Travelling abroad has never been more rewarding. East Asian countries like Japan, Thailand and Taiwan are offering enticing travel incentives to attract tourists. Indian travellers stand to benefit significantly. Let’s delve into the details right away.

Japan: Aiding Recovery through Tourism

Japan recently made headlines due to recession. It also experienced earthquakes with devastating consequences. As a support measure, Japanese government has now launched a travel discount program targeting the earthquake-hit regions of Ishikawa, Toyama, Fukui and Niigata prefectures. This initiative is part of a 155.3 billion JPY financial aid package that was approved in January 2024.

The government is going to support up to 50% of the travel cost per night for tourists. The maximum amounts are 20,000 JPY for a one-night tour, 30,000 JPY for a two-nights or longer tour and 35,000 JPY for a tour staying in two or more prefectures. (Prefectures are like administrative regions in Japan)

For Indian tourists, this translates to approximately Rs 11,000, Rs 16,500, and Rs 19,250 respectively in the above three cases. This substantial support makes exploring the cultural richness and scenic beauty of these regions more affordable.

Japan has been a popular destination for Indian tourists. The number of Indian visitors to Japan has been steadily increasing over the years. This new incentive will make you also think of visiting Japan, right?

Thailand: Ensuring Tourist Safety

Thailand has just launched the “Thailand Traveller Safety” scheme, offering up to $14,000 in medical coverage for accidents. This scheme addresses the issue of inadequate insurance coverage and aims to entice tourists back after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government will cover expenses up to 500,000 baht ($14,000 or Rs 11,50,000) and provide compensation of up to one million baht (or Rs 23 lakh) in the event of death. This initiative provides Indian tourists with a safety net, allowing them to explore Thailand’s stunning beaches and vibrant cities with peace of mind.

The scheme is available until August 31, 2024. It does not, however, cover accidents due to negligence, intent, illegal activities, or risky behaviour.

Additionaly for Indians, the Thai government has waived the visa on arrival fees of 2200 baht (around Rs 5000) until May 10, 2024.

Thailand too, has always been a favourite destination for Indian tourists. The new safety scheme and visa fee waivers are expected to further increase the number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand.

Taiwan: Lucky Land Travelling Abroad

Taiwan has launched a subsidy scheme titled “Taiwan the Lucky Land”. Under this scheme, NT$5,000 will be provided to 500,000 foreign tourists who win a lucky draw over the course of three years from May 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025.

For Indian tourists, this translates to approximately Rs 13,000. This incentive, combined with Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, makes it an attractive destination for Indian travellers.

While Taiwan might not be as popular as Japan or Thailand among Indian tourists interested in travelling abroad, it has been gaining popularity in recent years.

These kinds of schemes provide a boost to your wallet while you enjoy and experience the diverse Asian cultures. 

P.S. Before you get pumped up and go off to pack your bags, please speak with your travel agents and confirm your eligibility for these and any other incentives/discounts that may be on offer. No one likes nasty surprises, right? Bon voyage 🙂

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