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THE coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created many borders making it difficult for people to travel abroad. However countries in Asia encourage travelers to tour and explore their own country. The aid from the government came in the form of cold cash to boost the hard-hit tourism industry.
Here are 6 countries that ‘pay’ their citizens for tourism:
1. Japan
The Go To Travel Japan campaign provides a 35% discount on travel costs limited to 13 thousand yen a night and an additional 15% of the total value of the package in vouchers to spend on registered businesses at the destination, up to 7,000 yen per night for trips of up to seven nights. Even tourist souvenirs can be covered by vouchers.
The same term is offered to Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan. Day trips are also eligible if purchased through an authorized travel agent.
2. Laos
The Lao Thiao Lao Facebook page (Travel of Laos in Laos) offers all kinds of offers to locals and expats across the country. In addition to discounted airfare, great deals on hotels and special packages, this page features popular contests and prizes.
One of the most sought-after gifts so far is a four-day stay including airfare for four at the luxury adventure resort Namkat Yorla Pa outside Oudomxay in the north of the country. There, tourists can descend waterfalls, ride around on ATVs or spend the night in a tree house.
3. Singapore
From staycations to attractions, SingaporeRediscovers Vouchers provides discounts for Singaporeans around the Red Dot. Each adult receives S$100 in S$ 10 denominations; they can then buy subsidized vouchers for their child or grandchild.
If you thought Gardens by the Bay was only for tourists, think again. In fact, that place was arguably better than before without them! Activities must be booked through five booking partners including Trip.com. To qualify, businesses must be SG Clean certified, which means they adhere to Covid-19 era health protocols.
4. Taiwan
Taipei is providing assistance of NT$1,000 per night for all Taiwanese citizens living in the city on weekday nights from now to March 7. Those interested should make an online registration, which includes a free double-decker bus tour.
Meanwhile, a NT$15,000 subsidy for weekday travel across the island nation runs through the end of January, and the government is likely to announce new incentives for travel soon. The plan comes on top of general incentives to increase spending that can be used for other travel necessities such as restaurants and retail.
5. Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand produces a lot of content online to remind tourists of neglected destinations such as hot springs in Mae Hong Son or visiting temples in Nakhon Phanom.
Rao Thiew Duaygan (We Travel Together) offers a 40% discount on hotel rooms up to 3,000 Baht a night, up to 1,000 Baht for transportation, and 600 Baht in the form of vouchers to spend on restaurants and services per night booked. This program is only open to citizens of Thailand, who must register on a special website and can then book through an online travel agent such as Agoda.
Foreign residents are also given a discount through the Expat Travel Bonus scheme, but with only 5,000 room nights available. But individual hotels expand their offerings to residents and citizens alike.
6. Vietnam
In Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam National Administration for Tourism have encouraged regions to offer tour packages and promotions for Vietnamese citizens and foreigners living in the country.
Airlines offer special fares, and visitors to Vietnam International Travel Mart 2020 recently in Hanoi can choose from 10,000 different tour packages from 250 businesses in 47 cities and provinces, such as the luxurious and relaxing Resident Getaway package at Azerai Can Tho in the middle of the Mekong Delta. [bisnis.com/photo traveltext]
