Tourism expert continue to present the case for visa-free
travel to the national government claiming it is essential to build the
economy, revenue and jobs in tourism.
They are lobbying to stop a Ministry of Foreign Affairs’
proposal to close the visa-free scheme particularly for seven countries.
The ministry bemoans the loss of visa fee collection
claiming the losses it incurs make the scheme unviable.
A tourist visa to Vietnam currently costs US$45 and
if the exemption programme continues the ministry loses US$50 million a year in
revenue, although tourism experts point out the positive earnings from tourism
far outweigh the loss.
They also argue that a visa-free policy saves costs for the
ministry, which can reduce its consulate staff payroll at embassies in the
seven countries.
Vietnam Tourism Association vice president, Vu The Binh,
argues that the loss of visa fees is just a drop in the ocean compared to the
huge amount of revenue the tourism sector brings in every year.
Last year, the country attracted approximately 1.5 million
visitors from Japan , Korea and Russia . If each visitor spent an
average of US$1,500 during their stay, the tourism sector would earn US$2.1
billion and contribute US$210 million in VAT to the State budget.
“While Vietnam
may lose several millions from visa exemptions each year, it will gain billions
in tourism revenue,” he said.
“We also earn US$210 million in VAT, not to mention
the other benefits such as generating more jobs,” he said.
Visit us at Threeland Travel Vietnam to
get further information about traveling around the world and Vietnam tours; to have access to the best travel services and to meet
our professional consultants who're always available for help. For any inquiry
please contact us.
A warm welcome from Threelanders.
0 comments:
Post a Comment