Philippines boosts tourism for Indian travellers- Is it visa-free?

 

Philippines makes travel easier for Indian tourists with e-visas and visa-free entry

The Philippines is making travel easier for Indian tourists by speeding up e-visa processing and offering visa-free entry for travellers with valid visas from certain countries.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has introduced faster e-visa processing and visa-free entry for certain Indian tourists, making it easier to travel to the Philippines. The move is aimed at promoting tourism and cultural exchange.

Indian tourists can now enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days if they meet certain conditions:

Eligibility for visa-free entry:

- Valid visa or residence permit:** Travellers must have a valid visa or permanent residence permit from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area countries, Singapore or the UK.

- Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least six months after their stay in the Philippines.

Return or onward ticket: Tourists need a return or onward ticket.

Clean record: Visitors must not have any negative records with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency or Interpol.

Eligible Indian tourists can extend their 14-day visa-free stay by 7 more days, making a total of 21 days. This visa-free entry is for tourism only and cannot be converted to other visa types. Business travelers must obtain the appropriate visa.

Faster e-Visa processing

President Marcos Jr. has also ordered faster e-Visa processing for Indian visitors. This new policy aims to reduce processing time, making it quicker for Indian citizens to make travel plans.

Application submission: Indian travelers can apply for an e-Visa online or at the nearest Philippine consulate or embassy.

Processing time: The e-Visa process, which previously took several days, will now be much faster, although exact times may vary.

Visa Application Process in India

Indian citizens planning to stay longer than the visa-free period or need a specific visa for other purposes may apply depending on their region:

- Delhi and Northern Region: Apply at the Philippines Embassy in New Delhi.

- Mumbai and Western Region: Submit the application at the Philippines Consulate General in Mumbai.

- Chennai and Southern Region: Visit the Philippines Consulate General in Chennai.

- Kolkata and Eastern Region: Apply at the Philippines Consulate General in Kolkata.

Thailand's tourism sector grew rapidly with 17.5 million visitors in 2024

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced major successes in tourism for the first half of 2024, attributed to the government's supportive policies.

From January 1 to June 30, Thailand welcomed more than 17.5 million international tourists, generating more than 825 billion baht in revenue. To continue this momentum, the government will promote the "IGNITE Thailand's Tourism" initiative, which aims to enhance the country's tourism potential in various ways. This strategy includes connecting main city tourist routes with attractive secondary cities, especially in the lower northeast region.

A notable promotional activity is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations with the "LABUBU's Welcome Ceremony" project.

In the first six months of 2024, Thailand received about 17.5 million international tourists, who spent about 825.54 billion baht. The top five countries with the most visitors were China, Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia. During the last week of June, due to Pride Month 2024 celebrations, 660,000 international tourists arrived, an increase of 2.98% from the previous week.

To sustain this growth, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting the "IGNITE Thailand's Tourism" policy, which focuses on major cities and connects them with other attractive destinations. This effort starts with the lower northeastern provinces, such as Nakhon Ratchasima, which offers natural, cultural, and historical tourism. TAT aims to make Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand's first and only UNESCO Triple Heritage city, which includes the Sakarat Environmental Research Station, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and Khorat Geopark.

The initiative promotes a positive Thai image by dressing the LABUBU mascot in traditional Thai attire and creating a promotional video for Chinese tourists. The ministry expects more international tourists to visit due to factors such as the popularity of Lisa's new music video "Rockstar" and the European summer holiday season. Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin expressed confidence in Thailand's tourism potential and collaborative efforts across various sectors to continuously revitalize the industry, ensure safety and convenience for tourists, and ultimately benefit all citizens.

Indonesia to launch visa-free entry for tourists from 20 countries including India

Indonesia plans to launch a visa-free entry policy for tourists from 20 countries, including India, by October 2024. The policy aims to attract high-spending tourists, thereby boosting Indonesia's economy.

Indonesia Free Entry Visa

Indonesia's Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno, is leading the initiative to finalize the visa-free program ahead of a government change in October 2024.

By removing visa requirements for travelers from India and other major tourism markets, Indonesia hopes to increase foreign tourist arrivals. This surge is expected to increase domestic spending, attract foreign investment, and accelerate the growth of the digital economy.

Before the pandemic, tourists in Indonesia spent an average of about $900. Recently, this figure has risen to about $1,600 per visitor. Minister Uno believes the program will attract "quality tourists" who will stay longer and spend more, benefiting the local economy.

The proposed list of 20 countries eligible for visa-free entry includes:

- Australia
- China (PRC)
- India
- South Korea
- USA
- UK
- France
- Germany
- Qatar
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Russia
- Taiwan
- New Zealand
- Italy
- Spain
- two unspecified Middle Eastern countries

The initiative will add to the existing visa-free entry for nine ASEAN countries:

- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Laos PDR
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam

Sri Lanka to restart airport terminal project with support from JICA

Sri Lanka will meet with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to discuss resuming the airport terminal project, which was put on hold, following an agreement with official creditors, according to Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

Japan stopped lending to Sri Lanka after the country declared sovereign default in April 2022.

"Next week, representatives of JICA will visit me," Minister de Silva told reporters in Colombo. "This is one of the benefits of the restructuring. They have agreed to provide additional funds to cover the increased costs."

To complete the terminal, a new Japanese contractor needs to be selected, he added. (Colombo/July 04, 2024)

Jodd Fairs Night Market: A New Milestone for Bangkok's Tourism Revival

Bangkok's famous Jod Fairs Night Market is set to open a new branch in November, aiming to become a major international tourist destination and boost Thailand's tourism sector, according to Rods & Son Company.

The decision reflects the operator's confidence in the country's tourism-driven economic recovery and the resurgence of domestic spending power. The new night market will open when Jod Fairs Rama 9's contract with Central Patna Corporation-owned Gland expires in December.

The new branch, called Jod Fairs Ratchada, will be located near the previous location. Located on Ratchadapisek Road next to the MRT Cultural Centre Station, it spans about 2.08 hectares and features more than 1,500 shops and restaurants. The area will include 928 indoor shops and 798 outdoor shops.

Paroj Roykaew, founder of Rods & Son, said the mixed-use Jodd Fairs will move to this new location. has signed a 20-year contract with Property Perfect for . The new night market is envisioned as a lifestyle mall and nightlife hotspot in the heart of Bangkok.

The existing Jodd Fairs site on Rama IX Road will be returned to Central Group, which plans to build a 125-story "super tower" on this land, projected to be the tallest building in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia are the best in terms of least lost luggage

 

Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia are among the top ten airlines with the least lost luggage worldwide, with Malaysia ranking fifth globally.

According to startup website LuggageLosers, Malaysia Airlines ranks fifth, with a chance of losing one piece of luggage out of 2,763 passengers, or 0.04%.

AirAsia ranks seventh out of 68 airlines, with a chance of losing one piece of luggage out of 1,867 passengers, at 0.05%.

LugageLosers, created by digital entrepreneur Peter Levels, collects live data on lost luggage from major airlines around the world.

Malaysia ranks fifth in countries with the least lost luggage, followed by Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Japan ranks first, with All Nippon Airways (ANA) reporting a 0.01% chance of losing luggage.

LuggageLosers uses data from social media and compares it with actual lost baggage reports to predict which airlines are most likely to lose luggage, and updates this information in real time.

LuggageLosers' data shows t
hat Canadian airline WestJet has the most lost luggage cases, while Irish airlines are most likely to lose luggage.

Thai PM considers lifting ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon to boost tourism

Thai Prime Minister Sritha Thawisin is considering ending a 52-year-old ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon following requests from the tourism industry, which is facing higher costs and lower consumer spending.

"Prime Minister Sritha is pleased to consider proposals from restaurant operators to change laws banning the sale of alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm," according to a statement on the Royal Thai Government website.

Removing this ban could bring relief to many tourists in Thailand, where temperatures reach around 38 degrees Celsius, and help bars, hotels and restaurants.

On July 2, the Restaurant Business Club sent a letter to Prime Minister Sritha, calling for urgent measures, including ending the ban on alcohol sales in the afternoon, to help with rising costs and a sluggish economy.

"We have to look at the overall picture on this," Prime Minister Sritha said.

The prime minister is under pressure to revive Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, with a recent survey showing more than half of Thais are unhappy with his performance.

Thailand aims to attract 36.7 million travellers in 2024 to boost GDP growth to 3 percent. In the first half of the year, the country welcomed 17.5 million foreign tourists.

Despite visitors returning, the Thai Hotel Association recently requested aid, including tax cuts or subsidies for renovations, as they grapple with an uneven recovery following the pandemic.

The three-hour ban on alcohol sales has been in place since 1972, when Thailand became one of the world's top holiday destinations.

The push for immediate tourism measures comes as Thailand prepares to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic, tightening regulations on planting, selling, and importing and exporting. This is notable because Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis two years ago

New water activity rules created to boost safety and tourism in Pattaya Bay

Pattaya City will soon impose strict rules for water activities in Pattaya Bay. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Mayor Poramet Ngampichat on July 2, aimed at boosting tourism post-COVID-19 and organising water sports areas more effectively.

Mayor Poramet emphasised the importance of designated areas for water sports. However, some operators are not following the rules, which led to an unplanned meeting to set clear guidelines. The main goal is to ensure that all marine activity operators in Pattaya Bay consistently follow the zoning rules.
The new zoning plan will create specific areas for jet skiing, banana boat rides and speedboats. This will prevent overlapping of activities and improve safety. Currently, speedboats entering swimming areas pose a risk to tourists, which the new rules aim to eliminate. There will also be rules for storing jet skis overnight on the beach.

The City of Pattaya in partnership with the Marine Department will strictly enforce these rules to maintain the city's reputation as a top tourist destination. Ekarat Kantharo, Director of the Marine Department's Pattaya Regional Office, stressed the importance of the government's tourism policy to Thailand's economic growth. Since Pattaya relies heavily on water-based activities, reinforcing the water sports zoning plan, known as the Pattaya Model, is critical to ensure safety and compliance. The zoning plan includes a 300-meter offshore zone for jet skiing and specific areas for activities such as banana boat rides and parasailing. Additionally, anchorage areas for boats will be established in northern and southern Pattaya to manage marine traffic and avoid collisions, especially near the Bali Hai Pier.

AirAsia: New Daily Flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Hat Yai

Just after winning its 15th consecutive Skytrax award for World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, AirAsia has launched its first flight from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Hat Yai (HDY), the largest city in southern Thailand.

The daily service from Suvarnabhumi Airport complements the existing eight daily flights from Don Muang Airport.
Today, AirAsia held a special ceremony for passengers departing from Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The first flight had an impressive 98% passenger occupancy.

To celebrate this launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights between Bangkok and Hat Yai. Prices start from just 990 THB one-way, including all taxes and fees. Bookings can be made on AirAsia Move and airasia.com from now until 12 July 2024 for travel until 30 September 2024.

Ms Tansita Akarritpirom, Commercial Head of Thai AirAsia, said, “Demand for domestic travel is at an all-time high. From January to May 2024, our domestic routes have seen an average occupancy rate of 89%. Our Don Muang to Hat Yai flights have maintained an average occupancy rate of 93%, boosted by government and Tourism Authority of Thailand promotions, airline deals and an increase in international visitors connecting to regional destinations.

The new Suvarnabhumi-Hat Yai route offers passengers more choices and convenient connections to international arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport. We hope this will further boost the tourism industry,” Ms Tansita said.

Apart from its main hub at Don Muang Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport is also a major base for AirAsia. Currently, the airline flies to four domestic destinations from Suvarnabhumi: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and now Hat Yai (starting 1 July 2024), as well as internationally to Kuala Lumpur.