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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on August 1, 2024
Vietnam is set to introduce visa waivers for travelers from selected countries, aiming to revitalize its tourism sector. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed the Ministries of Public Security and Foreign Affairs to explore this proposal, which seeks to make Vietnam a more attractive destination amid growing competition in Southeast Asia.
The upcoming visa waiver policy will eliminate the need for visas for certain nationalities, making it easier for them to visit Vietnam. This move is expected to increase the number of international tourists by simplifying entry procedures. By removing the visa application process, Vietnam hopes to draw more visitors to experience its diverse attractions and vibrant culture.
Vietnamese officials are optimistic about the positive impact of this policy change. They believe that increased tourism will benefit sectors such as accommodation, retail, and entertainment. The simplified entry process is anticipated to enhance Vietnam's reputation as a prime travel destination and significantly boost its tourism industry.
Experts in the tourism industry agree that visa waivers will improve Vietnam's standing in the global tourism market. They predict that easier access will generate more interest in the country's unique cultural experiences and natural landscapes. This approach is expected to rejuvenate Vietnam's tourism sector and foster economic growth.
The visa waiver initiative is part of a broader strategy to overcome recent challenges in Vietnam's tourism industry. The policy aims to upgrade the nation's tourism facilities and services, creating new growth opportunities and enhancing cultural interactions. By facilitating smoother access for travelers, Vietnam hopes to strengthen its competitive edge and attract more international tourists.
Currently, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens from 25 countries, a figure that is lower compared to its regional neighbors. For example, Malaysia and Singapore provide visa-free access to citizens from 162 countries, the Philippines to 157, and Thailand to 93. Vietnam's initiative follows similar moves by neighboring countries, such as Thailand, which is expanding its visa-free policies, and Indonesia, which plans to introduce new visa-free destinations by October.
Despite a 4% decline in international visitors from pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2024, Vietnam aims to attract 18 million international tourists by the end of the year. The country welcomed 8.8 million international visitors in the first half of 2024. The government has also extended visa-free stays to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and several Nordic nations.
During a recent meeting with Vietnamese representatives abroad, Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the need to simplify visa procedures. He encouraged collaboration between the Ministries of Public Security and Foreign Affairs to make travel to Vietnam easier. Although specific countries for potential visa waivers have not been disclosed, this initiative highlights Vietnam's proactive approach to revitalizing its tourism sector.
Vietnam's proposal to introduce visa waivers for several countries is a strategic move to enhance its tourism industry. By simplifying visa procedures and expanding visa-free access, Vietnam aims to attract more international tourists and stay competitive with other Southeast Asian destinations. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to boosting the tourism sector and supporting economic growth.
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Published on October 25, 2024
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is set to host its 16th Annual Adventure Convention in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from December 3rd to 8th, 2024. This six-day event will bring together adventure tourism professionals from across the country, highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s potential as a premier adventure destination. The convention will explore how adventure tourism can fuel sustainable economic growth while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed confidence in the state’s potential to become India’s top adventure tourism hub. He believes this event will not only showcase Arunachal's untapped opportunities but also boost the state's global recognition and economic development. Tourism Minister P D Sona echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that adventure tourism investments can drive economic progress while safeguarding the state's unique heritage.
The convention will feature sessions, panel discussions, and awards recognizing industry excellence. Delegates will participate in familiarization (FAM) trips to explore the region’s stunning landscapes, including its famed leopard safaris and uncharted terrains. A pre-convention adventure guide training program will also be held in Itanagar to enhance local capacity in the adventure tourism sector.
ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj emphasized the association's commitment to making India a top destination for responsible adventure tourism, with Arunachal Pradesh as a key focus. He added, “We look forward to showcasing Arunachal Pradesh as a model for responsible tourism, setting new standards for environmental stewardship and community-driven development.”
The convention will also promote "Border Tourism," offering delegates the chance to visit significant sites like Bumla Pass and the NIMAS facility in Dirang, which is known for its world-class adventure training programs. Oken Tayeng, ATOAI North East Chair, highlighted the need for adventure tourism to benefit local communities through sustainable practices and job creation.
The 16th ATOAI Adventure Convention promises to be a landmark event, positioning Arunachal Pradesh as a leading destination for adventure tourism in India.
The Kerala Government has approved Responsible Tourism (RT) projects worth INR 6.64 crore for the year 2024-25, aimed at promoting sustainability and community participation across key destinations. These initiatives are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism offerings through sustainable and inclusive practices. Key destinations that will benefit from these projects include Kumarakom, Beypore, and other prominent tourism spots.
The Responsible/Resilient Tourism project has been allocated INR 1.81 crore, while the Beypore Integrated RT Development Project will receive INR 1.15 crore. These projects are expected to improve tourism facilities and services in these areas while promoting eco-friendly and community-driven tourism models. The government has also set aside INR 1 crore for RT marketing and promotional activities, aiming to position Kerala as a year-round experiential tourism destination.
Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas emphasized the critical role of Responsible Tourism in shaping the future of Kerala’s tourism industry. He noted that recent national awards for RT initiatives in Kanthalloor, Kadalundi, and Kumarakom underscore the success of the state's efforts to promote sustainable rural and agri-tourism. "The RT initiative is going to be the driver of Kerala tourism in the future," he said, adding that the expansion of RT activities is expected to attract more foreign tourists, boosting the state's tourism model.
The government has also approved INR 90.99 lakh for the second phase of RT Mission Society projects, as well as INR 38.10 lakh for training programs at the RT Mission Society Training Centre in Kumarakom. These training sessions will focus on integrating digital marketing and artificial intelligence (AI) into tourism, along with capacity building for community leaders, homestay operators, and other local stakeholders.
In addition to Kumarakom and Beypore, other destinations that will benefit from RT projects include Valiyaparamba, Dharmadam, Thirunelli, and Nelliyampathi. The goal is to diversify tourism offerings while scaling up the involvement of local communities, ensuring that tourism remains both inclusive and sustainable. These projects aim to support job creation and generate income for local populations, with a focus on gender-inclusive tourism models.
Since its inception in 2008, Kerala’s Responsible Tourism initiative has grown into a vast grassroots network, benefiting over 1.5 lakh families. The initiative promotes sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities while enhancing the overall visitor experience. The RT Mission’s activities have been widely recognized both in India and globally, positioning Kerala as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Tourism Secretary K Biju stated that the government's ongoing support for RT initiatives would help bring new destinations and activities to Kerala's tourism map. Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran echoed these sentiments, noting that the popularization of RT projects would further strengthen the state’s tourism appeal.
India’s premier curated travel event, The Gypsy Travel Festival, is set to return for its third edition on January 11th and 12th, 2025, at Jio World Drive, Mumbai. The two-day event promises to redefine travel by offering a unique blend of culture, adventure, and expert guidance, allowing attendees to discover and personalize their next vacation, all in one place.
The festival, organized by the Gypsy Travel Network, offers travelers the opportunity to explore the best of global travel experiences, products, and destinations. With a focus on seamless planning, customization, and booking, the event provides access to expert insights from leaders in the travel industry, exclusive festival-only offers, and immersive experiences. Attendees can enjoy virtual reality tours, live performances, and interactive workshops such as perfume-making and origami, all aimed at enriching the cultural connection to travel.
Sumit Lulla, Festival Director, highlighted the evolving nature of travel: “Travel has moved beyond just visiting new places. It’s now about connecting with people, experiencing diverse cultures, and creating unforgettable stories. Our aim is to build a community of travelers through both online and offline platforms, becoming India’s trusted source for unique travel experiences.”
In line with the rising trend of travel in India, which currently holds the top spot in the APAC Travel Confidence Index, The Gypsy Travel Festival serves as a vital platform for travel enthusiasts to turn their dreams into reality. With over 300 travel products representing all seven continents, the event allows visitors to plan their next adventure with the help of industry experts, discover new destinations, and secure their trips at unbeatable prices.
Beyond just offering travel deals, The Gypsy Travel Festival focuses on fostering a sense of community among travelers, providing opportunities for networking and shared inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or someone planning their next getaway, the festival is the perfect place to start your journey.
This edition of the festival is timed perfectly for those planning their summer vacations, ensuring that attendees leave with exciting and personalized travel ideas. It’s a one-stop destination for anyone looking to make their next travel experience truly special.
About The Gypsy Travel Festival:
The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF) is India’s premier travel marketplace, connecting travelers with unique experiences, products, and innovations from around the globe. Since its launch in 2017, TGTF has helped over 35,000 travelers discover new destinations and cultures. The festival is part of the Gypsy Travel Network, providing a platform for tourism industry stakeholders to engage and connect directly with aspiring travelers.
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