ATTA®’s Post

South Africa welcomed 34,669 Chinese visitors in the first 11 months of 2023; this is a 215.7% increase due to China's reopening and new direct flights. But Chinese tourists still only comprise a small fraction of the 8 million total foreign arrivals last year. Industry experts cite South Africa's opaque, time-consuming visa application process as a major hindrance to growing this critical market. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille have stressed visa reform and more direct flights to meet the vast potential of Chinese tourism. But promises of change have yet to materialise while competitors offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. China is the world's largest outbound market, and so streamlining visas is seen as vital for South Africa to capitalise on Chinese interest in the country. Source: VOA Global #SouthAfrica #SADC

China has further relaxed its visa policies for European travelers, granting visa-free entry to five more European countries starting October 15, 2024. This brings the total number of European countries eligible for visa-free travel to China up to 18. #China #Travel #VisaFreeTravel #Cyprus #Denmark #European countries #Portugal #Slovenia #VisaNews #VisaUpdate

Imagine being able to visit Vietnam without the hassle of getting a visa! There's some interesting news suggesting that Vietnam might allow Indians to enter without a visa, making travel easier. This is part of Vietnam's plan to attract more visitors, especially from big markets like India and China. Since last August, Vietnam has been giving out e-visas to people from all over the world. These e-visas let you stay for up to 90 days and visit multiple times. If this idea becomes a reality, Vietnam would be the third country, after Sri Lanka and Thailand, to let Indians enter without a visa. It's a step that could make travel more accessible and enjoyable. #VisaFreeVietnam #TravelEase https://lnkd.in/ejqphUVK

LAOS HAS RELAXED VISA REQUIREMENTS for tourists from China, Europe, and Thailand The relaxed visa policies are part of Laos' "Visit Laos 2024" program aimed at attracting more tourists and boosting the tourism industry. With details: ⛳ Chinese tourists travelling in organized groups can now visit Laos visa-free for 15 days. ⛳ Citizens from eight European countries (Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece) are now exempt from visa requirements for their first 15-day visit to Laos. ⛳ The validity of multiple-entry visas for citizens of 14 countries (Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.K.) has been extended from 30 days to 60 days. ⛳ Thai tourists travelling in groups can now stay in Laos for up to 10 days, up from the previous 3-day limit, and visit three provinces adjacent to their point of arrival. Information collected from the Laos Information, Culture and Tourism #Laosvisa #Laos #golf #Tourist #visa

🌏 Vietnam's 🇻🇳 Prime Minister has called for visa exemptions for additional countries, aiming to boost tourism and economic growth. This strategic move reflects the government's commitment to making Vietnam an even more attractive destination for international travelers. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, Vietnam has much to offer. ✈️ Visa exemptions could significantly streamline travel plans for many potential visitors, encouraging more extended stays and repeat visits. This initiative aligns with global trends of easing travel restrictions to rejuvenate tourism industries hit hard by the pandemic. 🏨 As we look forward to welcoming more tourists, this policy could provide a substantial boost to local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and cultural sites. It’s an exciting time for Vietnam’s tourism sector, and we anticipate positive impacts on the economy and international relations. https://lnkd.in/gSDNWXWm #Vietnam #Tourism #VisaExemptions #Travel #EconomicGrowth #CulturalHeritage

Russians’ demand for tours to Sri Lanka may decline after introduction of paid visas Tourists will have to pay $102.5 to enter Sri Lanka from June 1 MOSCOW, May 6/ The demand of Russian tourists for travel to Sri Lanka may decrease after the introduction of paid visas to the country from June 1, the press service of the Russian Union of Travel Industry reported. "Tour operators fear that the return of paid visas and their significant increase in price will lead to a decline in demand for the destination, which was exceptionally high in 2024. <...> They are confused not only by the increase in the visa price, but also by the information uncertainty around the innovation," the report said. Sri Lankan tour operators informed their Russian counterparts that as of June 1, the price of an electronic visa and a visa on arrival will reach $75 for tourists of all ages. A service fee of $18.5 and a handling fee of $9 will be also charged. As a result, tourists will have to pay $102.5 to enter Sri Lanka, the Union noted. In turn, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reported earlier that more than 14,800 tourists from Russia visited Sri Lanka in April, accounting for 10% of the tourist flow to the island country, Russia came in second in terms of the number of tourists last month after India, with Sri Lanka having received 26,700 tourists from this country. The UK came in third with 13,300 tourists. The number of tourists that visited Sri Lanka in April totaled 148,867, which is 41% higher than in the same month in 2023, though notably lower compared with 208,000 tourist arrivals in March. The new visa system that was enacted on April 17 was one of the reasons behind the decrease in the tourist flow as tourist visas became more expensive and harder to get, travel agencies believe. The government of Sri Lanka established an expert committee that was tasked with exploring the feasibility of introducing visa-free tourist visas for encouraging tourism in the country, Daily Mirror reported. The committee will look at international models of free tourist visa programs and assess their potential influence on Sri Lanka’s tourist sector and provide recommendations to the country’s president Ranil Wickremesinghe on the feasibility of introducing them within three months. #business #finance #financialservices

In 2024, the most powerful passport in the world belongs to Singapore while second place is tied by Japan (last year’s front-runner), France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Citizens of these nations can visit over 190 destinations around the world without a visa while the number allowed for the lowest-ranking countries on the list is only in the thirties. China is a country that has traditionally made it particularly difficult for foreigners to visit. Applying for a visa from many Western countries previously required coming to the consulate with not just one’s personal and employment information but also booked tickets and a hotel stay even before right to entry has been granted. Post-pandemic, the Chinese government has been on a desperate mission to revive the country’s floundering tourism industry and launched a trial run travel policy in which citizens of specific countries can enter the country without a visa for up to 15 days. Now, China is adding more countries to that list.

Industry associations such as SATSA, The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and FEDHASA have long been vocal about the lack of urgency and efficiency in issuing visas and e-visas being a major barrier to tourism growth. A recent informal survey by Tourism Update revealed that 71.4% of respondents had lost bookings due to delays on the issuing of visas, including e-visas, and 57.1% said they had lost bookings due to visas being declined. “International tourism brings much-needed foreign exchange, which our economy desperately requires. While we impose barriers to travel, other countries actively welcome visitors from these two powerhouses by making access easy. It was counterproductive when the government called on businesses to create jobs, while their own regulations damaged and prevented employment growth in tourism." ~Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA National Chairperson #Tourism #Visas #VisaChallenges #TourismSouthAfrica #HospitalityIndustry #VoiceofHospitalitySA

Singapore is leading the Passport Index in 2024 and holds the first position. Follow the link and find out the position of India and other countries. Read More- https://lnkd.in/gqciMa2d #tourtoreview #singapore #passport #travelnews #todaynews #todaysnews #i̇nstanews #passportindex #travelling #indianpassport #travelguide #travel #traveltips #singaporetrip #indianews #singaporetourism #singaporetravel #traveltheworld #tourandtravel #travelworld #breakingnews

Spanish citizens enjoy visa-free access to 191 countries due to Spain's strong diplomatic relationships, membership in the European Union, and participation in the Schengen Agreement. These factors enhance the country's global mobility and facilitate ease of travel. Additionally, Spain's robust economy, low risk of illegal immigration, and compliance with international security standards contribute to its citizens' high level of travel freedom. The tourism industry has surged due to the increased mobility of Spanish citizens, coupled with the post-pandemic recovery, the rise of remote work allowing more flexibility for travel, and a growing interest in international cultural experiences. #TravelFreedom #TourismSurge #VisaFreeTravel #SpainTravel #GlobalMobility @SpainTourism @IATA @EU_Commission @TravelGov