United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
PATA lauds Asia visa waivers
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), UK & Ireland hailed the Vietnam visa waiver announcement, which this week came into effect.
Longer-stay visas and visa waivers can have significant benefits in boosting tourism and attracting foreign investment, PATA Chairman Chris Crampton says.
“It is great news that the Vietnamese authorities have extended their visa offerings including visa free travel increasing three-fold from 15 to 45 days.
In addition, the Vietnam e-visa stay duration for the UK and other select countries increased from 30 to 90 days.
It comes as airlift from the UK to Vietnam increases from October.
David Kevan, Director of CHIC Locations, a PATA member, said: “The immediate advantage is that travellers are encouraged to stay longer.”
“For us, Vietnam is largely sold as a multi centre touring destination,”
“They often combine at least four places so they can now do it at a more leisurely pace.”
Thailand last year increased the visa free travel period from 30 to 45 days over peak season.
This was also a positive step that boosted tourism and welcomed long stay travellers for winter sun, PATA says.
Several other countries in the region have revised or extended visa free policies to attract more visitors.
It includes New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.
“More flexible visa options regionally boosts tourism by enhancing regional connectivity,” Crampton added.
In more positive visa news, Australia recently increased the maximum age for their Working Holiday Visa from 30 to 35 years old.
This potentially means 16 million more Brits could live and work in Australia.
Learn more about : Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) ( United Kingdom )
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Cruise passenger arrested for ‘lewd’ act on minor
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
Flight diverted after passenger urinates in aisle
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Scammed passenger goes on airport rampage