Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: US plans Golden Visa programme; Catalonia to double tourist tax; 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: China's inbound cruise tourism sets sail in 2025. Xinhua (Mar 5)

Travel Updates:  Anantara Thousand Island Lake Resort to open in China by 2027. Travel Daily News (Feb 27) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting Feb 10, 2025, ASEAN visitors can visit Xishuangbanna, a city in southwestern Yunnan Province, visa free for up to six days. Xinhua (Feb 10) The stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Chinese Visa App Centre (Dec 23, 2024) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Tourist interest in Chinese Taipei surged in January. Travel Daily Media (Mar 3) Ministry plans green hotel certification. Taipei Times (Mar 3)

Travel Updates:  New Chinese Taipei-Finland air travel agreement paves the way for direct flights. Rti (Feb 28) Hualien paying subsidies for foreign tourist groups. Taiwan News (Mar 1) Travel Policy Updates:  Chinese Taipei has launched a six-month "digital nomad visitor visa" programme for foreign nationals from its list of visa-exempt countries, as long as the digital workers can meet certain financial eligibility criteria and provide proof of work contracts. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Dec 26, 2024) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Taipei >

Destination Headlines: Hotel stays in Japan hit record highs for the second year in a row. Travel Daily Media (Mar 3) Travel consumption in Japan by Japanese travellers was record-high in 2024 with a 25% increase in spending per traveller. Travel Voice Japan (Feb 26)

Travel Updates: Mandarin Oriental to open three hotels in Japan's Setouchi. Nikkei Asia (Mar 4) 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) Filipino tourists to Japan are advised to file visa applications 2 months before arrival due to rapid increase of visitor numbers. JPN Embassy (Jan 14) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Tourism grows strongly in January. The Korea Herald (Mar 3)

Travel Updates:  Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village to enforce tourism curfew from March 1. Korea JooAng Daily (Feb 28) 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) Visitors entering Korea (ROK) can now complete and submit the newly-launched online arrival card via www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr, three days before arrival. Immigration Korea (Feb 24) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Mongolia’s “Eagle Festival-2025” to take place on March 8-9. Asia News Network (Feb 27)

Travel Updates:  Uzbekistan, Mongolia to establish direct air link in 2025. Daryo (Feb 28) Travel Policy Updates:  Visa-free travel to Mongolia for Korean citizens is extended until Dec 31, 2025. News MN (Jan 2) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Consular Department >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Cambodia anticipates welcoming as many as 7.5M tourists in 2025: minister. Khmer Times (Feb 27) Tourism sector expected to generate $5 billion in revenue this year. Khmer Times (Mar 1)

Travel Updates:  Cambodia's Angkor receives 279,604 foreign tourists during January-February period. Xinhua (Mar 2) 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) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperations >

Destination Headlines: Comprehensive reforms underway to lift Indonesia’s tourism contributions. TTG Asia (Feb 28)

Travel Updates:  Lion Air officially supports and operates Hajj flights from Indonesia in 2025. Travel Daily Media (Mar 3) 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) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Malaysia unveils Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. Business Traveller (Mar 4)

Travel Updates:  China Southern Airlines connects Urumqi to Kuala Lumpur with new route. Business Today (Feb 27) 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) Full information from Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: World Aquatics, Masters Championships expected to bring in 40,000 visitors, $60M in tourism receipts. The Straits Times (Feb 28)

Travel Updates:  Singapore’s second Raffles hotel opens to a strong start. TTG Asia (Mar 1) Travel Policy Updates:  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) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Thailand records 5.9% rise in foreign tourist arrivals. Bangkok Post (Mar 4) 50% subsidy scheme to spur Thai tourism planned for May. Bangkok Post (Mar 2)

Travel Updates:  Tourism tax to be introduced during upcoming high season. The Nation (Feb 27) Travel Policy Updates:  Thailand will adopt a new digital immigration system called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) starting May 1, 2025. This system will replace the paper TM6 form to simplify entry procedures for foreign travellers. Nation Thailand (Feb 1) Thailand has decided to ease rules for long-term visa applicants, scrapping the minimum income requirement and four family members cap for digital nomads and other professionals. VisaGuide (Jan 15) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Vietnam launches tourism stimulus program with attractive incentives for int’l visitors. Tuoi Tre News (Mar 2)

Travel Updates:  Vietjet launches first direct flights between Vietnam and New Zealand. Travel Daily News (Mar 4) Melia announces agreement for new resort in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Travel Weekly (Feb 27) Travel Policy Updates:  Visa-free travel agreement between Belarus and Vietnam became effective since January 30, 2025. Nationals of both territories are eligible to travel visa-free to each other’s countries for stays that do not surpass 30 days from the date of entry. VisaGuide (Jan 30) Starting on March 1, 2025, the Vietnamese government will allow Polish, Czech, and Swiss citizens to enter the country visa-free for 45 days. VisaGuide (Jan 16) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: Bhutan hosts inaugural Manas Winter Festival. Travelbiz Monitor (Feb 27)

Travel Updates:  Travel to Bhutan via Indian Railways soon; DPR completed for Kokrajhar to Gelephu rail line: NFR. Zee News (Mar 1)  Travel Policy Updates:  All visitors require a visa before travelling to Bhutan except those from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. Department of Tourism Full information from Tourism Council of Bhutan >

Destination Headlines: Foreign tourism arrivals show 1.4% growth in 2024 as compared to 2023. ETV Bharat (Mar 1)

Travel Updates:  Air India to shift Tokyo operations to Haneda Airport; expands codeshare with Nippon Airways. Travel Trends Today (Mar 3) Delhi government plans to launch cruise service on Yamuna for tourist operations. Hindustan Times (Mar 2) 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) India has approved a special 30-day visa-free entry for Thai tourists until 31 December 2025, allowing one or two entries and a stay of up to 30 days without any visa fee. Embassy of India, Thailand (Feb 6) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Uzbekistan and Pakistan strengthen ties with ‘Umrah Plus’ tourism initiative. Kun.uz (Feb 26)

Travel Updates:  Pakistan imposes new travel restrictions on first-time flyers. WION News (Mar 2)  Travel Policy Updates:  Sikh pilgrims from the US, UK and Canada will receive free online visas processed within 30 minutes upon arrival in the country to pay respect to their religious sites. Business Standard (Nov 2, 2024) Full information from Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Brisbane Airport officially returned to 100% pre-COVID passenger numbers as International Terminal sees record-breaking December and January. Brisbane Airport (Mar 2) Cairns to host 2025 CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific. TTG Asia (Mar 4)

Travel Updates:  Destination NSW unveils new campaign for Caravan and Camping Industry Association. Campaign Brief (Mar 4) Qatar Airways' investment in Virgin Australia wins approval. Travel Weekly (Feb 27) Travel Policy Updates:  Australia has introduced new updates to the Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), allowing eligible travellers to extend their stay for an additional 12 months. Travel & Tour World (Feb 23) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Oahu's Ko Olina partners with Native Hawaiian group. Travel Weekly (Mar 2)

Travel Updates:  Hawaii is getting its first capsule hotel. Travel Weekly (Mar 3) Holland America reveals new cruises for Hawaii and the Panama Canal. Cruise Hive (Feb 28) 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) Full information from Hawaii Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: 1,500 new rooms under construction to address room shortage in tourism sector – Gavoka. Fiji VIllage (Mar 4)

Destination Headlines: Vaihere Lissant named new CEO of Tahiti Tourisme. Travel Monitor (Mar 4)

Destination Headlines: GVB: $103K in sponsorships bring in visitors, exposure for Guam. Pacific Daily News (Mar 2)

Destination Headlines: Air Niugini plans for A220 introduction. Aviation Week (Feb 26)

Destination Headlines: Sydney, Honiara: Virgin Australia launches charter flights to the Solomon Islands in April 2025. Travel and Tour World (Mar 3)

The Americas

Destination Headlines: Mexico's tourism sector sees record investment growth. The Pinnacle Gazette (Mar 3)  Isla Mujeres tourism director says no Fyre Festival planned for island. Riviera Maya News (Feb 26)

Travel Updates:  Mayor announces specialised police for Tulum's tourist beaches. Travel Pulse (Feb 27) Travel Policy Updates:  Since May 6, 2024, Mexico has been requiring all Peruvians to hold a visa in order to be permitted entry to the country. These measures have been taken to slow migration to the US. VisaGuide (May 9, 2024) Full information from Government of Mexico >

Destination Headlines: US Travel Association names MGM Resorts CEO national chair. Hotel Dive (Feb 27)

Travel Updates:  US black travel market is now a $145 billion audience: MMGY Global. Hospitality Net (Feb 28) Travel Policy Updates:  USA plans to unveil Golden Visa Program initiative, offering residency in exchange for investments of $5 million each, replacing the current EB-5 investor visa programme. VisaGuide (Feb 26) US ‘Dropbox’ Visa Interview Waiver has been slashed from 48 months to just 12 months, expecting increase wait times while creating potential disruptions for those planning travel to the US. Travel State Gov (Feb 18) Full information from U.S. Department of State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa records 500% growth in local, international tourists in 2024. Arab News (Feb 19) Riyadh Season 2025 receives record-breaking 20 million visitors. Middle East Economy (Feb 19)

Travel Updates:  Riyadh Air to launch operations by end of 2025, CEO confirms. Saudi Gazette (Feb 21) Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train ‘Dream of the Desert’ unveiled for 2026. Metro (Feb 20) Travel Policy Updates:  Effective February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia changed visa policy for visitors from 14 countries, issuing only single-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits, and suspending the previous one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely. Economic Times (Feb 8) Saudi Arabia scraps meningitis vaccine requirement for Umrah travellers, while polio vaccination is mandatory for Pakistani following surge in cases. Khaleej Times (Feb 6) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Mexico becomes Spain’s second largest non-European source market. Aviation Week (Feb 26) Ibiza and Airbnb sign deal to combat illegal tourist rentals. Short Term Rental (Mar 3)

Travel Updates:  Catalonia to double tourist tax. Independent (Feb 28) Spanish hotel chain Melia's profit up 25% with focus on luxury tourism. The Economic Times (Feb 28) 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: https://www.boe.es/eli/es/lo/2025/01/02/1. Economic Times (Jan 9) Full information from Spanish Tourism >

Destination Headlines: Türkiye’s 251-mile historic caravan route opens to tourism. Türkiye Today (Feb 27)

Travel Updates:  Turkish Airlines becomes first European airline to launch Phnom Penh flights. Breaking Travel News (Mar 3) Seville-İstanbul flights go daily starting March 30. FTN News (Mar 1) 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) Full information from Ministry of Tourism Affairs, Republic of Türkiye >

Destination Headlines: UAE travel searches follow award-nominated films, says new Expedia report. Arabian Business (Mar 4)

Travel Updates:  IndiGo launches daily non-stop flights from Kochi and Ras Al Khaimah in UAE. CNBC TV (Mar 1) Akasa Air launches direct connectivity between Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Abu Dhabi. The Economic Times (Mar 2) Travel Policy Updates:  UAE expands visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travellers with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from Singapore, Japan, Korea (ROK), Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, complimenting previous policy that only allows valid documentation from USA, EU member states, and the UK. NDTV (Feb 17) Full information from UAE Government Portal >

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