Asia and Pacific: Asia and the Pacific lead the Tourism Visa Openness Index. Scoring 46 points, this region demonstrates the highest degree of openness for tourism. The index assesses how countries facilitate tourism through visa policies, with scores ranging from 0 to 100.
Asia and Pacific …
India registers a Tourism Visa Openness Index score of 38.14%, while China trailing just behind. The report highlights that visa on arrival policies are prevalent in East Africa with 46%, South Asia with 38%, South-East Asia with 36%, and West Africa with 32%.
Furthermore, South Asia stands out for its adoption of eVisas, which are also common in West and East Africa but absent in North Africa, Central America, Northern, and Western Europe.
In a bid to boost tourism revenue, Malaysia recently implemented visa waivers for Chinese and Indian travellers from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.
Additionally, they extended visa validity from three to six months. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been monitoring visa policy evolution since 1963, collecting regular data and validating it through surveys and communication with member states since 2008.
These efforts aim to enhance global tourism accessibility and promote economic growth through increased travel opportunities.
The UNWTO emphasizes the importance of visa policies in facilitating travel and promoting sustainable tourism development. As such, ongoing monitoring and collaboration among member states are crucial for adapting policies to changing tourism trends and ensuring inclusivity in the travel sector.
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