Bangkok--1 Nov--Grayling(Thailand)
New Skyscannersurvey also reveals that 80% of Thai travellers select Japan as a preferred destination because of new Japan-Thailand visa free agreement
New research by Skyscanner, a leading global travel search site, shows that 81% of Asiansare in favour of a single visa system across ASEAN countries. In addition, a visa reciprocity system between ASEAN countries gained the support of a huge 87% of total participants.
Seven thousand respondents took part in the study from Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India and China. The findings of the study also illustrated the extent to which visa requirements influence the holiday choices of Asian travelers, with three-quarters admitting that their choice of destination was ‘often dictated by visa requirements’ and an overwhelming 88% of Thai stating this option.
The survey results also suggest that many travellers find visa application processes complex with one in ten saying they had made errors with applications and a further 9% saying they had a visa application rejected.
Thailand travellers want more visa-free destinations
88% of Thai respondents said visa issues influenced their vacation destination decision making. In line with their demand for more hassle free travel options, Thai respondents named Japan their number one vacation destination (attracting an 80% vote). Japan has exempted Thai visitors from having to obtain a visa to stay for up to 15 days since July.
In addition, 90% of survey respondents want the government to establish visa-free agreements with more countries, especially the United States (the next most-in-demand destination with 10% of votes). Closer to home, 90% expressed support for a common visa system across Southeast Asia.
Skyscanner’s Marketing Manager for Thailand, Grace Pobpapha Areerat said: “The numbers tell a clear story — Thai travellers love the new visa-free agreement between Japan and Thailand, and they don’t want it to end anytime soon. They also want more arrangements with other countries, especially a common visa system across Southeast Asia.”