Facilitation of Travel in the Asian Region

The issues related to the liberalisation and facilitation of travel and tourism in Asia and the Pacific have become part of the tourism agenda of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The member countries of ESCAP have recognised the important role of tourism in national and regional socioeconomic development and the need for continued efforts to strengthen national capabilities and promote regional co-operation in tourism development. This publication offers analysis and insight into the experiences of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in addressing issues of facilitation as part of their national tourism development strategies. It is predicted that countries' policies and regulations that impede or facilitate international travel will become increasingly important as tourism expands in the region.