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Arm and SCSP's new paper highlights edge computing as the strategic imperative for achieving AI energy efficiency and securing U.S. competitiveness.
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“Infrastructure is destiny,” declared James Hairston, Head of International Policy & Partnerships for Asia, Africa, & Latin America at OpenAI, encapsulating the strategic imperative facing Southeast Asia in the burgeoning age of artificial intelligence. This powerful statement set the stage for a compelling discussion at the Bloomberg Business Summit at ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, where […]
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The notion of a deep rift between Washington’s political establishment and the burgeoning pro-AI lobby may be more perception than reality, according to recent insights. Far from a contentious divide, a significant alignment appears to be forming between a powerful new pro-AI Super PAC and the White House, both recognizing the urgent need for a […]
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Vietnam is experiencing a significant increase in tourism from Eastern Europe, thanks to the recent introduction of visa exemptions for citizens of Slovenia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia. Since the policy came into effect on August 26, 2025, the country has seen a surge in travel interest, with data from Agoda showing a 60% increase in accommodation bookings from these nations between August 15 and September 30, 2025.
This new visa policy allows citizens of these countries to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without the need for a visa, making it a more accessible and appealing destination for Eastern European travelers. The ease of entry has made Vietnam a top choice for tourists seeking to explore its rich culture, scenic landscapes, and historical sites.
Vietnam’s decision to offer visa exemptions to these five Eastern European nations is part of a broader strategy to strengthen tourism ties with Europe. While Vietnam has long attracted visitors from Western Europe, North America, and Asia, the visa exemption has opened up the market for Eastern European countries, which were previously not seen as major sources of tourism for Vietnam.
The visa relaxation has resulted in impressive growth in travel from countries such as Slovenia (77%), Poland (74%), Bulgaria (72%), Romania (69%), and Slovakia (61%), with an increasing number of travelers searching for accommodation options across Vietnam. These changes come at a time when travel from Eastern Europe to Asia is becoming more popular, driven by affordable flights and improved connectivity.
Agoda’s accommodation search data for the period between August 15 and September 30, 2025, clearly demonstrates the impact of Vietnam’s new visa policy. There has been a noticeable rise in searches for hotel rooms, guest houses, and holiday rentals, reflecting an increasing interest in exploring the country.
Visitors from Eastern Europe are keen to experience Vietnam’s bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the serene beaches of Phu Quoc and the ancient monuments of Hue. Additionally, many travelers are venturing into less-visited regions like Sapa, Mai Chau, and the Mekong Delta, where they can connect with Vietnam’s nature and rich cultural heritage.
Vietnam’s appeal to Eastern European travelers is part of a larger trend in Asia, where the country is rapidly growing as a tourism hub. In recent years, Vietnam has attracted travelers from various regions, but the new visa-free policy has opened the doors for a fresh wave of tourists from countries that have not traditionally been major sources of tourism. This move aligns with Vietnam’s goal to diversify its tourist base and lessen the strain on its most popular destinations.
The combination of relatively cheap airfare and the development of new long-haul direct flight routes has made Vietnam an even more attractive option for travelers from Eastern Europe. As more visitors come to discover the country’s unique mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability, the economic benefits for local businesses and the broader tourism industry will continue to grow.
The rise in Eastern European visitors is a boon for Vietnam’s economy, particularly in the tourism sector. Local businesses, especially those in the hospitality, transportation, and tour operator industries, stand to benefit significantly from the increase in tourism. Accommodation providers, restaurants, and local attractions are expected to see higher revenue as more visitors from Eastern Europe explore Vietnam.
In response to the growth in tourism, local authorities are improving infrastructure to ensure a positive experience for international visitors. Vietnam Airlines and other local carriers are expanding their services to Eastern Europe, making travel to Vietnam even more accessible.
With the introduction of visa-free travel for Eastern European tourists, Vietnam’s tourism industry is poised for continued growth. The country’s diverse attractions, combined with the ease of entry and low-cost flights, make it an appealing destination for tourists from Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.
The Vietnamese government is working closely with local tourism stakeholders to promote the country’s assets through marketing campaigns and sustainable tourism initiatives. As more travelers discover the beauty and culture of Vietnam, the country is set to become a preferred destination for Eastern European tourists, helping to secure its place as a leading global tourism destination.
The introduction of visa-free travel for Eastern European countries is a game-changer for Vietnam’s tourism industry. By offering easier access to the country, Vietnam is attracting more visitors from Slovenia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia, significantly boosting tourism revenue. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and affordability, Vietnam is well on its way to becoming the go-to destination for Eastern European travelers, ensuring a bright future for its tourism sector.
The post Vietnam Sees Surge in Tourism from Eastern Europe Following Visa-Free Travel Policy appeared first on Travel And Tour World.In response to growing concerns over the misuse of its visa-free stay policy, Thailand is accelerating efforts to shorten the duration of visa-free entry for tourists. The government’s decision comes amid increasing reports of foreign nationals engaging in illegal activities such as operating unlicensed businesses and working without permits. With an aim to protect its tourism sector and uphold security, Thailand is acting swiftly to curb exploitation, while ensuring that the country’s immigration policies align with both economic goals and regulatory standards. This move underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a balance between encouraging tourism and safeguarding national interests.
Thailand is once again reevaluating its visa policies for international visitors, following a series of concerns regarding the misuse of its 60-day visa-free entry system.
The policy was introduced by the previous administration as part of an effort to boost Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism sector. Beginning on July 1, 2024, citizens from 93 countries were granted the opportunity to enter Thailand without the need for a visa, staying for up to 60 days. The aim was to encourage more visitors for purposes including tourism, business, and temporary work. In addition, visitors were allowed to extend their stay by another 30 days, offering further flexibility to travelers.
This move was initially hailed as a significant step forward for Thailand’s tourism industry, helping the country recover from the impacts of the global pandemic. Tourism is one of Thailand’s most important industries, contributing a significant portion of the nation’s GDP. The introduction of the extended visa-free period was seen as a way to attract more visitors and make Thailand a more accessible destination for international travelers. The government hoped that this would not only bring more tourists but also generate substantial revenue for the local economy, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and entertainment.
While the policy appeared to be a success in terms of attracting more visitors, authorities soon observed that the system was being exploited by some travelers. The primary issue arose from certain foreign nationals who, rather than using their visa-free entry for tourism or business purposes, were engaging in illegal activities. These included operating unlicensed travel agencies, running small hotels without proper permits, and even working as illegal tour guides or drivers. Such activities were detrimental to Thailand’s regulatory frameworks and raised concerns about the enforcement of rules designed to protect both the tourism sector and the local population.
In March of this year, the government ordered a review of the 60-day visa-free policy to evaluate its economic impact and to determine the most “ideal” length of stay for visitors. The government’s goal was to find a balance between encouraging tourism and minimizing the risk of misuse. This review was also prompted by the desire to identify the optimal length of stay that would allow Thailand to maximize its tourism revenue without overwhelming its infrastructure or workforce. However, due to political instability, the review process was delayed, and no concrete decisions were made at that time.
Now, under the current administration, the issue has been brought back to the table. On October 22, 2025, a high-level meeting was convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with officials from other key government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Security Council, the Immigration Bureau, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The aim of the meeting was to reassess the impact of the 60-day visa-free policy and explore potential revisions. The discussion centered around finding ways to ensure that the policy continues to benefit Thailand’s economy, while also addressing the concerns about misuse.
The outcome of this meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Thailand’s visa policies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that it will propose the establishment of a new Visa Policy Committee to oversee the revision process. This committee will be tasked with reviewing the discussion and ensuring that any changes align with the government’s broader policy goals. The committee will also be responsible for ensuring that the country’s visa system remains efficient, effective, and compliant with international norms.
One of the main challenges facing Thailand is balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the need to maintain control over its labor market and regulatory framework. While tourism brings significant financial benefits to the country, it is essential that the industry operates within legal and ethical boundaries. The government must also ensure that the influx of international visitors does not negatively impact the job market or lead to unfair competition for local businesses and workers.
The proposed revisions to the visa policy are expected to focus on ensuring that only legitimate tourists and business travelers benefit from the 60-day visa-free period, while preventing misuse by individuals involved in illegal or unregulated activities. These changes may involve stricter monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations, as well as more rigorous checks on the activities of foreign nationals during their stay in the country.
In the meantime, stakeholders in Thailand’s tourism industry, including hotel operators, tour guides, and travel agencies, are closely watching the ongoing discussions. Any changes to the visa policy could have significant implications for how they conduct business and interact with international tourists. While the industry supports the government’s efforts to protect the sector from exploitation, there is a concern that any drastic changes to the visa system could discourage tourism and negatively impact the recovery of the sector.
The current administration is keen to ensure that any revisions to the visa-free policy do not harm Thailand’s reputation as a top tourist destination. At the same time, it must balance this with the need for stricter enforcement to prevent illegal activities and maintain the integrity of the tourism sector. The outcome of the upcoming revisions will be closely monitored, as the government seeks to strike the right balance between facilitating tourism growth and maintaining a stable and fair business environment for all involved.
Thailand is speeding up its plan to reduce visa-free stays for tourists, aiming to curb misuse such as illegal business operations and strengthen security measures amid growing concerns.
The future of Thailand’s visa policy is now in the hands of the new Visa Policy Committee, which will work to ensure that any changes to the system support the country’s long-term goals for sustainable tourism and economic development. The revisions are expected to take into account the lessons learned from the previous visa-free scheme and focus on a more controlled, yet still welcoming, approach to international visitors.
The post Thailand Accelerates Plan to Cut Visa-Free Stay for Tourists, Cracking Down on Misuse and Strengthening Security Measures Amid Growing Concerns appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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