Ministry of Transport Announces Expanded Flights, Rail Services, and Discounted Fares to Boost Domestic Tourism This Summer

The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to increase train and flight services from major cities including Astana and Almaty to key domestic tourist destinations such as Balkhash and Alakol during the summer holiday season (June–August). Additional train cars will also be added to significantly boost overall seat capacity.

The government also announced plans to subsidize airfare to major tourist destinations, keeping ticket prices at approximately 16,000–20,000 tenge (roughly USD 35–44). A total of 6.4 billion tenge (over approximately USD 14 million) in government subsidies is set to be allocated to 24 domestic regular flight routes, including 16 major tourist destinations, during the peak summer season.

Kazakhstan Announces New International Routes Connecting Europe and Asia

The Minister of Transport unveiled plans for 11 new or resumed international routes scheduled for the second half of 2026 through 2027. Destinations include Yerevan (Armenia), Larnaca (Cyprus), Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, and Rome. Routes to Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou have already seen exceptionally high demand, with flights reportedly selling out from the moment bookings opened.

Source: Korean Tourism Organization Data Lab ‘[Kazakhstan] Tourism Market Key Trends (May, 2026)’

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Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand Scales Back Visa-Free Policy, Ending 60-Day Stay Program

The Thai government has decided to revert its visa-free entry period from 60 days back to 30 days for 93 countries, reversing a policy introduced in July 2024 to promote tourism and stimulate the economy. Authorities cited national security, economic interests, and the principle of reciprocity, while also pointing to cases of illegal employment, fraudulent stays, and criminal activity as contributing factors. Going forward, visa-free periods will vary by nationality — 30 days, 15 days, or visa on arrival.

Thai authorities and the tourism industry expect the change to have limited impact on overall tourism, noting that the average tourist stay falls well short of 60 days. Officials anticipate the policy shift will help attract higher-spending, quality visitors over the long term. However, concerns have been raised in areas such as Pattaya, where long-stay foreign residents make a significant contribution to the local economy.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau Launches New MICE Brand ‘MaxiMICE Thailand’

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) unveiled its new MICE brand, MaxiMICE Thailand – From Potential to Exponential, at IMEX Frankfurt 2026. The initiative positions Thailand not merely as a venue for meetings and exhibitions, but as a global business event platform fostering international collaboration and agenda-setting. Built around three strategic pillars — MaxiMICE Your Convenience, MaxiMICE Your Experience, and MaxiMICE Your Impact — the brand aims to deliver tangible outcomes and lasting impact, with ambitions to host major international events addressing global issues such as energy, finance, wellness, and food security.

Source: Korean Tourism Organization Data Lab ‘[Thailand] Tourism Market Trend May 2026’

Vietnam

Hue, Vietnam

​Vietnam to Require Health Declaration Forms for All Travelers Starting July

The Vietnamese government is set to introduce mandatory health declaration requirements for all inbound, outbound, and transit travelers beginning in July. This is intended to strengthen border quarantine protocols and enhance public health safety in response to the risk of global infectious disease outbreaks.

The scope of the requirement and its duration will be adjusted flexibly based on disease conditions and domestic infection risk levels. Travelers will be required to submit a health declaration form — either electronically or in writing — within a designated period prior to departure, and may also be asked to provide supporting documents such as proof of vaccination.

Thermal imaging cameras and other screening equipment will be deployed at airports and border crossings to monitor body temperature and health conditions. Suspected cases will be subject to immediate isolation and epidemiological investigation.

This is broadly seen as a public health reinforcement policy in response to growing tourist arrivals and increased international travel. Vietnam is expected to continue pursuing a policy approach that leverages digital quarantine systems to balance health safety with travel convenience.

Da Nang International Airport Breaks Ground on International Terminal Expansion

Construction has begun on a major expansion of the international terminal at Da Nang International Airport, with a total project cost of approximately 1.5 trillion Vietnamese dong. The project aims to increase the terminal’s annual passenger capacity to six million, representing a key infrastructure investment to meet rising international travel demand.

Upon completion, check-in counters will increase from 54 to 85, and boarding bridges will expand from 4 to 7. Baggage handling systems for both departures and arrivals will also be upgraded, improving overall operational efficiency.

The expansion covers approximately 3,600 square meters, with the total terminal area set to reach around 21,000 square meters upon completion — sufficient to accommodate projected passenger growth between 2026 and 2030, while also helping to alleviate overcrowding at the airport.

Da Nang city is also pursuing a long-term goal of handling 25 million passengers annually through functional coordination with neighboring airports. The expansion is part of a broader effort to establish Da Nang as the key aviation hub of central Vietnam, aligned with growing tourism demand.

Source: Korean Tourism Organization Data Lab ‘[Vietnam] Vietnam Economy · Tourism Market Trend’ 

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