Tourexpi
The report sheds light on the evolving landscape of
travel facilitation. It includes the Tourism Visa Openness Index that
measures the degree to which destinations facilitate tourism and how open a
country is in terms of visa facilitation for tourism purposes. Also, mobility
scores are included to indicate to the extent to which citizens around the
world are subject to visa policies, as well as an in-depth analysis of
the reciprocity of visa policies.
Key findings include:
Regional Openness Scores:
·
Return to
Pre-pandemic openness: Destinations' openness to international travel has
rebounded to pre-pandemic levels following the lifting of COVID-19 related
travel restrictions. As a consequence of the pandemic, new forms of travel
facilitation, such as "nomadic visas", also appeared.
·
Decline in
traditional visa requirements: Fewer people worldwide now require a traditional
visa to travel, falling from 77% in 2008 to 59% in 2018, and then to 47% in
2023.
·
Visa-exempt
travel: 21% of the world population do not need any form of visa, an
increase from 17% in 2008 and 20% in 2018.
·
Visa on
arrival: 14% of the world population can apply for visa on arrival, an increase
from 6% in 2008. and 15% in 2018.
·
eVisas: 18%
of the world population can apply for eVisas, an increase from 3% in 2013
and 7% in 2018.
The report looks at visa regulations for tourism by
region, highlighting:
·
Asia and
the Pacific had the highest openness score of all world regions.
·
The most
open sub-regions are South East Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean.
·
The
greatest increase in openness since the last report in 2018 was observed in
South Asia and West Africa.
·
The most
restrictive regions remain Central and North Africa, North America and Northern
and Western Europe.
·
Visa
exemptions are particularly prevalent in the Caribbean and Central America.
·
Visa on
arrival policies is common in East Africa, South Asia, South East Asia and West
Africa.
·
Traditional
visa requests in the Middle East decreased from 71% of the global population in
2015 to 57% in 2023.
·
eVisas are
prevalent in West and East Africa and South Asia.
Recommendations for streamlined travel
The report underscores the pivotal role of visa
policy improvements in fostering tourism growth. Key recommendations include
increased integration of tourism perspectives into visa strategies, targeted
visa-exemption programs for low-risk traveler markets and expanded visa on
arrival facilities. In addition, clear communication on visa policies is vital,
along with a streamlined visa application process, accelerated processing times
and optimized entry procedures for an enhanced visitor experience.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
The most interesting news
European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 competition now open for applications!
The European Commission has launched the 2025 edition of the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition, inviting tourism destinations across Europe to showcase their innovative sustainable tourism practices.
Wego and Tourism Authority of Thailand Partner for The Fourth Consecutive Year
Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the unparalleled beauty
Four Seasons Resort Maui Announces Diverse New Sommer Experiences In 2024
From private wellness experiences at sea to complimentary kids and family activities designed to connect guests to the destination and each other, the luxury beachfront Resort is more ready than ever to welcome summer travelers.
Venice introduces entrance fee for touristic old city
Some 7,000 tourists paid $5.35 to visit city on first day of test regulation
Hyatt Reveals Survey Findings on the Hotel Stay Needs of Neurodivergent Travelers
Hyatt collaborates with KultureCity for a survey of more than 1,000 neurodivergent individuals and caregivers to drive research-supported action.
Marriott International to Bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Trojena, the Mountains of NEOM
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with NEOM to open its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in Trojena, a year-round mountain destination located in the northwest region of the country, the
Colorful Guizhou visiting France
The wonders of Southwest China's Guizhou province are being shared with the people of Paris, France until April 26 at the Mountain Park Province Colorful Guizhou Wind event.
CLIA Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award Winners
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the 2024 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners.
Danish cyclist Andresen wins stage 5 of Tour of Türkiye
Tobias Lund Andresen retains general classification with a time of 18 hours, 51 minutes, and 57 seconds
Oceania Cruises Debuts New Mediterranean Sailings for 2025
New sailings highlight European cities, holiday islands and lesser-known ports.
Lufthansa City Airlines starts ticket sales in April and flight operations in June
Flights bookable from April 24, 2024.
Jean-Michel Jarre is world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar
Godfather of electronic music and innovator Jean-Michel Jarre becomes world's first passenger to take off in KleinVision's flying AirCar in preparation for Starmus Opening Concert also Featuring Sir Brian May of Queen.
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague to Drive Innovation in Hospitality
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague, have agreed to partner around the development and execution of pioneering projects in the hospitality industry.
Princess Cruises and Fincantieri Announce to Postpone Delivery of Star Princess
Princess Cruises and ship builder Fincantieri today announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.
The Bentley Hotel Southampton Expected to Join JdV by Hyatt Brand in mid-2024
The all-suite retreat located at the gateway of the Hamptons is now available via Hyatt.com and is expected to join the JdV by Hyatt brand in mid-2024 following renovation completion.
TUI Musement powering loveholidays Tours & Activities offering
New Offering: Thousands of excursions, activities and attraction tickets now directly available to loveholidays customers.
Marriott International Celebrates Milestone on Journey Towards Net-Zero
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) has verified its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
'Nature Positive' Report Marks New Collaborative Era in Travel & Tourism
WTTC, UN Tourism and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support Nature Positive Tourism.
Istanbul sees 27,1M passengers flying from 2 airports in Q1 of 2024
Number of passengers hosted in Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport soars 13% in January-March.
Six Senses Kyoto Debuts in Japan, Taking Guests on a Sensory Journey of Reconnection
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors today, marking the brand’s entry into Japan and an exciting new addition to its flourishing urban collection.
First brand-new Condor A320neo arrives in Frankfurt
Welcome D-ANCZ: The first brand-new A320neo aircraft is expected to arrive in Frankfurt at around 4 p.m. today.