Destinations

The Philippines has expanded its visa-free policy to 46 African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, allowing visitors to stay up to 30 days. Travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and Japan are also allowed visa-free entry, while Nigeria, China, and India remain excluded.

Australia will cut 650,000 temporary visas over four years, the largest migration reduction in its history. The government sets net overseas migration at 100,000 annually for two years, reducing temporary graduate visas and limiting international student family entry.

The Philippine Statistics Authority has launched initiatives to strengthen tourism data collection in the Ilocos region. This aims to support inclusive tourism growth and improve development planning.

Cebu province recorded 1,080,809 tourist arrivals from January to August 2026, a 12.8 percent increase from the prior year. The surge is driven by a 27.3 percent rise in foreign arrivals and expanded direct flights at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The Philippines now allows citizens of 46 African countries, as well as the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, to enter visa-free for 30 days. Nigeria, China, and India are excluded from this policy.

Northern Territory Top End tourism operators fear business closures after a delayed dry season and federal visa reductions. Proposed caps on working holiday visas would reduce seasonal workforce availability.

Vietnam aims to attract 45-50 million international visitors by 2030 with intensified global tourism campaigns. September 2026 arrivals rose 16.1% year-on-year, led by growth in Phu Quoc and digital marketing efforts.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is advancing tourism statistics in the Ilocos region. The effort targets inclusive growth through better data collection and analysis.

Australia's Coalition government will reduce net overseas migration to 100,000 annually for two years beginning in 2026. Temporary visas will be cut by 650,000 over four years, with strict caps on humanitarian and student visas.

Tourism operators in Australia's Northern Territory warn many businesses may close during the wet season due to a delayed dry season and visa cuts. Industry leaders call for a federal fund and policy reversals to support struggling tourism and related sectors.