FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Thailand has opened its "doors" to many countries of the world, among them Albania. The Asian nation has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries and territories as it seeks to revive its tourism industry.
Visitors can stay in the Southeast Asian country for up to 60 days under the new scheme that came into force on Monday. Previously, only passport holders from 57 countries were allowed to enter without a visa.
Tourism is a mainstay of the Thai economy, but it has not fully recovered from the pandemic.
Countries eligible for visa-free stays include major tourism markets such as China and India, as well as the US, UK, Albania, UAE, Cambodia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
According to official data, Thailand recorded 17.5 million foreign tourists in the first six months of 2024, 35% more than the same period last year. However, the numbers pale in comparison to pre-pandemic levels.
The country will also allow visiting students who earn a bachelor's degree or higher in Thailand to stay for a year after graduation to find a job or travel.
In June, the authorities announced an extension of the hoteliers' operating fee waiver for another two years. They also dropped a proposed tourist tax for visitors flying into the country.
Lini një Përgjigje