The Government will implement a series of solutions to facilitate attracting international tourists to Vietnam

Chinese tourists return to Vietnam. Photo: TITC

Facilitation to attract international tourists is one of the very important tasks set out in the Government's Resolution No. 82/NQ-CP just issued on May 18, 2023 on the The main solution is to accelerate the recovery and accelerate the effective and sustainable tourism development.

Accordingly, the Government assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to effectively perform the tasks of economic diplomacy, serving the development of the country, including tourism; promote the role of overseas Vietnamese representative agencies in providing information, promoting and introducing tourism, creating favorable conditions to attract international tourists to Vietnam.

At the same time, assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with concerned ministries and branches in, completing dossiers and submitting them to the Government for consideration and promulgation of a Resolution on expanding the application of unilateral visa exemption. Coordinate with ministries and branches to promote the negotiation of visa exemption agreements with other countries, especially partners with similar or higher development level than Vietnam.

On the side of the Ministry of Public Security, continue to improve policies and facilitate entry, exit and travel for international tourists. Research, evaluate and report to the Government on the expansion of the list of countries granted electronic visas (E-visas). Evaluate and summarize the electronic visa policy, study to expand the scope of electronic visa issuance to report to the Government to propose the National Assembly to amend the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners. in order to create more favorable conditions for foreigners to enter Vietnam in the direction of ensuring the consistency of regulations on issuance of electronic visas and traditional visas and prolonging the temporary stay period for foreigners entering Vietnam. .

Strongly improve the control process of entry and exit procedures at air border gates, ensuring the fastest and most convenient way for international visitors to Vietnam. At the same time, take measures to manage and ensure national security and social order and safety.

At the same time, assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with ministries, branches and localities in effectively implementing Directive No. 10/CT-TTg dated March 31, 2021 of the Prime Minister on national security protection and protection. ensuring social order and safety in the field of tourism in the new situation, ensuring a safe, secure and favorable environment to attract international tourists to Vietnam.

The Ministry of National Defense is assigned to assume the prime responsibility for controlling people and means of entry and exit; applying information technology, simplifying the inspection and control process to ensure fast and convenient entry and exit activities at land border gates and port border gates.

The Government assigned the Ministry of Transport to implement solutions to promote the expansion of international routes to Vietnam: Reviewing the Agreements on aviation signed with countries and territories to promote the implementation. and create more favorable conditions for international airlines to open flight routes to Vietnam and to Vietnam's key tourist destinations.

Strengthening capacity building at Vietnam's airports, focusing on Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat international airports; develop the type of "hire trip" for tourism. Support airlines to open new routes from central provinces and cities to provinces and cities that currently have domestic airports, creating favorable conditions for tourists to access localities. Improve the quality of transport services, ensure the safety of tourists participating in traffic, using auxiliary services at railway stations, airports and ports.

Also related to this content, the Government requested the People's Committees of the provinces and centrally-run cities to strengthen the management of the tourism environment, ensure security and safety for tourists, pay attention to environmental sanitation and hygiene . Food safety, hygiene and epidemic prevention.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, Governmental agencies, People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities according to their assigned functions and tasks, to reduce, simplifying regulations related to business activities according to Resolution No. 68/NQ-CP dated May 12, 2020 of the Government promulgating the Program to reduce and simplify regulations related to business activities during the period. in the period of 2020 - 2025, creating favorable conditions for businesses to do business, serve tourists to stay and experience tourism services.

*Source: Tourist Information Center
*Key word: Government,Resolution,recover,develop,Vietnam tourism,attract guests,International travelers,Immigration,visa,82/NQ-CP,

A hidden gem of a cat island…

@kaji_nori06 via @setouchi.trip on Instagram

With a population of around only 60 people, Okayama Prefecture's southernmost island of Mushima is one of many charming islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea.

 
Aside from the notable presence of cats, Mushima is known for the tens of thousands fragrant daffodils that bloom in January and February each around Mushima Lighthouse, Okayama's first lighthouse. 

Be sure to stop by the Mushimahama Brewery for some refreshing locally made craft beer.

 

#Nature

Japan National Tourism Organization

Instagram: visitjapansg

Website: japanbyjapan.com
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Air Canada raises earnings outlook by $1 billion amid strong travel demand

Air Canada

Air Canada lifted its earnings outlook for 2023 by an additional $1 billion amid improved traffic, stronger-than-anticipated demand for travel and lower-than-expected fuel prices.

On May 4, the company raised expectations for its annual adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to between $3.5 billion and $4 billion from the previous $2.5 billion and $3 billion.

The revised guidance comes ahead of the company’s first quarter earnings report on May 12.

Walter Spracklin, an analyst for Royal Bank of Canada, said demand and pricing after the summer will still be a concern for he airline, but he commended efforts management has taken to regain footing post-pandemic.

“(Air Canada) is capitalizing on very solid near-team demand trends that is allowing the company to raise prices in excess of rising costs, while benefiting from the drop in fuel prices,” Spracklin wrote in a note to clients May 5.

Air Canada also adjusted its forecasted operating costs to about 0.5 to 2.5 per cent below 2022 levels from 13 to 15 per cent above 2019 levels. It said the adjustment is due to various changes to expense items, including from higher-than-expected traffic.

In the previous quarter, the airline reported a significant increase in expenses, something that likely weighed on investors, driving the airline’s shares down despite reporting record passenger and operating revenues for that quarter.

At the time, chief executive Michael Rousseau said the environment was challenging due to fuel costs and inflation.

Air Canada will now use 2022 instead of 2019 as a baseline comparison for its 2023 adjusted costs guidance.

“Given the new cost environment, prior comparisons to the 2019 baseline are no longer as meaningful, and comparisons to 2022 are more appropriate,” the company said.

The airline’s capacity guidance for the year is mostly unchanged.

Air Canada said the updated forecast was prepared under the assumption of moderate gross domestic product growth in 2023.

It also assumes the Canadian dollar will trade, on average, at $1.34 per U.S. dollar for the full year and that the price of jet fuel will average $1.09 per litre.

Air Canada shares fell 2.4 per cent to $18.34 at the close on Thursday.

• Email: dpaglinawan@postmedia.com | Twitter: denisepglnwn

*Source: PATA, Level 26, Gaysorn Tower, 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand communications@PATA.org

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RECOVERY

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms 53,640 students arrived in the country in March 2023, which is 25,460 more than in the same month last year. 

Provisional estimates indicate a further 43,600 students arrived in April. Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said: "These students are assets to our nation. 

They bring new knowledge, skills and perspectives, making Australia and our region stronger, smarter and better connected. International students also make a significant economic contribution.”

LEARN MORE

FOLLOW DESTINATION NSW ON LINKEDIN: Stay up to date with all the latest Destination NSW initiatives by following us on LinkedIn. Click here

*Source: Destination NSW

Our 2024 Summer season launch is 1 weeks away

We have some exciting news to share about your 2024 Season!

As you may know, we usually announce our full season for the year ahead in August. This year, we’re doing things a little bit differently, and will be announcing the season in two parts.

One week from now, on Tuesday 6 June, we’ll be revealing part one of our 2024 offering: a Sydney summer season curated by our guest Creative Director, Lindy Hume.

Lindy is one of Australia’s leading opera and festival directors, whose work has been seen on our stages for decades. She’s created an extraordinary season highlighting some of the best artists working in opera anywhere in the world – the vast majority of them Australian – to play at the Sydney Opera House from January to March 2024. We can’t tell you much more just yet, but excitingly every production will be new to Sydney.

To reflect this change in our announcement schedule, we’re offering you the opportunity to book a subscription package of just two performances and access all our regular subscriber benefits.

This marks just the first part of a huge year ahead. The remainder of the year will be programmed by your new Artistic Director, Jo Davies, and takes us to Victoria and further across the country. Jo commences her role full-time from November, but has been hard at work programming some thrilling opera for you.

Part two, which includes the remainder of the 2024 season, will be announced in late 2023.

What does this mean for subscription packages?

There are a few minor changes to subscription packages to recognise that the productions will be announced in two parts.

Sydney season subscription packages go on sale Tuesday 6 June, with this first batch of shows available to book. Subscribers will have a priority booking period of seven weeks to secure the best seats in the house.

Later in the year, when we announce more shows, subscribers will be able to add performances from the full season to their package.

What discounts are available on subscription packages in 2024?

For 2024, there are three levels of discounts:

• 10% off when you book 2 performances
• 15% off when you book 3 or 4 performances
• 20% off when you book 5+ performances

The performances that you book in the first part will count towards the discount you receive in the second part.

If, for example, you purchase four performances in the first part, you will receive a 15% discount on those productions. If you then choose to purchase more performances from the second part, you’ll receive a 20% discount on those productions.

What other benefits will subscribers access?

You will continue to receive all your regular subscriber benefits in 2024, including:

• First access to tickets in our priority booking period, so you can get your preferred seats;
• Discounted tickets;
• Free ticket exchanges;
• The option to pay in instalments;
• Opportunities to win access to dress rehearsals and special events.

When do single, non-package tickets go on sale?

Single tickets go on sale to the general public on 25 July.

*Source: Opera Australia

THE KOREAN BELL OF FRIENDSHIP: THE STORY OF AN LA ICON

Overlooking the Pacific in San Pedro, inside Angels Gate Park, is a 12-foot tall, 17-ton gift from South Korea that marked the U.S. Bicentennial. The Korean Friendship Bell is modeled after the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, but incorporates imagery that celebrates the relationship between the U.S. and Korea. Step inside the pavilion for a close-up look and you'll notice the Goddess of Liberty arm-in-arm with a Korean spirit.

Members of LA's Korean American community were instrumental in bringing the bell to Los Angeles. This history is something that the Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee is currently researching. "The official version is that there is a group of prominent Korean Americans that felt the need to engage the South Korean government about the upcoming Bicentennial of American independence," says Ernest Lee, executive director of the KFBPC. "The group approached the Korean government and the Korean government, in turn, felt that this was actually a very important gesture that they wanted to make."

One of the individuals involved in this effort may have been Philip Ahn. The son of a prominent proponent for Korean independence, Ahn was born in Highland Park in 1902 and is believed to be the first U.S. citizen born to Korean parents. He became a prolific actor, starring in movies like Daughter of Shanghai (1937) and King of Chinatown (1939) alongside Anna May Wong. By the 1970s, though, he was perhaps most familiar to audiences as Master Kan in the television series Kung Fu and was the first Asian American to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The KFBPC is still trying to verify Ahn's role in bringing the Korean Friendship Bell to San Pedro. They do know that he was part of one of the groups that approached the Korean government about commemorating the U.S. bicentennial.

Initially, there were multiple sites in consideration for the Korean Friendship Bell, but the space that would become Angels Gate Park turned out to be a perfect fit. The hilltop park had been part of Fort MacArthur, which was a U.S. Army base from 1914 to 1974, and was transferred to the City of Los Angeles following its closure. While the view certainly made this spot idyllic, there was something else that appealed to Korean government officials who visited to scout a location for the gift: The name.

"We interviewed one of the officials that came and chose the site and he said that what sealed the deal was the fact that it was named MacArthur," says Lee. Fort MacArthur was named for Lt. General Arthur MacArthur, whose son became the famed general Douglas MacArthur. "Everybody in Korea knows Douglas MacArthur because he was the hero of Inch'on Landing, the commander of the allied forces that repelled North Korean invasion and saved South Korea," says Lee. That connection was apt for a monument that would also be a tribute to both Korean War veterans and the Korean troops who allied with the United States in the recently-ended Vietnam War.

The inspiration for the Korean Friendship Bell, the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, dates to 771 and is considered one of the country's national treasures. "For almost a millennia, that was considered one of the largest bells in existence," says Lee. As it turns out, making a near-replica of it, even in the 20th century, was an immense undertaking. Crafting the bell required almost a year's worth of work from nine bell masters, plus the support of nearly 20,000 workers. While the bell was forged in Korea, another team of craftspeople and workers spent almost a year in the former Fort MacArthur barracks at Angels Gate Park while they built the pavilion.

It took two tries to complete the Korean Friendship Bell. The first bell developed a crack. The second was completed in June of 1976, which left too little time for it to be ship to San Pedro before the bicentennial. Instead, it was rung on the Fourth of July in Busan, Korea and then made the month-and-a-half journey to Los Angeles. The Korean Friendship Bell was rung for the first time in its permanent spot on October 3, 1976.

"Every time you ring it, it's almost like offering a prayer that would be universal, because it doesn't require language, everybody can feel the vibration and sense it."

Lee himself remembers visiting the Korean Friendship Bell with his family as a child. Years later, after he had moved to Torrance and had his own family, he took his kids to the site and saw that it was in need of TLC. He eventually learned that maintaining the bell had become difficult because there weren't people in Los Angeles at that time with the expertise to care for it. In 2006, though, he became part of a new committee that had formed expressly to restore and preserve the Korean Friendship Bell. It took years, and some luck, to find someone who could restore the Korean Friendship Bell. A member of the KFBPC came across an old magazine with an ad for a company that mentioned its work on the Friendship Bell. The group tried calling but got no response. Then, one member happened to travel to Korea and stopped by the business, only to see that it was closed. "We were at a dead end," says Lee. One day, though, the KFBPC received a response from one of those voicemails they had left. The person they were trying to reach was the last surviving bell master from the original project and had just retired. However, his pupil was available and, in 2012, he and a crew spent 10 months at Angels Gate Park restoring the bell.

The Korean Friendship Bell rings five times a year. You can hear it on New Year's Eve, Korean American Day, Fourth of July, Korean Liberation Day and on Constitution Day. Additionally, they hold a maintenance ring on the first Saturday of every month, which is open to the public. (The monthly maintenance ring has been on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.)

If you visit when the Korean Friendship Bell is ringing, you will hear it 33 times. "It's meant to tune the internal vibration of all who listen to the bell," says Lee. "It's meant to bring about clarity, peace and harmony to all who listen."

He adds, "Every time you ring it, it's almost like offering a prayer, that would be universal, because it doesn't require language, everybody can feel the vibration and sense it. That's one of the reasons why we're so interested in making sure it stays true and in tune and we invite as many people to come up and listen to it whenever they have a chance."

*Source: Discover Los Angeles

Germany's Lufthansa continues to recover amid travel boom

A Lufthansa plane. Photo by J Ph on Unsplash)

German airline Lufthansa said Wednesday it had reduced its net loss for the first quarter, as pent-up demand for travel is expected to further boost its bottom line in the upcoming summer months.

The group's net loss for the first three months of the year reached €467 million, an improvement from a loss of €584 million a year ago.

The negative result was mainly down to normal seasonality, the airline said, although strikes at German airports as well as costs for the planned expansion of flights in the summer also weighed on its earnings.

Lufthansa recently massively thinned out its summer flight offering and cancelled 34,000 flights due to the still-glaring staff shortage.

The airline industry "continues to suffer from bottlenecks and staff shortages, especially in Europe", a Lufthansa spokesperson told business publication WirtschaftsWoche. In addition to airlines, airports, ground handling services and air traffic control are particularly affected.

The cancellations should now reduce the workload and "allow for more stability for the whole system,” he added.

Increasing passenger numbers

Revenues rose by 40 percent to seven billion euros for the period, as 22 million passengers boarded Lufthansa group's planes between January and March.

"The continuously strong demand gives us confidence for the coming months. The summer travel season will provide a major contribution to achieving our targets for 2023," said Remco Steenbergen, Lufthansa's chief financial officer.

Capacity had already grown to 75 percent of the pre-Covid level in 2019 and was up 30 percent from the previous year.

For the full year, Lufthansa expects capacity to reach between 85 and 90 percent compared to 2019.

*Source: PATA, Level 26, Gaysorn Tower, 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand communications@PATA.org

Three Vietnamese dishes are in the top 100 most popular desserts in the world

Photo: Vinpearl

Tea, pork skin cake and jelly are 3 attractive Vietnamese desserts named by TasteAtlas in the list of the most popular dishes in the world.

Tea

Tea is one of the most popular desserts and snacks loved by all ages. Dishes are prepared in a variety of ways and are prepared in many different ways. Traditional tea is usually made from black beans, red beans, green beans, corn, taro, lotus seeds, some fruits... add greasy coconut milk, dew and coconut pearls. In particular, sticky rice and sticky cassava tea are two dishes that definitely cannot be missed every winter occasion.

Today, to serve the increasingly diverse needs of diners, people also process tea into many different styles such as sweet potato tea, Khuc Bach tea, tea combined with caramel and jelly...

Pig skin cake

Pig skin cake is a rustic and familiar dish, especially for people in the South. With very simple and easy-to-find ingredients including rice flour, tapioca flour, green beans, coconut milk, pandan leaves, it has created a chewy, fragrant, and characteristically harmonious cake. The cake usually has a layer of green powder of pandan leaves interspersed with a layer of pale yellow pureed green beans forming many layers. When used, the cake is usually cut into a diamond, triangle, circle or square shape. People also use food coloring from different types of tubers and fruits to make the dish more eye-catching and attractive.

Jelly (jelly)

Photo: Vinpearl

Jellyfish is a familiar and highly cooling dish in summer days. The main indispensable ingredient is jelly powder (made from some types of seaweed) cooked with water, in addition to different colors and flavors depending on each person's preferences such as coconut milk, milk. , chocolate, coffee, green tea... This dessert can be easily found in snack shops along the street, especially tea shops.

*Source: Tourist Information Center (according to TasteAtlas)
*Key word: Tea,pig skin cake,seaweed,jelly,cuisine,dessert,Vietnam,TasteAtlas,

An enchanting shrine seemingly floating on a pond...

Suhama Jinja @lulu_camera
via @setouchi.trip on Instagram 

At the foot of Mt Tsuruhashi in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, you'll find Suhama Jinja. 

The shrine is located on a small island in the middle of Kamoike Pond, which was created in 1617 as a preventive measure against drought.

 
Visit the shrine to pray to the goddess of water, Ichikishimahime, or simply enjoy the picturesque surrounds.

  #Nature

Japan National Tourism Organization

Instagram: visitjapansg

Website: japanbyjapan.com
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Regional South Australia rocket toward 2025 tourism target with record-high $4 billion visitor expenditure

Regional South Australia has rocketed toward its 2025 tourism target and a new record-high, hitting almost $4 billion in 2022 – some three years ahead of schedule.

Latest data shows regional visitor expenditure hit an all-time high $3.98 billion in 2022, just $200 million shy of its $4.0 billion target set for December 2025.

Six of the state’s 11 tourism regions have surpassed their 2025 visitor expenditure target, with four regions hitting a record high.

The Barossa and Yorke Peninsula have hit an all-time high and surpassed their 2025 targets by $35 million and $65 million respectively.

Latest regional tourism results (year-end December 2022):

• Total visitor expenditure in regional South Australia in the 12 months to December 2022 reached a record high $3.98 billion. It puts it just $200 million shy of the December 2025 target of $4.0 billion, and up $380 million on 2021 total regional visitor expenditure of $3.6 billion.
• Six of the state’s 11 tourism regions have surpassed their 2025 visitor expenditure target: Barossa, Clare Valley, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Murray River Lakes & Coorong, and Yorke Peninsula.
• Four regions hit record-high visitor expenditure: Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Flinders Ranges & Outback, and Yorke Peninsula.

The targets are set as part of the South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy 2025, a strategy developed by the regions for the regions which outlines priority action areas as identified by the state’s 11 tourism regions after extensive consultation with more than 800 stakeholders.

The 2025 Strategy is the second iteration after the 2020 plan was released in May 2018 with the then regional tourism target of $3.55 billion.

The South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy 2025 aligns with the South Australian Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030, which sets a target for total visitor expenditure in the state of $12.8 billion.

Quotes

Attributable to Zoe Bettison

Regional tourism is a huge contributor to South Australia’s visitor economy – now worth a record-high almost $4 billion to our state.

For every tourism dollar spent in South Australia, 48 cents is spent in the regions – up from 44 cents in 2019.

With six of the 11 regions having already beat their targets set for 2025, and four regions cracking an all-time high – these are fantastic indicators that our plan to recover the industry from the impacts of the pandemic is on track.

The South Australian Regional Visitor Strategy sees the sector working together to continue to drive this strong progress for our state.

 

Attributable to Helen Edwards, Steering Committee Chair SA Regional Visitor Strategy

There’s no doubt we’ve made fantastic inroads for regional tourism. Collectively, we’ve nearly achieved the target set for December 2025 and there are four regions which have achieved record visitor expenditure levels.

This is an outstanding result, achieved through strong collaboration across the regions involving local, state and federal governments, regional tourism bodies, and importantly, hundreds of operators.

The results also reflect the support from many South Australians who visited our regions during the pandemic.

As a strategy developed ‘by the regions for the regions’, the Regional Visitor Strategy is our roadmap to continue to drive outcomes for regional tourism and keep the industry strong for the tens of thousands of South Australians it employs.

*Source: PATA, Level 26, Gaysorn Tower, 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand communications@PATA.org