VIENTIANE: Laos and five other South-East Asian countries plan to introduce a Schengen-style single tourist visa to spur the development of tourism in the region.
The five other countries are Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, according to Travel and Tour World’s website.
The website said that the leaders of the participating countries have largely responded positively to the proposal, recognising the economic and diplomatic advantages of increased travel fluidity.
By simplifying access to a wider range of destinations within the region, the visa scheme could significantly uplift tourism numbers and more evenly distribute economic benefits across these interconnected nations.
The introduction of visa-free travel policies has already laid the groundwork for this initiative, demonstrating the potential benefits of easier travel.
The proposed Schengen-style single visa is expected to capitalise on this success, driving further growth in the tourism sector and making the Asean region a top choice for international travellers.
The website reported that the six countries concerned are evaluating the logistical, security and policy implications of implementing such a visa scheme.
The goal is to ensure that it aligns with their collective economic aspirations while enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors.
Building on the success of visa-free travel policies, the proposed Schengen-style visa is seen as a key step towards deeper economic integration and cooperative growth in the region.
Thailand and Malaysia are particularly focused on leveraging this opportunity to capture a larger share of the international tourism market, offering travellers easier access and more enjoyable journeys throughout South-East Asia.
This increased accessibility is expected to attract more long-haul and high-spending tourists, thereby raising the average revenue per visitor.
The initiative is anticipated to serve as a significant buffer for the economies of these nations against global economic challenges, including weak export markets and declining manufacturing output.
The Schengen-style single visa will build on the momentum created by visa-free policies, making the Asean region a more attractive destination for global travellers. - Vientiane Times/ANN
