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Japan and South Korea to ease visa policies for Chinese tourists
Both Japan and South Korea announced that they will modify their respective visa policies for the growing number of Chinese tourists. On 25th December in Beijing, Japanese foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi announced that visa conditions to his country will be relaxed for Chinese nationals. Modifications will include the introduction of a ten-year / multiple entry tourist visa, as well as an extension for up to 30 days for those travelling on a group tourist visa. These changes will be implemented by spring of this year. Korea to test a new visa-free policy South Korea, on the other hand, is slated to try out a visa-free policy specifically for Chinese tourists within this year, particularly because these have contributed significantly to the country’s travel and tourism sectors. The announcement was made by the country’s Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, on Thursday, 26th December. Based on South Korea’s recently released tourism revitalisation plan, the national government aims to attract up to 18.5 million foreign arrivals in 2025. Based on this target, the South Korean government hopes to generate up to US$22.8 billion in tourism sales, as well as US$30.4 billion in domestic travel consumption. In which case, 70 percent of the country’s tourism budget has been allocated for initiatives within the first half of 2025 in order to stabilise the inbound tourism sector.
BREAKING NEWS: Jeju Air crash now South Korea’s deadliest air disaster
Rescuers take part in salvage operations at Muan International Airport (Photo: Reuters) (UPDATE at 8:38pm, BKK time) South Korean authorities have confirmed that all 175 passengers and four crew members aboard Jeju Air 7C2216 perished aboard the ill-fated flight. A formal statement was issued to the public at around 7:30pm, BKK time. Of those on board, five of the casualties were children under the age of 10. Given the severity of the damage, authorities have only been able to identify 65 of the 179 casualties. Meanwhile, the two survivors are said to have sustained moderate to severe injuries from their ordeal; both are currently under treatment. National mourning South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-muk has declared a seven-day mourning period for the victims of the crash to run until Saturday, 4th January. Flags at all government offices will be flown half-mast and civil servants will wear black ribbons in solidarity with the families of the victims. The government likewise announced that it will conduct a civil investigation into the crash, calling in the United States' National Transportation Safety Board since the aircraft was designed and built there. So far, emergency teams have recovered the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders; these have been turned over to the authorities to aid in the investigation. The Jeju Air crash is now considered South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster as its death toll has now surpassed that of the Asiana Airlines crash in Mokpo in 1993 which took 60 lives. One Thai national identified 49-year-old Thai agriculturist Jongluk Doungmanee was confirmed to be one of the fatalities of the crash. Doungmanee, who was married to a South Korean national, was flying home from Thailand where she visited family for the holidays. The Udon Thani native lived in South Korea for five years and leaves a husband and two children, aged seven and 15. The identity of the other Thai national aboard the flight has yet to be disclosed as of press time. ------ (2:58pm, BKK Time) South Korean authorities currently report that only two out of the 181 people aboard Jeju Air 7C2216 survived the crash at Muan International Airport earlier today, 29th December, though rescue operations are still underway as of press time. The two known survivors, both crew members found in the rear of the fallen aircraft, were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The aircraft which was flying in from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed during an emergency landing at the airport in the South Jeolla region. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on the fatal flight. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that two of the passengers aboard the flight were Thai nationals. So far, however, there have been no updates regarding either passenger. This is the first fatal accident for Jeju Air, a low-cost carrier that has been in operation since 2005. What caused the crash? Jeju Air Flight 2216’s last communication to the airport tower noted that the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy as it made its approach. As of the most recent updates from ground zero, authorities are still trying to determine whether this was caused by inclement weather or a bird strike, or a collision between the aircraft and one or more flying birds. What is currently known is that the aircraft sped down the runway on its belly for several minutes, eventually overshooting the Muan Airport runway. The plane then hit a ground barrier, exploding into a fireball almost on impact. As this occurred, witnesses on the ground say they heard a loud bang. The explosion is now making it harder for search-and-rescue or -retrieval teams to take bodies out of the debris, and further complicates the process of identifying individuals from the wreckage. For now, bodies are being ferried to a temporary mortuary set up on the premises and will be transferred to funeral homes once positively identified. Small chance of survival Lee Jeong-hyeon, head of the Muan Fire Department, remarked at the second press conference held this afternoon: “It is presumed that most of the 181 on board have died. It is unfortunate, but that is what we are currently seeing.” Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has made his way to Muan to condole with the families of those aboard the flight, but has yet to give a statement at this time. Meanwhile, Jeju Air has issued a statement following the crash, declaring: ““First, we bow our heads in apology to everyone who has trusted Jeju Air. At approximately 9:03am on 29th December, flight 7C2216 from Bangkok to Muan caught fire while landing at Muan International Airport. Above all, we express our deepest condolences and apologies to the families of the passengers who lost their lives in this accident. At present, the cause of the accident is difficult to determine, and we must await the official investigation results from the relevant government agencies. We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern.” Boeing has likewise issued a press statement, saying: “We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”
South Korea extends K-ETA exemption for Singaporeans till 2025
The South Korean government announced the extension of its Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) exemption for Singaporean travelers till the end of 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage tourism and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. Singapore joins several other countries benefiting from this exemption, reflecting South Korea’s strategy to make travel seamless for its valued partners. The extended K-ETA exemption is a testament to the robust ties between Singapore and South Korea. By simplifying travel, fostering tourism, and encouraging investments, both nations are paving the way for deeper collaboration. Current travel trends between Singapore and South Korea Tourism statistics in recent years show the growing connectivity between South Korea and Singapore. In 2023, over 130,000 Singaporeans visited South Korea, drawn by its vibrant culture, technology hubs, and scenic landscapes. Conversely, nearly 200,000 South Koreans traveled to Singapore, enticed by its modern attractions, efficient infrastructure, and tropical charm.
Philippine tourism department to boost promotions in Japan, South Korea, and US
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) is focusing its efforts to draw in more tourists from South Korea, the United States, and Japan in a bid to hit its 7.7 million arrival target by the end of the year. In an interview on the sidelines of the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan (PHISAP) on Wednesday, 16th October, tourism secretary Christina Frasco admitted that external factors and limitations in visa policies are affecting the country’s projected numbers for 2024. Frasco said: “We do have challenges in terms of chasing after the projected number, especially in light of external factors that include geopolitical stresses upon these arrivals, over which we have little control now.” The secretary pointed out that another factor is the limitations the Philippine government has imposed on visa policies in comparison to those of its ASEAN neighbours. She added: “[That] is why we continue to advocate for a liberalised visa system to be instituted by the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with a Bureau of Immigration.” Current figures Based on the latest DOT data, the Philippines has so far reached 4.43 million in international visitor arrivals as of September 2024, with South Korea as the top market contributing more than one million. With a more stringent visa policy toward China, Frasco said the country cannot expect an influx of Chinese travellers returning anytime soon. The secretary said: “The simple reality is that the issuance of visas to the Chinese market has been publicly declared to be more stringent. So with a more stringent visa policy towards Chinese travelers, I don't think we can expect a flourishing market from that jurisdiction.” Prior to the onslaught of the pandemic in 2020, the Chinese market ranked as the Philippines’ second largest source market, bringing in 1.35 million visitors from January to September 2019. In the same period this year, the number of Chinese visitors to the Philippines plunged to 260,134. Frasco said: “That is why the DOT, respectful of these realities on the ground, is actively pursuing number one our top source, markets including South Korea, the US, Japan, as well as markets for which we have massive opportunity, including India.” Meanwhile, she said comparison of tourism arrivals must be put side by side with the country’s visitor receipts, which has already reached over 100 percent recovery from 2019.
South Korea’s Lotte Hotels and Resorts shifts to Sabre SynXis Central Reservations System
South Korean hospitality firm Lotte Hotels and Resorts announced that Sabre Hospitality technologies now make up its primary reservation platform. This shift will further enhance the hospitality firm’s distribution, reservation management, and guest experience capabilities This migration marks a major milestone for Lotte Hotels and Resorts as they transition to the advanced capabilities of Sabre’s SynXis Central Reservation System (CRS). The strategic move will streamline reservation processes and distribution capabilities across the LOTTE portfolio, whilst enhancing retailing opportunities, and supporting their growth ambitions in South Korea and internationally. Lotte’s chief DX officer Jaehwan Kim said of this development: “By adding our properties to the SynXis CRS, we are positioning ourselves to better serve our guests with more efficient and seamless reservation experiences. This enhanced collaboration with Sabre marks an exciting new chapter for us, as we continue to expand our footprint and deliver exceptional luxury experiences across the globe.” Frank Tampert, senior vice-president and global managing director for Sabre Hospitality, remarked: “The migration to our cloud-based SynXis CRS will empower Lotte Hotels and Resorts with advanced technology to optimise operations, reach new markets, and enhance guest experiences.” An empowering suite of technologies Sabre Hospitality programmes currently in use by Lotte Hotels and Resorts aim to boost sales at the hospitality firm's various properties, and offer a range of experiences to both leisure and business. Solutions now in use include SynXis Retailing to seamlessly sell services and experiences, with or without a room booking, helping to increase hotel revenue; SynXis Booking Engine to optimise their direct booking path and convert customers; Corporate Booking Tool for managing business travel; Voice Agent for enhanced direct customer interaction; Meta Search to improve online visibility; and Channel Connect to ensure real-time distribution across multiple platforms.
Tribute Portfolio makes its South Korean debut with The Link Seoul
Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The Link Seoul, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel today, 9th October, in Seoul’s dynamic Sindorim district. Marriott International’s area vice-president for South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines Duke Nam said of The Link Seoul: "We are thrilled to bring Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio brand into South Korea. Tribute Portfolio is a growing collection of characterful, independent, boutique hotels united by a common spirit and captivating spaces that bring people together and create experiences that connect travellers to the surrounding community.” Andrew Jung, general manager at The Link Seoul, added: "The Link Seoul blends the rich past of the Sindorim district and its history of textile manufacturing with a distinctly modern sensibility so that guests can experience a true sense of connection with their surroundings during their stay with us. With our original design, bold spaces, and locally-inspired art installations, we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for all our guests as they forge new memories for the future." The Link Seoul is set to welcome guests who are taking the road less explored and are ready to discover a different side of travel in South Korea. Eclectic urban design The hotel features 141 guest rooms, including 16 suites and a Presidential Suite, set across 19 floors. The modern design narrative continues into the guest rooms, featuring marble walls, light wood veneers, and powder-coated metal details to create warm and restful spaces to retreat to after a day of exploration and the exuberance of Seoul. True to the Tribute Portfolio DNA of captivating design, the arrival experience at The Link Seoul starts with its striking reception lobby, which incorporates sleek modern Scandinavian design, fashion, art, and traditional Korean elements, elevating the hotel check-in experience. The design of The Link Seoul reflects connections between travellers and the local community, as well as respect for the area's history as a textile industry hub, with the threads of connection breathing life into the fabric of the hotel. High ceilings, a custom feature glass wall, and architectural modular furniture combine to create a memorable start to an extraordinary hotel stay for its guests. Great venues for dining and events Dining experiences at The Link Seoul feature a fusion of local and international culinary favourites. The hotel's all-day restaurant, FRAME, located on the 12th floor, has a casual and relaxed atmosphere with its Nordic-style interior. Located on the 13th floor of the hotel, PUNCH is a modern beer pub with a glass ceiling that overlooks the swimming pool. In the ground floor lobby area, DIGM is a sophisticated lounge bar that offers the ideal setting for connecting and socialising. For quick bites and a fresh cup of hot coffee, ZAG is a cosy bakery and café with a lively Scandinavian aesthetic. The hotel also offers a well-equipped fitness centre located on the 13th floor for guests who enjoy maintaining their fitness routine on the road. Meetings and events are made memorable at The Link Seoul, with modern venues such as The Link Hall, a 760 square metre grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 guests. The Link Hall features a soaring 10-metre-high ceiling with a black-toned design and is equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual systems to impress guests on all occasions. Two smaller venues, the 147 square metre Meeting Room 1 and the 107 square metre Meeting Room 2, are entirely customizable to accommodate events of up to 100 people. For smaller meetings, a boardroom is also available. All meeting venues are equipped with the latest video conferencing systems, including high-resolution projectors, smart TVs, and ultra-fast internet connections.
Philippines and South Korea renew tourism cooperation programme
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recently renewed their existing tourism cooperation programme at a signing ceremony in Manila. The parties signed off on the implementation program of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation for 2024-2029 on Monday, 7th October. DOT secretary Christina Frasco and Korean minister of culture, sports, and tourism Yu In-chon signed and exchanged documents before Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jnr and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at Malacañan Palace. What is covered under the programme? The implementation programme for 2024-2029 continues and expands the bilateral tourism cooperation programme covered by a previous understanding ratified in 2006. Under this renewed agreement, both countries agreed to exchange tourism professionals and administrators to strengthen mutual development and competency in the fields of hotels, resorts, cruises, ports, tourism products, and other related industries. Both parties also hope to exchange information on tourism development; and strengthen tourism safety by establishing and improving safety cooperation mechanisms through information sharing and contingency coordination. Likewise, joint promotion and marketing initiatives will help increase the overall number of tourist traffic; enable both parties to participate in training and exchange; support each other’s tourism fairs, exhibitions, and other promotional initiatives; and encourage tourism investment. Enhanced bilateral relations Frasco said the programme would enhance the relations between the Philippines and South Korea in tourism and people-to-people exchanges. The tourism secretary said: "We anticipate this will increase demand for more Philippine destinations and tourism products from our number one source market, South Korea, and provide more opportunities for the economic advancement of our people, with the expected growth in our tourism numbers." To date, South Korea tops the list of international visitor arrivals to the country which accounts for 27.16 percent of total foreign tourist arrivals. Since January this year, a total of 1,230,858 visitors from Korea have arrived in the Philippines.
Avolon agrees to lease five A330neos to South Korea’s T’way Air
Aviation finance firm Avolon recently agreed to lease five Airbus A330neos to South Korean low-cost carrier T’way Air. Slated for delivery by 2026, these aircraft will support T’way’s expansion of its international route network, which already operates to 55 destinations. T’way is an existing Avolon customer and, through this agreement, is now the finance firm’s 12th A330neo operator in its customer base. Gearing up for expansion and growth Avolon president and chief commercial officer Paul Geaney said of the leasing agreement: “The T’way Air team is rapidly expanding the airline’s operations and we are delighted to have them as a new A330neo customer. The A330neo provides an ideal widebody solution to support their growth strategy. With the largest lessor committed fleet of 447 aircraft, we are well-placed to support our global customers as they look for capacity to meet the continuing high levels of travel demand.” T’way’s representative director Hong Geun Jeong likewise remarked: “We have forged a strong relationship with Avolon and partnering on these new A330neos is an important next step in our growth ambitions. With 55 destinations and plans to expand our network the aircraft will help us in our mission to offer passengers exceptional service, reliability and value.” A necessary move This decision on the part of T’Way Air to lease A330neos is a timely one, give how widebody production recovery continues to lag behind narrowbody production. This has resulted in a tighter market and longer wait times for widebody aircraft. In its 2024 Outlook: New Horizons report, Avolon forecaste that the remaining delivery slots from manufacturers for widebody aircraft will be sold out by 2030. Also, compared to the previous generation A330ceo, the A330neo has an increased range of over 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles) and 25 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
India allows VoA for nations of Japan, South Korea & UAE
Representative Image In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the Visa-on-Arrival facility would now be available for nationals of Japan, South Korea, UAE. Nationals from these nations can avail the double-entry VoA facility for tourism, business, conferences, and medical purposes, for a stay period of 60 days. The designated airports for this facility are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. In addition to the Visa-on-Arrival, the Ministry has expanded the e-Visa facility with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), now accessible to nationals of 167 countries. This e-Visa permits entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports, significantly broadening the scope for international travelers to visit India with ease.
Vietjet boosts air travel across Asia-Pacific with new China and South Korea routes
Vietjet has marked a significant milestone in its Asia-Pacific journey with the launch of the inaugural direct service from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi’an, China, and the introduction of the Nha Trang – Daegu, South Korea, route. These expansions highlight Vietjet's commitment to providing more affordable and seamless travel options while strengthening air connectivity across Southeast and Northeast Asia. To celebrate this milestone, Vietjet is offering an exclusive promotion from 1 July to 7 July 2024, offering one million tickets starting from SGD80 (including taxes and fees) across its entire flight network. Bookings are available for travel between 22 August 2024, and 22 May 2025 (excluding public holidays and peak periods) through www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app, presenting an exciting opportunity for travellers planning their next getaway. The introduction of the Nha Trang - Daegu route coincides with Vietjet’s 10th anniversary of successful operations between Vietnam and South Korea. Starting 27 October 2024, the service linking Vietnam’s coastal city Nha Trang to South Korea’s fourth-largest city Daegu will operate seven round trips per week, further enhancing Vietjet’s extensive flight network between the two countries. Vietjet currently holds the largest capacity between Vietnam and South Korea, seamlessly connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Lat with Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. Over the past decade, Vietjet has facilitated convenient travel between the two countries, transporting ten million passengers across 37 regular and charter services, significantly contributing to economic, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, on 1 July, Vietjet expands its footprint in China with nonstop flights from Vietnam’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, to China’s prominent historical city, Xi’an. Vietjet is the sole airline offering this direct connection with four round trips per week, following the launch of Shanghai and Chengdu services earlier this year. For Singaporean travellers, Vietjet’s expanded routes offer seamless connectivity across Vietnam and beyond. Starting from Singapore, travellers can easily reach vibrant cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang with Vietjet’s frequent flights. From these key hubs, travellers can continue their journey domestically to the picturesque coastal city of Nha Trang or venture further to South Korea’s bustling Daegu or China’s historic Xi’an or beyond. These new connections provide Singaporean travellers with flexible and convenient options to explore multiple destinations across Asia, supported by Vietjet’s commitment to affordability, comfort, and comprehensive air travel services The new routes strengthen Vietjet's international network, providing travellers with convenient access to destinations across Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and the broader Asia Pacific region. These developments align with increasing demand in international air travel and cargo markets across Asia-Pacific, driven by global economic activities. In May, airlines in the region transported 27.9 million passengers, marking a significant 23.9% year-on-year increase, as reported by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). Passengers flying with Vietjet can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese and international cuisines, including Pho, Banh Mi, and Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese milk iced coffee), served by a professional crew on modern, eco-friendly aircraft. Furthermore, all Vietjet passengers receive complimentary SkyCare insurance, and SkyJoy members booking during this promotional period will earn 200 points for gift redemption and participation in lucky draws (Terms and Conditions apply).
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