Visa-free, vibrant SE Asia
SOUTHEAST Asia, with its pristine beaches, diverse cultures and historic landmarks is experiencing a rebound, and tourism to the region is anticipated to experience significant growth in the short-term – so much so that a recent report on the region, conducted by statista.com, a global data and business intelligence platform, projects that economic growth in Southeast Asia, coupled with increasing disposable incomes, has led to a rise in domestic and international travel within the region. And by the end of 2024, the SEA travel market revenue is projected to grow significantly.Statista’s Travel and Tourism market insights in the Southeast Asia travel market identified some key trends for 2024
Thailand – The report notes a shift towards sustainable tourism practices, with a focus on eco-friendly accommodations and responsible travel experiences. Thailand’s government recently approved new tax incentives aimed at stimulating domestic tourism during the traditional low season. Vietnam’s growing middle class has led to an increase in domestic tourism, with more locals exploring their own country, according to Statista’s report. This trend has been supported by the government’s efforts to promote domestic travel and improve flight and rail infrastructure.Indonesia has been investing in developing its tourism sector. The country’s focus on promoting lesser-known destinations alongside popular tourist spots has contributed to a more balanced tourism landscape
The Philippines has been experiencing growth in adventure tourism. Activities such as surfing, diving, and island-hopping are becoming increasingly popular among both domestic and international travellers.Visa-free victoriesInterviewed by China Daily, John Paolo Rivera, Associate Director of the Asian Institute of Management, said international tourists had driven consumption spending and tourism’s contribution to GDPs in Southeast Asia and tourist spending had helped the Southeast Asian travel industry to recover from losses posted during the pandemic.He confirmed that visa-free access for tourists was a facilitating factor in boosting Southeast Asian tourism. “Visa-free travel to these countries will significantly impact tourism by making it easier and more appealing for tourists to visit. Countries with efficient visa processing or visa-free travel policies often see an increase in the number of tourists, as it reduces the time and costs associated with obtaining a visa, making the destination more attractive.”These Southeast Asian countries are visa-free for South African travellers, based on information available in June 2024:Indonesia (30 days’ visa-free entry)Malaysia (30 days’ visa-free entry)Philippines (30 days’ visa-free entry)Singapore (30 days’ visa-free entry)Thailand (30 days’ visa-free entry)Travel News asked a travel agent based in Cape Town why South African travellers were so keen on Southeast Asia. “The visa issue is definitely a factor.
Originally Published at TRAVELNEWS
