ASEAN Considers Single Visa

ASEAN’s may have embarked on a mission to establish a so-called “common visa”, but there is still a considerable distance to cover to make it a reality, according to assessments made during tourism minsters’ press briefing Monday.

It warranted a mention in the minsters’ progress report, outlined at a media briefing, but only to say ministers were “working closely with relevant agencies on the development of a common visa for non-ASEAN nationals and its possible implications on tourism.”

Relevant agencies in this instance are immigration bureaus, national security and police. Ministers admitted privately there are still considerable hurdles to overcome to turn it into a reality.

The subject gains an airing at the annual ATF usually in the minsters’ report card on activities and discussions that confirm it is still on the radar, although not an urgent must-do project before the ASEAN Economic Community kicks in 2015.

On the sidelines of the ministers press briefing, Monday, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, Dr Mari Elka Pangestu, said 2014 would see Myanmar sign off on visa free entry for all ASEAN member-country citizens. It is the last of the 10 countries to introduce visa-free travel for the region’s citizens.

“That will be significant progress, we are not sure when Myanmar will complete bilateral agreements on visa-free travel, but we have been assured it will happen before ATF 2015.”

Myanmar has signed bilateral agreements on visa-free travel with Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam. Thailand was supposed to be next, but Thai caretaker prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, postponed her trip to Myanmar last November when she was scheduled to sign off on the agreement.

In addition, it is understood that Myanmar has still to negotiate bilateral agreements on visa-free travel with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“Once that process has been completed,” Indonesia’s tourism minister explained, “the next logical step would be to look closely at the Thailand-Cambodia single visa project that is now a pilot project… it could be extended to five of the six Mekong Region countries that all members of ASEAN.”

If that project could be extended smoothly to include all five Mekong Region countries to offer a single visa for non-ASEAN nationalities, the minister believed it would become a sound platform to build an ASEAN-wide common visa.

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Heritage List of ASEAN

ASEAN has awarded An U Minh Thuong National Park, located in the Mekong delta province of Kien Giang, a certificate recognising it as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

It is the country’s fifth site on the ASEAN list, after Hoang Lien Sa Pa National Park, Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Ba Be National Park, and Chu Mom Ray National Park.

Established 14 January 2002, U Minh Thuong National Park is a peat wetland area surrounded by a 60 km-long dyke.

Covering an area of nearly 3,000 ha, the park is home to 243 plant species, 32 species of animals, 39 species of reptiles and 34 species of fish.

The park is also the haven of a great number of rare and endangered bird species. A total of 187 bird species have been recorded here, including the oriental darter, spot-billed pelican, black-headed ibis, glossy ibis, greater spotted eagle and Asian golden weaver.

At the ceremony to receive the certificate, the Kien Giang provincial People’s Committee was urged to build a dossier for the park to apply for recognition as a Ramsar site.

The Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Parks is representative of efforts to conserve areas of particular biodiversity importance or exceptional natural features throughout ASEAN member states.

The ASEAN Ministers of Environment cooperatively signed the ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks on 18 December 2003.

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) serves as the secretariat of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme and is responsible for reviewing the following principles:

• Maintenance of the essential ecological processes and life-support systems;

• Preservation of genetic diversity;

• Maintenance of species diversity of plants and animals within their natural habitat;

• Ensure sustainable utilisation of resources; and

• Provision of opportunities for outdoor recreation, tourism, education and research to make people recognise the importance of natural resources.

Currently, there are 32 ASEAN parks on the list.

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ADB brings bicycle sharing to ASEAN

From Threeland Travel's Blog - February 2013

Asian Development Bank and the Government of Japan, Thursday, formally launched a bicycle-sharing scheme which will be tested in three cities in ASEAN.

Based on the success of the test phase, the scheme could be adopted across the Asia Pacific region.

Davao in the Philippines and Vientiane in Lao People’s Democratic Republic have been selected as demonstration sites, while the third yet to be identified city will be in Indonesia. The cities were selected after consultations with local, national and international stakeholders.

“This initiative will show that urban transport conditions can be improved through the low-cost and zero-emission solution of bicycle-sharing systems,” said ADB’s regional and sustainable development department, senior transportation specialist, Lloyd Wright.

The US$2 million project is funded on a grant basis by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and administered by ADB.

The project will help improve air quality, as well as reduce the rate of pedestrian accidents and fatalities linked with too many private vehicles on the road. In 1980s, only 9% of the world’s 360 million motorized vehicles were found in the Asia and Pacific region.

By 2030, it is estimated that nearly half of the world’s projected 1.5 billion vehicles will be in the region.

Aside from contributing to cleaner air, bicycle-sharing is recognized as a means of traveling on short trips that are too long to walk, and a way to close the gaps between public transport and a rider’s final destination – otherwise known as the “last-mile” issue.

Globally, bicycle-sharing schemes became popular after Paris inaugurated its system in 2007. Since then, more than 300 systems have opened across the Americas, Asia and Europe.

The US$2 million project is funded on a grant basis by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and administered by ADB.

In addition, ADB and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) will provide an US$87.39 million package of loans and grants to help Lao PDR and Viet Nam pair infrastructure upgrades with community-based disaster risk management and enhanced regional forecasting to improve flood and drought preparedness in the Greater Mekong Sub region.

It will involve upgrading or developing canals, drainage pumps, and embankments in Vientiane capital region, Lao PDR and Dong Thap and Tien Giang provinces in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. The assistance will also be used nation-wide in both countries to collect data and information to prepare flood and drought forecasts.

Design criteria for flood and drought mitigation measures in the Mekong Delta will also be developed, and trans-boundary flood management options will be assessed. A National Early Warning Centre will also be established in Lao PDR.

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Over 1,000 Exhibitors to Attend ATF 2013 in Laos

ATF 2013 - Laos

From Threeland Travel's Blog - December 2012

Over 1,000 exhibitors from across ASEAN have snapped up more than 460 booths at ATF Travex 2013.

This strong exhibitor line-up, which is 40% larger than the previous ATF Travex showcase, represents a wide range of diverse products and services from the 10 ASEAN countries.

The exhibition boasts 75 corporate booths, the highest number achieved by the event thus far. With new exhibitors comprising 35% this year and strong booth take-up from returning exhibitors, ATF Travex consolidates its position as one of the leading travel trade events in the region.

Ms. Hera Adiwikarta, Corporate Director of Sales at Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts said, “When we were at ATF last year we had about 30 hotels. This year we have close to 50 hotels in Indonesia alone. We want to generate business from potential wholesalers or travel agents for our rapidly expanding business, and look forward to meeting buyers from ASEAN, Eastern Europe, China and US at ATF 2013.”

Host country Laos participates with its largest ever contingent at ATF and aims to meet and create relationships with buyers and the international and regional media. International media registrations have hit the 170 mark.

Talking about the country’s progress in tourism development, Mr. Saly Phimpinith, Director-General of Tourism Marketing Department in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Laos said, “Laos is constantly improving its service standards in the tourism industry. We have begun to classify hotels and guesthouses and are actively promoting Community Based Tourism in order to improve the standard of living in remote areas. We are happy to give ATF Travex delegates a glimpse into the beauty of Laos through the pre-show city tours and post-show tours.”

Hosted Buyer Programme

The show’s coveted hosted buyer programme attracted close to 1,100 registrations, of which only some 380 quality buyers will be selected for hosting at the event. In addition, more than 50 buyers will attend as non-hosted buyers.

Through focused efforts over the past year, the Travex Secretariat has attracted buyers from new countries such as Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Ireland, Israel, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. In all, 57% of buyers are expected to be new at this year’s event.

Ms. Eva Klejmova, Director of J&T Concierge, Czech Republic said, “Nowadays, our clients are looking more towards experiential travel and ATF Laos is a good opportunity to extend our portfolio of suppliers. We are eager to promote new places, find exclusive properties and deliver new and unique experiences. I believe that at ATF Laos I will meet like-minded, passionate individuals who share the same drive to create authentic and genuine travel experiences for increasingly knowledgeable and demanding clientele.”

City Tours and Post-Show Tours

The host committee has crafted tours to give delegates an authentic experience of Vientiane and other popular destinations in Laos. Three city tours around Vientiane and Buddha Park will give visitors an insight into the history of the capital city.

The post-show tours will take delegates on 3 Days - 2 Nights trips to two of the most celebrated and beautiful locations in the country, Luang Prabang and Pakse/ Khong.

ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC)

In keeping with the ASEAN region’s consistent efforts to promote sustainable tourism, the theme for ATC 2013 is ‘Road Map for ASEAN: Fostering Sustainable Growth, Promoting Eco Tourism.’ The keynote address will be delivered by PATA Foundation Chairman, Mr. Mario Hardy, who has been an active member of PATA since 2009.

The 2013 Travex dates are from 22 to 24 January 2013, and the event will take place at the Laos International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Laos ITECC).

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Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel to give Vientiane a facelift

Dr Thongloun Sisoulith (right) visits the five-star Landmarkl Mekong Riverside Hotel being built for the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit.

From Threeland Travel's Blog - September 2012

The Lao tourism industry has seen rapid growth over the past five years, creating a huge potential for the hospitality industry in the country.

“We have seen the growth of the tourism industry in Laos therefore we decided to invest more than US$50 million in the hotel project,” Krittaphong Group Director, Ms Orlathay Santikhongkha said in an exclusive interview with Vientiane Times at the end of last month.

The interview took place after the company welcomed Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and foreign diplomats visiting the construction project of the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel at Mekong river front of Don Chan in Vientiane.

According to a report from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, from January to March this year Laos welcomed 846,564 international tourists, up 11.34 percent from the same period last year. The country expects to receive about 2.8 million visitors in total this fiscal year and generate revenue of US$427 million. According to the first quarter report of the tourism officials, Asian countries contributed 78.28 percent of all international arrivals, up 10.92 percent with 662,713 visits. The largest source country, Thailand, continued to grow at 11.04 percent with 479,323 visitors. The second top source country, Vietnam supplied 169,501 tourists, an increase of 9.6 percent. Contributions from the other ASEAN countries were very small, ranging from 110 to 4,400 visitors.

Lao tourism officials forecast that the number of international tourist arrivals will continue to increase over the next five years as the country has a policy to welcome more foreign investors while a number of tourists want to explore the natural beauty of Laos.

The hotel is one of the most luxurious venues in Vientiane, which the government plans to use to accommodate delegates and officials who will attend the 9th Asia-Europe meeting and other related meetings in Vientiane at the end of this year. According to company officials, project progress is 70 percent while construction of the hotel structure is now 90 percent completed and expected to be ready and officially open to the public before the international conference takes place. At present, the building contractor is speeding up the installation of water and air conditioning pipes in the hotel building.

To make sure that the hotel will be ready for the 9th Asia-Europe meeting, over next four months, the contractors will complete and furnish half of the hotel rooms with the rest to be completed after the international conference is over.

Ms Orlathay said that once construction of the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel is completed, the hotel will be one of the luxurious places to stay in most Vientiane. The hotel will be equipped with all facilities needed to meet international five star hotel standards.

She said that the hotel management had discussions with Pakpasak Technical College and other schools in Vientiane to supply skilled labor to work in the hotel. The hotel management will also invite a number of hotel specialists from China to train the Lao staff so that they learn how to manage the hotel and welcome guests. “At first, there will be both Lao and Chinese staff working at the hotel,” she said, adding that after the Lao employees had been trained and developed quality working skills, they will be promoted to hold more important positions.

One of the hotel’s unique attractions is that it is located along the Mekong river, which flows 4,800 km from China, through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia before reaching the south China sea in Vietnam. The Mekong River is one of the cleanest rivers in the world, which helps to attract tourists walking or jogging along the riverside to breathe the fresh air.

Most of those who visit Vientiane like to spend time near the Mekong riverside especially at sunset to take pictures and experience the peaceful lifestyle of Lao people.

The Mekong River is not just a mighty river in Asia but also serves as the border between Laos and Thailand. The river creates a unique relationship for the people who live along its banks on both sides with Lao and Thai people there sharing a similar language and culture.

Another attraction of the hotel is that guests who stay there can look at Thailand through its windows as the country is only about 1.5 km across the river.

The hotel is also located next to the International Residence Centre, which is now under construction and will be ready for the Asian and European delegates at the end of this year. The International Residence Centre is part of the US$600 million Vientiane New World Project, which is operated under a joint venture between the Lao Krittaphong Group and Chinese CAMCE.

The Vientiane New World also consists of business and entertainment centers, which the joint venture is committed to complete within the next six to eight years.

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The sharp growth of tourism to Cambodia

BANGKOK, 14 August 2012: Tourist statistics in June showed arrivals from Thailand to Cambodia continued to improve, while arrivals from Laos surpassed the usual market leader China for the first time.

Cambodia’s Statistics and Tourist Information Department, Ministry of Tourism reported arrivals from Thailand in June doubled at 103% to 13,699 ranking it fifth in the visitor supply market.

In June, visits from Laos also continued to spiral in June, surging 85.6% (22,174). China visits grew 39.8% to 19,918, but it slipped into second place after Laos.

Overall, during June, Cambodia recorded 250,918 arrivals, increasing substantially at 29.8%. This growth rate was an improvement over the past two months: +24.3% in April and +22.6% in May.

Over the six months, January to June, arrivals from Thailand and Laos improved 90.8% and 87% respectively. They ranked fifth and fourth suppliers.

Based on January to June figures, the growth in June pushed the average up from 26.3% at the end of May to 26.8% at the end of June. The accumulated arrivals were 1,756,652.

Besides Thailand and Laos, arrivals from the Philippines improved since the start-up of the first air link (Cebu Pacific) between the two countries (Manila-Siem Reap) 19 April. Arrivals jumped 60.4% in May, +52.2% and in June, +60%. Due to the increase, Philippines has ranked on the top 10 supply list since May.

Vietnam showed a significant growth of 31% (72,385) after the rate fell to 12% in May. However, arrivals from Korea slipped from +11.5% in May to +7.1% (23,040) in June.

By region, all markets reported growth except Africa which represents a very small share. It declined 23% to 355 visitors.

Arrivals from Asia Pacific, accounting for 82.5% market share, grew 33.8% to 207,062. Over half of the visits, at 64%, were from ASEAN. Europe recorded a 14.5% increase (26,474), while the Americas gained 14% (16,472) and the Middle East, +9.7% (555). In Europe, the traditional key markets — United Kingdom and France — showed a minimal growth of 4% (6,419) and 4.2%(5,696) respectively. The strongest growth came from Russia at 61.2% on 3,356 visits.

The surge in trips from neighbouring countries was reflected in a further rise of land arrivals. In June, trips registered at overland checkpoints accounted for 56% (140,518), up from 54.3% in May.

In June, 42.4% travelled by air. Phnom Penh International Airport welcomed 54,359 passengers (21.7% share), while Siem Reap International Airport welcomed 52,084 (20.8% share).

Phnom Penh and other provinces welcomed 133,712 tourists, or 53.3% of the total, improving 4838%. Siem Reap tallied 117,206 tourists with a slight increase of 13.3% over the same period in 2011.

Trips by Cambodians reached 66,070, a 30.4% rise over the same month last year.

Top 10 Markets in June 2012

From Threeland Travel's Blog - August 2012

Top 10 Markets during January to June 2012

From Threeland Travel's Blog - August 2012

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ASEAN to make easier visas for tourists

The East Asia Summit on tourism, trade and travel was held in Bangkok, Thailand on May 30, as part of the World Economic Forum on East Asia. The event took place at a time that ASEAN is said to have a lot of potential to develop tourism and travel. Tourism has made a huge contribution to job generation and stimulates economic growth in ASEAN, as estimated about 4.6 percent of the regional GDP.

World Economic Forum on East Asia
From Threeland Travel Indochina's Blog - June 2012

In most ASEAN countries, outdated visa procedures have become one of the hinders to tourism development, therefore, one of the main objectives of ASEAN’s Strategic Plan for Tourism during 2011-2015 is to grant a common visa for non-ASEAN arrivals within five years, to create a Schengen type ASEAN visa.  Once this goal is achieved, tourists can travel freely within the Schengen type ASEAN territory.

In February 2012, Thailand and Cambodia started to grant a single visa for non-ASEAN tourists. The region is pursuing several initiatives focused on intra-ASEAN visas and the adoption of e-visas. Cambodia has already implemented an e-visa system while Myanmar started to use the procedure in March this year. This model is currently in the expending process to Laos and Vietnam.

All of these efforts will play a significant role in promoting tourism in ASEAN. Visitors can get easier access to visas and avoid many restrictions in traveling abroad. If you are interested in this substantial reform, please visit Threeland Travel Indochina and contact us.

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