South Korea To Simplify the Tourist Visa Requirements

The South Korean Immigration is looking into easing visa requirements for Filipino tourists, according to an official of the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO).

Chang Wook Jung, senior deputy director of the Incentive and Exhibition team of KTO, said the KTO head office in Seoul and the KTO satellite office in Manila have been working on convincing the South Korean government to ease up the visa application process in the Philippines.

''There is a process going on at the moment and our government is looking at the arrangements we have in place for the visa requirements. We're hoping that in two or three years, these arrangements will finally be approved,'' Jung said during the Korea MICE Mart held at a hotel in Pasay City.

Jung added that the move follows the increasing number of Filipino tourist going to Korea, the rapid growth in the Philippine economy and the strong diplomatic ties of South Korea and the Philippines.

According to the recent tourism statistics between the Philippines and Korea, during the first quarter of 2013, 81,540 Filipinos visited the country, an 11.5 percent increase from the same period last year. In 2012, a total of 331,346 Filipinos traveled to Korea.

Meanwhile, for the MICE demand from the Philippines, Korea is now emerging as a corporate incentive tourism destination offering diverse tailor-made tourism programs.

Jung said this increase is attributed to the staunch effort of KTO Manila, which has recently celebrated its first anniversary of operations in the Philippines, to promote Korean tourism in the country.

''KTO Manila is doing great job promoting our country to Filipinos and local travel agencies. But until we address the obstacle of visa application, the Philippine market cannot reach its full potential. Over one million Koreans visited the Philippines last year. We're confident that someday, the Filipino market will match this demand for Korea,'' Jung said.

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Posted in: Filipino tourists , Immigration News , South Korean Immigration , South Korean Visa , travel news

Japan Immigration Lifts Visa Requirement for ASEAN Countries

Japan has lifted visa requirements for a number of ASEAN countries including Thailand and Malaysia to help spur the nation's tourism industry and to develop relationships with Southeast Asian countries.

According to Foreign Ministry’s pronouncement, visa exemption will be effective for Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Viet Nam after July, 1. Ministry underlined the decision is adopted to celebrate “40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.” Visa exemption is valid for short time visit no longer than 15 days. Japan cautioned those travelers who want to stay longer must still need a visa.

The territorial dispute between Tokyo and Beijing lowered the Chinese travelers. Japan’s move to nationalize disputed islands at the East China Sea drew a harsh critic from Chinese’s officials and triggered a boycott from Chinese’s consumers and tourists. With no end in sight to the dispute, the Japanese government turned its eye to lucrative Southeast Asian market. Tokyo wants to attract 1 million Southeast Asian tourists this year, and 2 million in 2016. The number was 780,000 last year.

On the political side, the Japanese governments want to have a closer relationship with ASEAN countries. Nationalist leader Shinzo Abe who visited Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia after becoming prime minister is expected to tour Malaysia and the Philippines. During his visit, Japanese Prime Minister will try to develop relations with Southeast Asian countries to obstruct Beijing’s regional ambition, reports say. Malaysia and the Philippines have a territorial dispute with Beijing likewise Japan. Japanese PM Abe is due to host a special meeting of ASEAN leaders in Tokyo in December.

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Posted in: ASEAN , Japan Immigration , visa requirements

Philippines’ AirAsia’s 1st Birthday Blowout: “Piso” Fare for All Destinations

To celebrate its 1st birthday, Philippines’ AirAsia is offering a one peso base fare promo for all destinations starting today, April 15, 2013.  

"It is hard to believe, it has been a year already since we launched our operations. We had many challenges but the potential for growth is tremendous and we aim to play a big role in growing the market. The passenger traffic in Clark has grown tremendously last year and we have consistently remained committed in providing our guest with the highest standards in safety, efficiency and quality service,” Freddy Herrera, AirAsia Inc. Commercial Head said.  

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Posted in: AirAsia , philippine travel , travel news

Amanpulo getaway - Power Plant Mall’s Summer Shopping Raffle Prize

The heat is on, with a sizzling summer sale and fab raffle prizes to be won at Power Plant Mall! From April 11 to 14, participating tenants at the Power Plant will have their items discounted, and they've taken it up to 80% off on selected items. 

How about a relaxing vacation to complete your summer? Starting on April 11, shoppers get a chance to win a complete travel package to Aman Resorts, Amanpulo. The 3-day/2-night package includes a round-trip airfare, accommodation, massage, yoga class, snorkeling and other relaxing activities at the island. Make it a super summer as Power Plant Mall also raffles off two SUPER sunglasses care of L.S. Pascual. 

Every single receipt purchase worth a minimum of Php 2,000 from shops at the Power Plant Mall, One Rockwell, Manansala and Joya Residences, or Php 3,000 minimum single receipt purchase from Rustan’s Supermarket earns a raffle ticket. Receipts can be exchanged for raffle stubs at the redemption booth near the R1 level escalator, North Wing of Power Plant Mall.

Start shopping now at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall to get a chance to show off the cool sunglasses or go on an amazing beach getaway. The raffle promo winner of the vacation package must be at least 18 years old with a proof of Philippine residency. The Great Summer Getaway Promo ends on April 30, 2013 and the raffle draw is on May 2, 2013. Per DTI-NCR Permit No.A2-0321, Series of 2013. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/PowerPlantMall.

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Posted in: Aman Resorts Amanpulo , Amanpulo getaway , Power Plant Mall , travel news

UK Immigration Minister Announces Changes to Tier 2 visa system

Mark Harper, the UK immigration minister announced a series of proposed changes to the UK immigration system on Thursday 14th March 2013. He told the House of Commons that the changes will be introduced on April 6th 2013. The most significant changes will be made to the Tier 2 visa scheme, the tier visa of the UK's five tier points-based immigration system that is for skilled workers with a job offer.

Mr Harper announced a series of changes including

• Cap for Tier 2 (General) visas fixed at 20,700 per year until further notice
• An update of the Shortage Occupation List. Some medical occupations are removed from the list. Some engineering occupations are added
• Amendments to the Code of Practice for Employers
• Changes to salary thresholds and minimum appropriate salaries for individual occupations
• A series of changes designed to 'further improve flexibility for Intra-Company Transferees and for employers carrying out the Resident Labour Market Test'
• A rise in the level of fees
• The Tier 2 visa system was established in 2008 by the then Labour government. Skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area who have a job offer in the UK can apply for a Tier 2 visa. In order to apply, they must have a valid job offer from a UK employer which has a valid Tier 2 sponsorship licence from the UK Border Agency.

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Posted in: Immigration News , immigration tips , UK Embassy , UK Immigration , UK Visa