Build the strongest argument relying on authoritative content, attorney-editor expertise, and industry defining technology. Restrictions and Requirements. In case you need help booking a flight ticket to Vietnam, feel free to let us know. During the process, if you have symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, body aches, fatigue, chills, loss of taste or hearing or are positive to Covid-19, you must notify the hotels medical staff. Manufacturing has bounced back, the Germans are coming to build a recycling plant, and Skoda will be on the streets of Vietnam in May. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on March 4 for visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng. What is Vietnam's visa policy due to COVID-19? Update on March 15, 2022, 12:00 pm: Vietnam resumes unilateral visa exemption for citizens of 13 countries, According to the Governments Resolution No. Visitors returning home after participating in the Vietnam tour package for less than 7 days need to follow the specific instructions of that countrys government. Here are just some popular Vietnam inbound flight schedules: San Francisco (SFO) Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, Regular flights from South Korea to Vietnam, Regular flights from Singapore to Vietnam, Phnom Penh (PNH) Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, Regular flights from Australia to Vietnam. There are a couple of ways U.S. citizens can get a Vietnamese visa, but the easiest involves applying for an e-Visaalso referred to as a visa on arrivalonline and in advance. Thailand to Eliminate All Pandemic-related Travel Restrictions This Week What to Know, Canada to Drop All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on Oct. 1 What to Know, Japan to Welcome Independent Travelers Next Month What to Know, Where Americans Can Travel in Asia A Country-by-country Guide, Japan Just Made It Easier for Vaccinated Travelers to Enter What to Know, Japan Is Making It Easier for Tour Groups to Visit Here's How, New Zealand Has Reopened Its Borders for International Travel What to Know, Vietnam Lifts Quarantine, Opens Borders to the World, CDC Warns Against Travel to Vietnam Weeks Before Country Opens Its Borders, New Zealand Welcomes Cruise Ships Back as Borders Fully Reopen, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? On 6 October: at a government meeting the Prime Minister announced the plan to reopen Vietnam's borders, which consists of the following three highlights: 1. Foreigners have not yet been allowed to enter Vietnam by land, except for returning Vietnamese nationals, foreigners who obtain Vietnam entry permits from the Immigration Department and visa-exemption holders (including: overseas Vietnameses (no matter Vietnam passport is still available or not) and their spouses/children and spouses/children of Vietnameses). Vietnamese media have reported cases in which the Vietnamese government pursued heavy charges for such violators. Tourists participating in the tour package over 7 days need to self-test on the 7th day of the journey under the supervision of medical staff at the hotel. No matter where you are, we will figure out the best journey and price for you. The country imposed one of the worlds strictest border controls at the onset of the pandemicvery few people have been allowed access since spring 2020. Vietnam is welcoming the world back in phases. If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, alert health-care services and share with them your recent travel history. Within 10 days from the date of entry: self-monitor your health, if you have symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; pain, headache; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; respiratory inflammation) must immediately notify the nearest medical facility for instructions. For most players in the travel industry, the idea of vacationers lounging on a beach thousands of miles from home or sailing the high seas seems like a distant memory.Globally, countries experienced a decline of 35 to 48 percent in tourism expenditures last year compared with 2019.Vietnam, with its ten-month international border closure, has not been exempted. According to Reuters.com, foreign visitors will be allowed to enter the country, starting on March 15, as long as they follow the updated coronavirus-related protocols, including a one-day quarantine and . Vietnam opens borders for tourism from March 15, 2022 WITHOUT QUARANTINE Based on: Official Dispatch 10688/BYT-MT dated December 16, 2021 on the prevention and control of COVID-19 for people on entry, Top image: Vietnams Ngo Dong River. The planned date is three months earlier than initially expected. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Purchase medical/travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage: $10,000. The information above is compiled by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. E-visa fee is USD 25, the processing time is 3 working days. Are vaccines available in Vietnam for U.S. citizens to receive? In an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 within its borders, Vietnam implemented one of the world's strictest travel policies early in the pandemic. Vietnam Briefings Doing Business guide provides vital economic, geographic, and regulatory insights for business investors, managers, or expats to understand Vietnams. When will Vietnam allow UK tourists to enter the country? At times, there can be white snow in mountainous far north yet sunshine and wind at the beaches in the south. It saw some initial success in keeping the virus out, but the policy dealt a blow to its burgeoning tourism sector, which accounted for about 10% of gross domestic product in 2019. Our free webinars are packed full of useful information for doing business in Vietnam. As of Sept. 17, Bali was on track to open in October, according to the representative. unifying contents and regulations on welcoming international tourists; finalizing and urgently announcing the plan to fully reopen Vietnam borders for tourism, providing detailed instructions for the units and localities to proactively implement such plan. Submit your form. Bailey Berg is the associate travel news editor at AFAR, where she covers breaking news, trends, tips, sustainability, the outdoors, and more. Tourists from the United Kingdom (UK) can already enter Vietnam. More countries will also be added to the approved list over the next few months. Vietnam has also resumed direct flights to several destinations such as the US, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, and Australia which will help boost the economy and people to people ties. Although the country is allowing earlier entry, its not fully flinging open the doors. The great thing about traveling to Vietnam is that this country has rather amazing weather year-round. Visitors from the following countries may enter visa free, and stay for the indicated number of days. Accordingly, the travel agency will notify local authorities of the destination to coordinate health monitoring and reporting. Two PCR tests will be taken on days 1 and 3 of arrival. Heres this weeks Vietnam News in Brief. Rower using her feet to propel oars. Together with Ha Long Bay, it has been named among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Vietnam fully reopened to travelers on March 15with some travel restrictionswell ahead of the original June timeline. TIP: Travelers with an e-Visa can go directly to immigration counters at their point of entry and do not need to queue at Visa on Arrival counters. When will Vietnam open it's borders for tourists? 302/CH-LS-PL sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam to the Diplomatic Missions of Vietnam in foreign countries, from today, March 15, 2022, the prior-Covid Vietnam entry policy will be resumed, including: Check full list of Vietnam visa exemption here https://www.vietnam-visa.com/vietnam-visa-exemption/. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All activities in the tour will be accredited by the local government. Vietnam's borders . Vietnams borders are already open for tourists. "The approval is in accordance with the government's new responses to the pandemic, which are adapting safely and flexibly and controlling the virus effectively," the government said in a statement. Vietnam imposed tight border controls at the start of the pandemic in an effort to keep out COVID-19, with some initial success, but that harmed its burgeoning tourism sector, which typically . Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. II. Those with a valid Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate, temporary residence card, permanent residence card or visa; Experts, business managers and investor with a valid entry permit from the Vietnam Immigration Department. Comply with the Ministry of Healths 4K message: khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings). When will Vietnam open its borders for tourism in 2022? For others: Those who cannot take a test before arrival as mentioned above will have to be tested within 24 hours of entry. To enter Vietnam then, the travelers must ensure to: And upon arrival in Vietnam, they will be subject to the following regulations on Covid Test and health monitoring: The Government leaders have assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to assume the prime responsibility for, (Source: https://vnexpress.net/viet-nam-mo-cua-du-lich-tu-15-3-4428214.html). VNAT 9 Nguyen Truong To, Ward 12, District 4, HCMC. The CDC recommends that anyone who does travel to a "Level 4" destination is "vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travel," but warns, "Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19.". >>Next: The Dish Worth Traveling to Vietnam For (and It Isnt Pho), AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media. Despite improvement in 2022, occupancy and room rates in Ho Chi Minh City have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, according to real estate service provider Savills Vietnam. The proposal includes maintaining a one-day quarantine requirement for visitors plus requiring negative Covid-19 tests before departure and on arrival. The dropping of testing is a welcome relief to tourists, business travelers, and airlines looking to recover after years of losses. Readers may write tovietnam@dezshira.comfor more support on doing business in Vietnam. Step 4: Pay the e-Visa fee of 25 USD. The governments e-visa website is open for visa submissions. Each one experiences different season features and weather events. The most recent injection must be given at least 14 days in advance and up to 12 months before entry. However, the entry requirements are subject to change at any time. Borders with China, Cambodia and Laos are currently closed. The article below will answer the question for you specifically. 416/CD-TTg after a significant decrease in the number of cases. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Discovery Company. Your vaccination certificate must be recognized by the Vietnamese competent authority. Vietnam on March 15 fully reopened for international tourism after almost two years. This Decree imposes strict administrative and criminal penalties on violators who fail to adopt personal protective measures in compliance with the guidance of health agencies. Stay a meter or more away from others, especially those who are sneezing or coughing, or have a fever. The warning for Vietnam comes just weeks before the country plans to open its borders to travelers on March 15. Vietnam has appointed 323 authorized testing facilities to carry out testing and diagnosis of COVID-19. Vietnam needs to open borders for tourism recovery: experts Vietnam needs to research solutions and prepare all necessary conditions to open border for foreign tourists from July 2021, according to Nguyen Huu Tho, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association. The CDC's latest warning comes days after the agency eased mask recommendations for a large swath of the U.S. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. This is a start turnaround from health officials who earlier forecasted that borders would not be open until summer. If the results are negative, tourists can continue to visit other destinations if the local authorities accept foreign tourists. Make medical declarations and use the PC-Covid application during their stay in Vietnam. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Deputy Chief of Mission Melissa A. Bishop, Federal Assistance and Scholarship Programs, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information, View U.S. Mission to Vietnams Most Recent Alerts, Information for U.S. Citizens on Visas for Vietnam, Vietnams Ministry of Health COVID-19 Web Page, Info for travelers on COVID-19 in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh citys official publication site, Limited Consular Services Event in Da Nang, Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Hanoi, Vietnam. Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has also asked relevant government agencies to restore immigration and visa procedures as before the pandemic. The Vietnamese tourism ministry is hopeful it will be able to fully reopen its borders to foreign visitors beginning March 15 a full three months earlier than initially expected. 2023 Vietnam Discovery Travel. 1265/BYT-DP, the travelers to Vietnam (including tourists) DO NOT need to enter any kind of quarantine. However, actual flight frequency depends on regulations of the aviation authorities of the countries and the market demand. To travel to Vietnam, you will need: All travelers over the age of two are required to come armed with a negative COVID-19 test. Those entering the country under 18 years of age, people aged 65 or older, pregnant women, and people having underlying medical conditions (but not being monitored or treated at medical facilities) are isolated with their parents/personal care givers. In case you are traveling from a third country, you are highly recommended to check the transit regulations to make sure your journey is hassle-free. Please continuously monitor and update the situation from the Vietnamese government agency, Embassy, Consulate to confirm any changes before departure. Vietnam received more than 18 million visitors in 2019 compared to just 157,000 foreign arrivals in 2021 due to border closures. Simply apply online for your tourist E-visa, valid for 30 days. Eat only well-cooked food. All Rights Reserved. Visitors should self-test periodically every 2-3 days and monitor the results. Vietnams tourism ministry on Tuesday proposed a full reopening of the country to foreign visitors and a lifting of nearly all travel restrictions from March 15, three months earlier than planned. 2. If it is negative, they can leave their accommodation facility. Vietnam is welcoming foreign tourists this month for the first time since the spring of 2020 as the Southeast Asian country gradually reopens its tourism sector amid the pandemic. Visitors also would be required to quarantine for the first day of their trip and carry travel medical coverage for up to $10,000. The country is opening up to travelers months ahead of schedule. If the travelers are entering Vietnam by land, they get rapid Covid-test when reaching the land border. Vietnam will pilot receiving foreign tourists from some countries from July.Illustrative image.Deputy Director-General of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Ngo Hoai Chung said they had had a meeting with related agencies on March 24 to discuss opening the borders for tourism. If not, you can also run a search for your e-Visa at this link. It has recorded about 39,000 deaths overall. The visa is valid for single-entry stays up to 30 days. our latest doing business publications, and access to our Asia archives. Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? The Covid-19 pandemic has come and changed the lives of people around the world in ways we never thought possible. Choose and sign up for a package tour program with licensed travel agents. The agency classified Vietnam as a "Level 4" destination, indicating a "very high" level of COVID-19 transmission in the country and telling Americans to "avoid" going there. Here, you need to perform a Covid-19 self-test under the supervision of medical staff at the hotel or hotel staff who have been trained in test safety measures. Step 6: Use your document code to locate your e-Visa online. Any travelers experiencing symptoms of the virus fever, cough and difficulty breathing should immediately call Vietnams health hotline: 1900 3228. Vietnam will reopen to tourists on March 15 HuyThoai/Getty Images Vietnam is reopening three months ahead of schedule and allowing tourists to return on March 15, according to state-run newspaper Tuoi Tre. Children under the age of 2 are not required to present a result of Covid-19 test, yet have to travel with a parent or guardian who has a negative result. Reporting by Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Bernadette Baum, Factbox: Europe's travel disruption looms over Christmas travel, Legal challenges could hamper U.S. rule to limit independent contracting, Explainer: How a U.S. rule on independent contracting will affect workers, businesses, BofA's clients use virtual assistant over 1 billion times, Nissan and Mexican workers agree to 9% raise at Morelos plant, union says, Media report that UAE considering leaving OPEC not true - sources, France's nuclear output hit by strike at EDF, As space junk threat grows, government and investors seek solutions, U.S. CDC issues advisory after confirmed measles case in Kentucky, Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals. Before arriving to the country, all travelers must fill out a health declaration. Heres why. Heres eight of them. The agency . Heres a list of all the key compliance, labor, and tax due dates in Vietnam. A passport is valid for at least six months. HANOI, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Vietnam on Wednesday finalised a plan to fully reopen its borders to foreign tourists from next month, as it looks to accelerate its economic recovery and revive a. Like many Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is also eager to rivive its tourism economy. But thanks to the Covid-19 vaccination, we have been gradually controlling the situation. 23rd Floor, TASCO Building, Pham Hung road, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Hanoi. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and other publications. This isnt new, but its worth noting that Vietnam requires most travelers to obtain a visa ahead of their trip. Vietnams Government Leaders, on February 16, 2022, agreed on the proposal of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam on fully reopening international tourism and lifting all travel restrictions from March 15. Talk to our travel consultants for more details on flights, including which airlines are offering the best routes to Vietnam and most flexible terms. VISA EXEMPT Published Important note: This Regulation only deals with the resumption of visa exemption for citizens of 13 countries mentioned above. However, localities must still continue to monitor entrants at border gates. Therefore, these follow the instructions and procedures published by the country you are returning to. Travelers from several countries, including the U.S., will still need to obtain a visa for travel to Vietnam. Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S. that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Vietnam needs to research solutions and prepare all necessary conditions to open border for foreign tourists from July 2021, according to Nguyen Huu Tho, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association. Every passenger, including children above 2 years of age, should prepare to show negative test results to the airline or immigration authorities if requested. Each traveler must also carry medical or travel insurance that covers treatment costs associated with COVID-19 with a minimum liability of $10,000. The proposal, which will be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval, follows similar reopening steps taken by other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and the Philippines, where the Omicron Covid-19 variant has caused a recent spike in new infections, but fewer hospitalizations and deaths than previous variants. However, tourists entering Vietnam should also have medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability of US$10,000. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. Vietnams border reopening announcements. Travelers will also be required to quarantine for the first day of their trip and carry travel medical coverage for up to $10,000. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Tourists from the United Kingdom (UK) can already enter Vietnam. The quarantine costs, both in governmental quarantine centres and designated hotels, must be paid by the ones who arrive and their employers. The question is: am I allowed to travel to Vietnam, when can we travel to Vietnam in 2022? And this section will give you the answer. Double-jabbed visitors will be able to entry the country three months earlier than expected. Hoi An Old Town an Ancient City in Quang Nam, Vietnam, When Can We Travel to Vietnam in 2022? However, when the date arrived, there was confusion as entry procedures, visa requirements, etc were not released by the relevant government agencies. The hotel rooms have test kits available. The news is welcoming particularly for tour operators who have suffered significant losses. All citizens and travelers must comply with social distancing regulations, wear masks in public, and maintain personal hygiene. Visitors to Vietnam are encouraged to take sensible precautions against COVID-19 during their trips. During 10 days from the date of entry, tourists are requested to continue to self-monitor health. The 3rd phase, full reopening, is expected in June or July 2022. Government officials in Vietnam announced last week the country would reopen its borders to vaccinated international travelers in March. From January 1, 2022, Vietnam approved the resumption of international commercial flights to and from Vietnam with 9 destinations, including San Francisco or Los Angeles, Bangkok, Singapore, Phnompenh, Beijing, Phnom Penh, Guangzhou, Tokyo, and Taipei. It imposed among the worlds strictest border controls two years ago as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. For foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States. The government also reiterated its stance to treat foreign and domestic tourists the same. A number of airline websites allow booking online from Vietnam, but check carefully in advance to see if these flights are warranted to fly or not and if they are passenger flights or not. Starting from 0:00 on May 15, all Vietnam destinations are open, no self-isolation is required, and all regulations for SARS-CoV-2 testing required before entering will be temporarily suspended. The 2nd phase starts from January 2022 with additional more popular locations like Halong Bay. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? See the full list. Maintain social distancing. Resumption of bilateral visa exemption policy. Screen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. For a full overview of the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam as it relates to travelers, as well as daily updates, please see our updated travel advisory.. Guidance for Vietnam entry for those citizens will be updated immediately when it is released. We are in effort to keep this blog up to date when things change (last update 7/1/2022). If you show symptoms, your travel agency will consult you not to go to Vietnam. A Country-by-country Guide, Vietnam Announces Gradual Reopening Plan for International Tourists, Australia Drops All Remaining Pandemic-related Entry Rules What to Know, I Traveled to Vietnam As Soon As It Reopened to Tourists Here's What It Was Like, Israel to Welcome Unvaccinated Travelers Again Next Month, A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe. 2023 Cable News Network. Vietnam's decision to open comes as several other neighboring destinations have started welcoming Americans. Travelers can visit Vietnam againwith a few restrictions. The proposal has been made even as the ministry seeks approval for fully reopening borders to foreign tourists from March 31 onwards in a bid to revive the nation's beleaguered tourism industry, according to the ministry's portal. Virgin Voyages Becomes First Major Cruise Line to Eliminate Pre-embarkation COVID Testing in the U.S. CDC Says to 'Avoid' 22 Destinations Including Israel, Caribbean Islands, and Australia, Singapore Started Welcoming Vaccinated Americans Today A Day After CDC Warned Travelers Against Going, CDC Drops Warning Against Cruising for the First Time in 2 Years, CDC Says to 'Avoid' These EU and Caribbean Destinations in Latest Travel Guidance. They reopened on March 15 have seen a steady stream of tourists entering the Southeast Asian nation ever since. All Vietnameses are required to have these apps as well. 1992-2023 Dezan Shira & Associates All Rights Reserved. Already have an account?Click All rights reserved. More than 200 foreign tourists arrived on Vietnam's largest Phu Quoc island on Saturday, the first to visit the Southeast Asian country after nearly two years of border closure due to the COVID . Nha Trang beach city in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa is home to many historical and cultural sites from the ancient Champa civilisation between the 4th and 13th centuries AD. The tour program must provide the following information: It is important to work with that travel agent about visa, security, medical procedures, and paperwork during the trip. Immediately notify the healthcare body at the arrival port in case of having any Covid symptoms, including fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose; blocked nose; body aches, fatigue; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; headache; diarrhea; shortness of breath; etc. Only Vietnamese nationals, diplomats on official business, experts, foreign investors, and certain high-skilled workers are allowed to enter Vietnam at this time. These will be processed case by case. We continue to advise U.S. citizens currently in Vietnam to comply with Vietnamese laws and regulations. Travel agencies process this application as per regulations. Currently, transit in Vietnam is still not allowed. However, it is in line with the government's recent decision to consider living with the virus instead of trying to extinguish it entirely. Sign up for your complimentary subscription to our weekly newsletter here. Travelers can leave Vietnam on commercial flights or licensed charter flights. Your temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit. Discard single-use masks. Globally, e-commerce is facing a recession, but Vietnam appears well placed to weather the storm. November 2021 - March 2022: this is the test lighthouse for welcoming international tourists on PHU QUOC Island. It is also in line with several countries opening up their borders to boost their markets and GDP. In addition to this latest announcement on when Vietnam opens borders to tourism, Vietnam has officially lifted COVID-19 restrictions on international flights since February 15. Photo by Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin/Shutterstock. in with Google+, Click HANOI, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Vietnam on Wednesday finalised a plan to fully reopen its borders to foreign tourists from next month, as it looks to accelerate its economic recovery and revive a battered tourism sector. Vietnam announced a record 31,814 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, adding to the more than 2.54 million infections so far. As officially announced, Vietnam has opened its borders to tourists from March 15, 2022. The change is the latest update to the CDC's travel advisory list, which it re-evaluates each week. Vietnam has decided to reopen the country's borders to international travel on March 15, 2022. All visitors will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 within the previous six months and at least 14 days ahead of travel to Vietnam. As released by the Ministry of Health under the Official Dispatch No. Nearly 77% of its. Check the CDC website for additional information andFrequently Asked Questions. Here are its development updates, regarding entry and quarantine requirements and visa application. in with Facebook, Sign Guidelines may change at any time based on conditions, as determined by the Vietnam government. Those planning to travel to Vietnam should be aware of the latest restrictions currently in place: . Accordingly, the following regulations will be applied: For health declaration and quarantine upon arrival in Vietnam, For health monitoring and following Covid prevention and control measures. With its strengths in traditional medicine, abundant medical human resources and natural hot springs, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue has rolled out measures to optimise its potential in wellness and medical tourism.