Visa-free entry to Taiwan has been extended for another year for nationals from Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei and Russia, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan.
The one-year extension starts from Aug 1 and will run until July 31 next year.
According to the ministry, Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei are on the list of New Southbound Policy partner countries, with which the Taiwanese government aims to forge closer ties in terms of economy, trade, culture and tourism.
Since the policy was first announced in 2016, the number of visitors from these countries has risen steadily. According to the most recent figures, there was an increase from 2.29 million visitors in 2017 to 2.6 million in 2018, up 13.61%.
Direct flights between Russia and Taiwan resumed in May. The service is expected to attract more Russian tourists to Taiwan.
The ministry and related government agencies will review the trial programme for further extension before it ends and will seek further visa privileges from the governments of partner countries for Taiwanese nationals.
Travel in Thai style
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched its "Where In The World" campaign to promote luxury travel in 10 destinations across Thailand, namely Phuket, Krabi, Phangnga, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi, Khao Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
The programme includes travel packages covering flights and accommodation, with discounts for premium services such as aerial sightseeing in Krabi, catamaran sailing in Phuket and various other special offers.
TAT has also partnered with Thai Airways and Thai Smile for special packages, such as a three-day stay in Chiang Mai with two nights in Onsen At Monchaem hotel, at just 19,000 baht for two inclusive of airfare with Thai Smile or 25,800 baht for Thai Airways Business class tickets for two.
Visit http://whereintheworld.travel.
AIRLINES UPDATE
- AirAsia, in association with (RED), has launched the INSPI(RED) Burger to help support the fight against Aids. Created by New York-based (RED) chef ambassador Hong Thaimee, the burger features a chicken patty with fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, topped with nam phrik noom mayo (green chilli mayonnaise), shredded purple cabbage and tomato on a red beetroot bun.
Ten percent of the burger sales will go to the Global Fund to support HIV/Aids testing, counselling, treatment and prevention programmes in the Asean region. The burger is available for pre-book on all flights, except those operated by AirAsia India and AirAsia Japan.
AirAsia also creates a special line of co-branded AirAsia (RED) in-flight merchandise, including AirAsia caps, aircraft models for collectors and more, with about 60 baht from the sale of each item to be donated to the Global Fund.
Visit http://airasia.com.
- Qatar Airways will launch its award-winning Qsuite in Business Class for flights from Bangkok starting July 15.
Qsuite features a double-bed with movable panels in the middle of aft and forward-facing seats. The configuration allows a group of four passengers to transform the space into a social area to work or dine, or a private room when they want to sleep. The airline expects this will amount to a notable lift in service quality for passengers in Thailand.
Visit http://qatarairways.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Windsor Suites Hotel will be rebranded as the Grand Mercure Windsor. The 34-storey property on Sukhumvit 20 offers 347 rooms and suites, six dining outlets, 18 meeting rooms, a spa, fitness centre and swimming pool.
The hotel will start refurbishment towards the end of this year and expects the work to be completed in the next two years. During the renovation, the hotel will still remain open.
It is currently offering 30% off for guests who book at least a two-night stay.
Visit http://windsorsuiteshotel.com
- Sala Ayutthaya introduces the Romantic Bliss Package. The offer includes breakfast for two, a 90-minute couple's aroma massage and romantic sunset cocktails for two.
Located on Uthong Road on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the hotel features 26 rooms and a suite with private pool. The property has recently opened a rooftop bar.
Visit http://salahospitality.com/ayutthaya.
- Chiva-Som International Health and Resort has launched a package for Thai residents including expatriates with proof of residency to celebrate its new look.
The promotion requires guests to stay at least two nights. The package includes individual health & wellness consultation, three meals per night of stay (beginning with dinner), physical analysis and skin consultation, daily treatment, fitness and leisure activities, unlimited use of the water therapy suites and a wellness voucher with a maximum value of 4,590 baht net per person per night
Prices start from 27,000++ baht for single occupancy and 21,000++ baht for double occupancy. The offer is valid during Oct 15-31 and Dec 1-19.
Visit http://chivasom.com.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
