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Τετάρτη 15 Ιανουαρίου 2025

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

Northeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • China’s extended Spring Festival holiday signals record travel surge. Skift (Jan 10)
  • Zhuhai checkpoints leading to Macao, Hong Kong SAR report record high 2024 passenger flows. Xinhua (Jan 10)
Travel Updates: 
  • Trip.com Group launches free layover tour. China Daily (Jan 10)
  • Agoda reveals Shanghai is Asia's top emerging destination. Japan Today (Jan 12)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Visa-free stays in China increased from 15 to 30 days, and nine new countries will be added to the list of nations benefiting from the unilateral visa-free policy. VisasNews (Dec 22, 2024)
  • China extends visa-free transit to 10-day stay, effective December 17, 2024. The State Council of the People's Republic of China (Dec 17)
Destination Headlines:
  • Rosanna Law leads as Hong Kong SAR’s tourism chief. TTG Asia (Jan 10)
  • Three runways in full operation marks new milestone for HKIA. Centre for Aviation (Jan 8)
Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Hong Kongers will require an ETA to enter the UK from Jan 8, 2025.
    Hong Kongers with British National (Overseas) passports will also need an ETA, as will babies and children. HKFP (Jan 8)
  • Starting December 1, Shenzhen residents can apply for a multiple-entry visa, which allows unlimited visits to Hong Kong for a year. They can stay for a maximum of seven days each time. HKFP (Nov 29)
Destination Headlines:
  • Kyoto eyes raising city lodging tax to up to 10,000 yen per night. Kyodo News (Jan 8)
Travel Updates:
  • The duty-free procedure will be shifted to ‘refund method’ on November 1 2026, abolishing the maximum amount of a purchase. Travel Voice Japan (Jan 8)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Japanese government eases visa rules for Chinese travellers, including a new 10-years-valid multiple visa and extension of stays in Japan. Travel Voice Japan (Jan 6)
  • Starting Jan 1, 2025, as for nationals of Germany, Ireland, and Slovakia, the Working Holiday Programmes will be allowed for two lifetime occurrences (two inconsecutive one-year stays in total). MOFA (Jan 1)
Destination Headlines:
  • Korea (ROK)'s air passenger traffic surges nearly 20% in 2024 on overseas travel. The Korea Times (Jan 13)
Travel Updates: 
  • Choi Sang-mok plans January 27 as potential temporary holiday to boost tourism. Chosun Biz (Jan 9)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The Ministry of Justice is accepting applications from local governments in a local government-designed visa programme. They will pilot the visa programme in 2025 and 2026, allowing regional governments to establish tailored guidelines for the D-2 student visa and E-7 work visa. Korea JoongAng Daily (Jan 3)
  • K-ETA exemption period extended to December 31, 2025 for 22 countries. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Dec 13, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • New multiple-entry permits prove a boon for Macao’s tourism industry. The Macao News (Jan 13)
  • Macao still among top destinations for Chinese travellers in upcoming CNY – Trip.com. Macau Business (Jan 10)
Travel Updates: 
  • Sands China, Marriott International set to open Macao’s first Luxury Collection hotel. Travel Daily Media (Jan 10)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • From Jan. 1, 2025, permanent residents of Zhuhai City will be able to apply for a "one trip per week" permit for Macao. Under the policy, they can visit Macao once per calendar week, with a maximum stay of seven days per trip.

    Also starting Jan. 1, 2025, permanent residents and residence permit holders in the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin will be eligible to apply for multi-entry permits to Macao, enabling unrestricted visits for up to seven days per stay within a one-year validity period. The State Council (Nov 29, 2024)
  • Macao passport holders will require an ETA to enter the UK from Jan 8, 2025. SCMP (Jan 8)
Southeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Kampot Int’l Tourism Port targets 1 million tourists next year. Khmer Times (Jan 9)
  • Cambodia receives 6.7M int’l tourists in 2024, up 22.9%. Khmer Times (Jan 10)
Travel Updates: 
  • Cambodia’s national airline officially changes its name to Air Cambodia. Social News XYZ (Jan 10)
  • Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism cites partnership with Cambodia Airports. Travel Daily Media (Jan 13)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • From January 1, 2025, Cambodia has lowered the cost of its electronic visas. Tourist e-Visas now cost $30, down from $36; Business e-Visas are reduced to $35, down from $42. India Today (Jan 3)
Destination Headlines:
  • Indonesia reports 20.27% increase in tourist arrivals in 2024. Travel Daily Media (Jan 10)
Travel Updates: 
  • Gili Islands named most googled tourism destination by Americans. Indonesia Expat (Jan 10)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Indonesia launches a new e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service for 97 nationalities, including the US, Canada, India, Japan, and Australia. ASEAN Briefing (Nov 25, 2024)
  • Azerbaijan and Indonesia waived mutual visa requirements for holders of the diplomatic and service passports. Xalq qazeti (Nov 29, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Malaysia unveils plans to welcome 35.6 million visitors by 2026. Travel Weekly Asia (Jan 9)
  • Tourism Malaysia crowned Best National Tourism Organisation for fifth consecutive year. Travel and Tour World (Jan 8)
Travel Updates: 
  • Malaysia Airlines launches global “Time for” marketing campaign. BW Hotelier (Jan 10)
  • Fixed licence to be introduced for Malaysia’s tourism players. Asia News Network (Jan 10)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Malaysia has extended its visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. Times of India (Dec 22, 2024)
  • 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, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Hotel development booms in Singapore as tourism demand continues to climb. CoStar (Jan 9)
  • Marina Bay Sands to pay additional US$1 billion to Singapore Tourism Board for revisions to expansion project. IAG (Jan 12)
Travel Updates: 
  • Singapore steps up security checks at all checkpoints until Jan 22. TTG Asia (Jan 10)
  • Singapore retains most powerful passport in the world title for 2025. Lifestyle Asia (Jan 9)
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, 2024)
  • Singaporeans are required to apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before making a UK trip from Jan 8, 2025. The Straits Times (Jan 8)
Destination Headlines:
  • Thailand celebrates becoming a global leader in tourism with a total of 35.54 million tourists in 2024. The Nation (Jan 13)
  • Thailand and Vietnam advance regional tourism under ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ plan. Pattaya Mail (Jan 14)
Travel Updates: 
  • Pichai to launch cryptocurrency pilot project in Phuket this year. The Nation (Jan 8)
  • Thailand bolsters tourist safety with new operation centre. Khaosod (Jan 13)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Thailand has made its electronic visa system globally accessible as of January 1, 2025. Eligible travellers can apply online, reducing administrative hurdles. TAT Newsroom (Jan 1)
  • The suspension of the TM6 immigration form for foreigners entering Thailand via 16 land and sea checkpoints has been extended until April 30, 2025. Thailand Business News (Oct 16, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Foreign visitors to Vietnam up over 39%. Vietnam Plus (Jan 14)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hanoi, Hoi An among world’s 25 best destinations: Tripadvisor. VnExpress (Jan 11)
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, 2024)
  • 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, 2024)
South Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • 21% growth in tourist arrivals in 2024: Goa gov. Times of India (Jan 14)
  • Air India ‘bullish’ on long-haul travel. The Hindu (Jan 12)
Travel Updates: 
  • Delhi airport closure for Republic Day practice to impact over 1,300 flights: Travel advisory. India TV (Jan 8)
  • Punjab announces Tourism Corridor from Quaid-e-Azam interchange to Wagah border. Pro Pakistani (Jan 11)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The Indian government has launched two special visas for international students: the e-student visa for students and the e-student-x visa for their dependents. Applicants must register on the 'Study in India' portal to apply for these visas, enabling them to pursue higher education in India. Live Mint (Jan 5)
Destination Headlines:
  • Over 1.1 million visit Lumbini in 2024. The Rising Nepal (Jan 9)
  • Over 4,000 foreign tourists visit Upper Mustang; over 10,000 foreign tourists visited Manaslu region in 2024. The Himalayan; The Himalayan (Jan 9)
Travel Updates: 
  • Lumbini ranks 9th among 52 must-visit places in the world. The Rising Nepal (Jan 14)
 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, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Sri Lanka tourism income soars over 53% in 2024; targets USD 5B revenue for 2025. myRepublica; Daily News (Jan 11)
  • Sri Lanka Tourism attracts 80,000 in first 10 days. Daily News (Jan 14)
Travel Updates: 
  • Sri Lanka’s first all-female staffed tourist hotel opens in Dambulla. Adaderana (Jan 13)
  • IndiGo becomes largest foreign carrier out of Sri Lanka. The Economic Times (Jan 10)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • No free visas for tourists from 35 countries for the time being, and travellers wishing to visit Sri Lanka must still comply with the requirement to obtain, and pay for, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival. VisaNews (Oct 1, 2024)
  • With effect from September 27, 2024, all Tourist or Business travellers to Sri Lanka can have ETA for entering in to Sri Lanka.

    The particular visa-free regime applies to seven nominated countries (China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan) and the rest of the countries may follow the general rules and regulations applicable to Sri Lanka ETA. Department of Immigration and Emigration
The Pacific
Destination Headlines:
  • The Australian Tourism Exchange heads to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Apr 27. Travel Weekly (Jan 14)
  • Regional events set to drive NSW visitor economy in 2025. Hotel Management (Jan 10)
Travel Updates: 
  • Melbourne, Sydney have been ranked as top 2 most popular domestic travel destinations in Australia this summer. Time Out; Time Out (Jan 10)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • From January 1, 2025, applicants for Australian student visas are required to include a “Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)” in order to verify their enrollment in a registered course at an educational institution in Australia. VisaGuide (Jan 6)
  • Australians are required to apply and obtain ETA to visit the UK, per Jan 8, 2025. Executive Traveller (Jan 8)
Destination Headlines:
  • HTA seeking to shore up tourism with new round of emergency funds. The Garden Island (Jan 8)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hawaiian Airlines now accepts surfboards, other sports equipment as standard checked baggage. Spectrum News (Jan 9)
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, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Four GVB board directors re-elected, commit to continue tourism recovery. Kuam News (Jan 8)
Destination Headlines:
Destination Headlines:
  • Solomon Islands tops passport index for region’s global rankings. Asia Pacific Report (Jan 10)
Americas
Destination Headlines:
  • Saskatchewan travel industry optimistic heading into 2025. Global News (Jan 9)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hotel construction to add 457 rooms to Greater Vancouver inventory. Travel Pulse (Jan 10)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • IRCC extended the temporary public policy allowing for open work permits to be issued to applicants applying for PR, under the temporary resident to permanent resident pathways (TR to PR pathway), as per Dec 17 2024. CIC News (Jan 11)
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates: 
  • United States adds Romania to visa waiver travel programme. Reuters (Jan 10)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • USCIS will implement major changes to Form I-129, “Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker,” on January 17, 2025. The updated form, now 38 pages, introduces stricter documentation requirements for employment-based visas like H-1B and L-1. Boundless (Jan 5)
  • USA has designated Romania as a participating country in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). System will be updated on or around March 31, 2025, to allow most citizens and nationals of Romania to apply to travel to the United States under the VWP for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa. US Homeland Security (Jan 10)
Europe, West Asia, Africa
Destination Headlines:
  • Bosnia's foreign tourist arrivals up 22% Y-o-Y in Nov. SeeNews (Jan 10)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina records an increase in tourist visits. Sarajevo Times (Jan 13)
Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: 
  • As of Jan 16, 2025, residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be able to apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy in Sarajevo. Applications will will be processed by the Swedish Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia. Migration Sverket (Dec 20, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Saudi domestic tourism thriving, proving it was no COVID-19 ‘blip’: Almosafer CEO. Arab News (Jan 9)
  • New expansion increases Riyadh airport’s capacity to 7M passengers. Arab News (Jan 9)
Travel Updates: 
  • Polio vaccination certificate prerequisite for travel to Saudi Arabia. The News (Jan 9)
  • Saudi Arabia's Flyadeal launches five new routes. ZAWYA (Jan 9)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The holders of diplomatic, special and service passports of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be exempted from visa requirements for short-term visits. Azertac (Nov 29, 2024)
  • Saudi Arabia has mandated the meningitis vaccine for all visitors, requiring proof of vaccination for entry into the Kingdom. Vaccine certificate must be issued at least 10 days before the travel date. Travel & Tour World (Jan 11)
Destination Headlines:
  • Aena Airports handle 369M passengers in 2024. Ftn News (Jan 13)
  • Spain eyes tax hike for holiday rentals in bid to lower rents. Reuters (Jan 13)
Travel Updates: 
  • Spain aims to launch countrywide fixed-price travel pass. The Local (Jan 10)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Spain will end its Golden Visa Program. Wealthy foreign nationals will be eligible to apply only until April 3, 2025. See full legislation. Economic Times (Jan 9)
  • The Spanish Council of Ministers approved a new Immigration Regulation to improve the integration of foreign citizens through three key areas: work, education, and family. European Commission (Nov 21, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Tourist arrivals likely to rise by 5 to 10% in 2025: Association. Hurriyet Daily News (Jan 12)
  • Turkish Airlines serves 83.4M passengers in 2024. KazInform (Jan 9)
Travel Updates: 
  • Cappadocia Marriott Hotel opens with 298 keys in Türkiye. Travel Daily Media (Jan 14)
  • Türkiye's balloon tourism offers new routes, aims to attract 2M passengers. KazInform (Jan 8)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Türkiye to extend work permit exemption to 3 years for foreign workers who are able to provide economic, sociocultural, and technological contributions. VisaGuide (Oct 17, 2024)
See All Destinations' Updates


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