81% of East, Southeast Asians plan to travel abroad despite economic situation: survey

The survey polled 902 people in nine markets, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

But four in five were anxious about international travel in 2023 mostly due to uncertain economic conditions.

Their top concerns were cost of travel (63%), contracting Covid-19 or other illnesses while traveling (39%), language barrier (35%), and travel documentation (33%).

Most Asian countries have reopened their borders to foreign tourists, Vietnam in March.

Vietnam offers visa exemptions for nationals of 24 countries for stays of 14-90 days, and a one-month single-entry e-visa to visitors from 80 others.