Thailand visa fees to increase substantially

Thailand visa fees for tourism, business and residency purposes will rise by around 100 to 400 percent in late August 2003. While such fees may not represent a significant increase in business travel or tourism costs overall, it makes Thai visa fees in many cases (depending on length of stay) similar or significantly higher than those for neighbouring countries Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, canceling out a previous competitive advantage for Thailand.

Bali tourism on the road to recovery

There is optimism all around for the Bali tourism industry as international and regional travel and professional organizations rally around to choose Bali for their 2003 meetings strengthening the MICE market and reinforcing confidence in Bali. There are strong signs of recovery in the holiday and incentive sectors as well.

Malaysia scrutinizes the messenger

While reports filtered through today that 3 more suspected terrorists have been arrested in Malaysia, the Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi called for a "...detailed economic study of foreign travel warnings on travel to Malaysia..."

Indonesia muses abolishing free visas

Indonesia is considering abolishing the 2 month free visa presently offered to 48 countries - yet curious decisions relating to travel policy in Indonesia are not new. Abolishing the free visa would be a further blow to any evolving competitive advantages Indonesian tourism is developing.