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Thailand may get costlier for intl tourists

Thailand is considering increasing its long-planned foreign tourist entry fee beyond the proposed 300 baht as authorities review rising insurance and healthcare costs associated with international visitors. The proposal was announced by Surasak Phancharoenworakul, who said the fee, first proposed in 2020 but never implemented, may need to be revised upward to reflect inflation and higher insurance expenses, according to a report by Bangkok Post. The move comes a day after Thailand announced plans to shorten visa-free stays for travellers from 93 countries. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, most of the revenue generated from the fee would be used to provide insurance coverage for tourists, while the remainder would support the maintenance of tourist attractions and tourism-related infrastructure. Government reviewing collection methods Authorities are currently finalising how the fee would be collected without affecting traveller sentiment. One option under consideration is adding the charge to airline tickets. However, airlines have reportedly raised concerns because they would be unable to distinguish between Thai citizens and foreign passengers when collecting the fee. Another option is to collect the fee through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which foreign visitors are required to complete before entering the country. Officials said the final fee amount will depend largely on projected insurance costs and medical treatment expenses at private hospitals. Visa policy changes The announcement comes as Thailand ends the current 60-day visa exemption for travellers from 93 countries and territories. Authorities are considering a return to shorter visa-free stays and visa-on-arrival arrangements similar to those in place before the recent expansion of visa privileges. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has also proposed adjustments for certain key markets. Indian travellers will qualify for visa-on-arrival facilities, and the ministry supports introducing a 15-day visa exemption for visitors from India.

Hajj travel becomes costlier for pilgrims

The ongoing Iran-US war has increased the cost of travel for pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, with airfares and travel packages rising sharply across several countries. Higher fuel prices and disruptions to air traffic in the Gulf have pushed up travel expenses for millions of pilgrims preparing for one of Islam's most important religious obligations. In Egypt, which has the largest Muslim population in the Middle East, average airfare for Hajj travellers has increased to 50,000 Egyptian pounds ($956) from 30,000 pounds, according to the country's tourism federation, according to a Bloomberg report. Hajj travel packages have also become more expensive, rising by 30%, with some packages reaching 90,000 pounds compared with 70,000 pounds earlier. The six-day pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca is generally required once in a Muslim's lifetime for those who are able to undertake it. This year's pilgrimage comes amid regional tensions that have affected aviation operations since February. Jazeera Airways, which is transporting more than 30,000 pilgrims from Russia and Central Asian countries to Saudi Arabia, said fares have increased by as much as 40% this season. The Kuwaiti airline attributed the rise to higher fuel costs and the fact that it did not hedge its fuel purchases. Hajj arrivals continue despite disruptions According to travel company WEGO, as quoted by Bloomberg, airfares to Saudi Arabia from major Muslim markets such as Egypt, Pakistan and India have increased between 20% and 40% compared with the same period last year. Some routes are now about 50% more expensive. Despite the disruptions affecting air travel across parts of the Gulf, Saudi Arabia has largely avoided direct impacts. However, the higher travel costs are expected to affect the more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims who fly to the kingdom for Hajj each year. Religious tourism remains key revenue source Religious tourism has long been an important part of Saudi Arabia's economy. For many years, pilgrimage travel was the country's primary tourism activity and it continues to provide a stable source of revenue. Each country receives a quota that determines how many citizens can perform Hajj, and waiting lists remain common due to strong demand. Saudi Arabia has also made religious tourism a major part of its broader economic plans. The kingdom is investing in improving the pilgrim experience as it seeks to diversify revenue sources. (With Bloomberg inputs)

Manipur to cut VIP convoy size

Guwahati: The Manipur cabinet meeting discussed related to the appeal made by the Prime Minister for various steps to be taken by the State Governments and citizens of the country in view of the global challenges at present.The State Cabinet decided to implement the various points mentioned in the appeal of the Prime Minister, including reducing the size of VIP convoy following a security review, start ‘work from home’, freeze Government funded foreign travel, and take steps to reduce non-essential Government expenditure.Also Read: Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh hails Centre's decision to form panel on demographic changeThe meeting while approving the filling up of 173 posts of Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) in the Family Welfare Department, with funding from the Central Government, the State Cabinet took a decision to approve age relaxation of 2 (two) years for all recruitments yet to be notified by State Government departments.State Cabinet approved the rates of compensation related to land acquisition for expansion of the Imphal – Jiribam and Imphal – Dimapur National Highways. These decisions will lead to faster implementation and timely completion of these projects, which will greatly benefit the state.The Cabinet approved the rationalization of posts under the Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) so that the employees can have adequate promotional avenues. This shows the intention of the State Government that employee welfare is a priority.The cabinet also approved the extension of the critical ‘Manipur Water Supply Project’ funded by the New Development Bank (NDB) and approved the proposal of Tourism Department for implementation of the ‘Loktak Experience Project’ which will develop Loktak as an Iconic Tourist Destination.