMP (Jun 22) Two holiday periods set scene for summer travel boom; Japan, Thailand are the most popular destinations for China tourists this summer. China Daily; Bloomberg (Jun 24)

Travel Updates:  China & Malaysia agree to review 5-year mutual visa-free travel arrangements. Visa Guide (Jun 20) China, Australia to issue five-year visas to citizens for tourism, business. Reuters (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: Chinese Taipei ‘actively considering’ visa on arrival for Indians. Skift (Jun 21) Chinese Taipei stocks close higher; tourism, financials lead. Reuters (Jun 20)

Travel Updates:  Wyndham expands in Chinese Taipei market with Wyndham Sun Moon Lake. Hospitality Net (Jun 19) 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: Foreign visitors to Japan top 3M for 3rd straight month in May; seeks 60 million foreign tourists a year goal. Kyodo News; Rfi (Jun 20) Japan mulls tourist price amid tourist boom. The Washington Post (Jun 19)

Travel Updates: Japan to launch electronic travel authorisation soon for visa-free travellers. VisaNews (Jun 21) 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: KTO steps up efforts to introduce Korean tourism ventures overseas. The Korea Times (Jun 24) US tourists top spenders in Korea (ROK) on Visa cards. Korea JoonAng Daily (Jun 24)

Travel Updates:  Busan launches Korea (ROK)'s first foreign tourist-friendly mobile payment service. The Korea Times (Jun 20) Korea Tourism Organization and Air Canada celebrate launch of Montreal-Incheon service. Travel Week (Jun 20) Travel Policy Updates:  From May 1, the Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) will start accepting Tourist Visa(C-3-9) Application forms via mail for the convenience of Filipinos applicants. Korea Visa Application Center in Manila (Apr 25) 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 records 184,854 international arrivals in May. Focus Gaming News (Jun 24) MGM eyes more Thai tourists visiting Macao. The Nation (Jun 20)

Travel Updates:  Macao will hold promotional events in cities covered by the Individual Visit Scheme. The Macao News (Jun 20) Korean Air from Macao to Lisbon via Seoul is coming this September. The Macao News (Jun 21) 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 optimistic foreign visits will rise as tourism index rank improves. Tempo.co (Jun 19)

Travel Updates:  Lion Air launches new route connecting Lombok and Balikpapan. Travel and Tour World (Jun 24) 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: MOTAC: 1Q2024 tourism earnings top RM22B, tourist arrivals up 27.5%. The Edge Malaysia (Jun 24) Fan Bingbing expected to lure 1 million Chinese tourists to Malaysia's Melaka. VnExpress (Jun 19)

Travel Updates:  Malaysia extends visa exemption for Chinese travellers. TTG Asia (Jun 21) Malaysia launches ESG Certification for hotels. M&C Asia (Jun 19) 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: Agoda and STB renew promotional pact. TTR Weekly (Jun 21)

Travel Updates:  Singapore Airlines announces new flights to Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin. Travel and Tour World (Jun 24) 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: Foreign tourist surge boosts Thai National Park revenue by 21%. Khaosod (Jun 21) Thailand Grand Prix set for October, becoming major fixture on international motorsport calendar. Pattaya Mail (Jun 21)

Travel Updates:  Thailand extends free tourist insurance until year-end. ASEAN Now (Jun 21) Thailand acts against 'price-dumping tours' to safeguard tourism. ASEAN Now (Jun 24) 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: Thailand, Timor-Leste agree on visa waivers. Vietnam Plus (Jun 21)

Travel Updates:  Timor-Leste celebrates milestone with TLSSC cable landing event. Subtle Forum (Jun 24) Travel Policy Updates:  Thailand and Timor-Leste mutually agreed to waive visas for their citizens to promote tourism in both countries. The visa exemption is good for visits of up to 30 days. The Government Public Relations Department, Thailand (Jun 25) Except for Indonesian, Portuguese, and United States nationals, advance "Visa Application Authorization" is required. Indonesian nationals can apply on arrival at any border post, including land borders and Dili airport/sea port. Portuguese, US, and Timorese (using Portuguese passports) enjoy visa exemption for tourism. Timor Leste Custom Authority (Aug 14, 2023) Full information from Immigration Service of Timor Leste >

Destination Headlines: Vietnam aims to make tourism key economic sector with sustainable growth by 2030. TV Brics (Jun 23) Vietnam among top Asian destinations for Chinese tourists this summer. VnExpress (Jun 23)

Travel Updates:  Westin Hotels & Resorts makes its debut In Vietnam. Breaking Travel News (Jun 20) 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 launches campaign to celebrate 50 years of tourism to the Kingdom. TTG Media (Jun 24)

Travel Updates:  IHCL expands presence in Bhutan with new hotel in Thimphu. Economic Times (Jun 23)  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: Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel see significant growth in domestic travel. Travel Daily News (Jun 20) India becomes third-largest domestic aviation market. Skift (Jun 24)

Travel Updates:  Thailand nationals get visa-free entry to India starting July 1. Travel + Leisure (Jun 25) Travel Policy Updates:  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 Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Wego partners with Pakistan International Airlines to enhance travel experience for Pakistani travellers. Travel Daily News (Jun 24) Campaign launched to promote responsible tourism on mountains. Pakistan Observer (Jun 24)

Travel Updates:  Flydubai will launch flights to Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan starting from July 1 2024. Times Aerospace (Jun 24)  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 Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Australia’s tourism sector set to contribute record-breaking $265B to the economy. Breaking Travel News (Jun 23) Travel interest from Australia to China increases 80% in half-hour following visa-free announcement. China Travel News (Jun 21)

Travel Updates:  Queensland government pumps $10M into regional tourism as outback operators report 'very quiet' season. ABC News (Jun 21) Travel Policy Updates:  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) From July 1, 2024, Visitor Visa holders can no longer apply for a Student Visa while in Australia. Department of Home Affairs (Jun 13) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Fiji tourism targets $1.87B in revenue. Marianas Variety (Jun 24) Fiji tourism thrives in May resulting in economic boost. FBC News (Jun 24)

Travel Updates:  Fiji Airways sets sights on expanding Australian and US networks. Travel Daily Media (Jun 20) Fiji Airways crowned best airline in Australia and Pacific for second year. Travel Nine (Jun 25) Travel Policy Updates:  Fijian nationals no longer need transit visa 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) Full information from Tourism Fiji >

Destination Headlines: MVA proposes $12.3M budget in FY2025. Marianas Variety (Jun 25) CNMI seeks to expand dominant Korea (ROK) tourism market. Kuam News (Jun 20)

Travel Updates:  MVA retains three board members, elects one new member. Marianas Variety (Jun 21) As Asiana Airlines exits, Marianas Visitors Authority in talks with Korean Air amid potential merger. Kuam News (Jun 24) Travel Policy Updates:  Travellers to Guam or the Commonwealth of 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 (the rule is expected to come into effect from September 30, 2024). Federal Register (US Gov) (Jan 18) All travellers inbound via air or sea are not required but are highly encouraged to fill out the CNMI health declaration form if their return trip requires COVID-19 testing. Office of The Governor (Apr 8) Full information from Office of The Governor >

Destination Headlines: Solomon Islands and Vanuatu sign Tevau agreement. ABC News (Jun 24)

Destination Headlines: Tonga Government appeals to public to rent out homes for PIF visitors. ABC News (Jun 20)

Americas

Destination Headlines: 37% increase in Indian travellers to Mexico, Cancun region most preferred: Consul General. Travel Trends Today (Jun 23) Cancun welcomes 3.2 million tourists in the first quarter of the year. The Yucatan Times (Jun 21)

Travel Updates:  Abercrombie & Kent opens DMC in Mexico. Travel Weekly (Jun 20) 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) Full information from Government of Mexico >

Destination Headlines: US travel agencies see $9 billion in air ticket sales in May with domestic trips surging 10%. Travel and Tour World (Jun 21) Travel and tourism drive close to 10% of the US economy. Statista (Jun 20)

Travel Updates:  U.S. Travel Association to enhance travel experience with new security and facilitation measures. Travel and Tour World (Jun 20) July 4th travel expected to set US records. WKRN (Jun 20) 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: The tourist season in BiH could set a new record. Sarajevo Times (Jun 23)

Travel Updates:  Sarajevo Canton plans new call for 2025 flight subsidies. SeeNews (Jun 21) 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) Full information from Tourism BiH >

Destination Headlines: Kenya optimistic to receive increase of Chinese tourists. China Daily (Jun 20) Kenya to chair UN Tourism competitiveness committee until 2027. ATTA (Jun 29)

Travel Updates:  Kenya offers free e-visa to Ghanaian travellers. Africa News (Jun 20) Kenya Airways resumes Nairobi-Maputo direct flights. Kenya Wall Street (Jun 19) 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 announces its adoption as an official tourist destination for Chinese tourists. China Travel News (Jun 25) Saudi Arabia to spend USD 3.2T for luxury tourism development. MENAFN (Jun 24)

Travel Updates:  Saudi Arabia tipped to ease alcohol ban as it uncorks tourism potential. SCMP (Jun 24) Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends B2C Umrah Visa for Egyptians. Visa Guide (Jun 24) Travel Policy Updates:  Saudi Arabia has broadened its E-visa accessibility to include citizens of 3 countries: Barbados, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and Grenada. The citizens of these countries can now choose between applying for their visas online or acquiring them upon arrival at Saudi entry points. Saudi Press Agency (May 8) 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: The UAE participated in BRICS Tourism Ministers meeting; tourism cooperation roadmap launched at Moscow forum. Dubai Eye; Arab News (Jun 23) UAE Central Bank forecasts 6.2% GDP growth in 2025 as real estate, tourism and hospitality thrive. Arabian Business (Jun 21)

Travel Updates:  UAE airlines announces the launch of new flights to over 40 cities. Alwast News (Jun 20) The UAE to soon lift visa ban on Nigerians after 2 years. Visa Guide (Jun 19) 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 >

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Tags: PATA