How Schengen-Style Visas in GCC, Asia, and Africa Could Transform Tourism Forever
The planned Schengen-style visas in Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, and the GCC could provide a massive tourism boost to 17 countries.
4 min
The 3 Schengen-style visas have the potential to revolutionize tourism by providing hassle-free travel across multiple nations. The Schengen visa has already transformed tourism for holidaymakers worldwide, offering unrestricted access to 29 European countries with a single document. This will not only boost the economies of member countries but also saves significant time for travelers.
Countries in the GCC (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait), ASEAN (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar), and parts of Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) are actively negotiating to create new unified visas.
These combined visas aim to drive tourism and attract visitors who wish to cross international borders and visit several countries on the same trip or within a short time frame. The three upcoming visas promise easier multiple-destination holidays with a single ticket.
GCC Unified Visit Visa
Negotiations for a GCC unified tourist visa are progressing, aiming to boost tourism and economic ties within the region, according to the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, highlighted significant advancements in the unified GCC tourist visa project.
This visa will allow tourists to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized that this initiative, adopted during the 44th GCC summit in Doha, will promote tourism across member states.
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri mentioned that the visa would permit travelers to spend over 30 days in the region. The unified tourist visa aligns with the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, aiming to enhance the tourism sector’s impact on the GDP.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA), said the new visa system should be ready this year.
He said: “By the end of this year, the whole system will be in place. Many people and teams, led by the Ministry of Economy in the UAE and other ministries in other countries, are working on it tirelessly to make it happen in the best possible way, emphasising digital transformation”.
The implementation of the unified tourist visa corresponds to the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, which seeks to amplify the tourism sector’s impact on the GDP. The strategy anticipates that heightened travel within the GCC and improved hotel occupancy rates will serve as pivotal catalysts for its success.
The total number of hotel establishments in the region reached 10,649 by the end of 2022, with the UAE ranking second in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the total number of rooms in hotel establishments across the GCC reached 674,832 rooms.
ASEAN Visa
A Schengen-style visa in the ASEAN bloc is expected to boost tourism in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
A proposed single visa program, initiated by Thailand, aims to attract more long-haul and high-spending travelers.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has discussed this visa with counterparts in neighboring countries to ensure seamless mobility for travelers. This unified travel visa could attract more high-spending visitors by facilitating easier movement between these nations.
Local media reports suggest extending the visa duration from 30 to 90 days to enhance its appeal.
According to a local report, the proposals by Srettha are among a number of initiatives in a country where tourism accounts for about 20 per cent of jobs and make up around 12 per cent of a $500bn economy.
Vietnam has extended visa exemption for tourists from some 30 countries and territories as compared to over 80 of Thailand, he said, adding joining the initiative will be a quantum leap for Vietnam’s tourism visa policy. If Vietnam does not jump on the bandwagon, it will lose tourism opportunities and advantages over the five countries, Dat stressed.
Southern African Univisa
In May 2024, five countries in Southern Africa announced their intention to create a unified visa, allowing tourists to travel between them with a single visa.
The Univisa will cover Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, forming the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area.
This region includes notable national parks and is the second-largest conservation area in the world. An existing visa already covers Zambia and Zimbabwe, but the planned expansion will include additional countries.
Schengen Area Visa
The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished many types of internal border controls. Applying for a Schengen visa online provides permission to travel across all these countries without needing separate visas. The visa allows for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with longer-term visas available for specific purposes like work or study. The success of the Schengen visa model has inspired other regions to adopt similar initiatives to boost tourism and economic cooperation.
The countries in the Schengen Area include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
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Bugatti has unveiled the Bugatti Tourbillon at the birthplace of the brand, ushering in a bold future for the iconic automaker.
6 min
Bugatti’s illustrious 115-year journey has reached a new milestone with the unveiling of the Bugatti Tourbillon, signaling a bold new chapter for the iconic brand. This significant event was marked by a series of grand festivities at the historic Château Saint Jean in Molsheim, culminating in the spectacular World Premiere, ‘La Grande Première’.
The event not only introduced the next generation of performance vehicles but also highlighted the future trajectory of a brand that has been at the forefront of the automotive industry since its inception.
The launch of the Tourbillon is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first vehicle introduced under the collaborative partnership between Bugatti and Rimac. Additionally, it marks the first major gathering at Bugatti’s Molsheim headquarters since the 110-year celebrations in 2019. The week-long festivities paid tribute to those who have been instrumental in Bugatti’s history, including customers, partners, and employees from various eras of the brand’s legacy.
The highlight of the celebrations was the exclusive ‘La Grande Première’ on June 20, where over 300 selected guests were among the first to glimpse the future of Bugatti. Attendees were welcomed by Bugatti’s board of management, led by CEO Mate Rimac, President Christophe Piochon, and Managing Director Hendrik Malinowski. They had the opportunity to witness an impressive lineup of iconic models from Bugatti’s past, including the elegant Type 57SC Atalante, the highly successful Type 35 racing car, and the ambitious luxury Type 41 Royale.
These cars, exhibited like jewels across, the Bugatti premises, form the cornerstone of Bugatti’s inspiration, encapsulating the essence of beauty, performance, and luxury. Their timeless blueprint shaping the vision of the Tourbillon. The display also celebrated a remarkable 20-year period for Bugatti, showcasing the incomparable journey – from the Veyron to the Chiron – marking the end of an era, while honoring the giants that have shaped the brand. The rarest of which included the most valuable new car ever sold at auction, the automotive solitaire Chiron Profilée, and the one-of-one La Voiture Noire, which pays homage to the famous lost Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic of Jean Bugatti.
During the apéritif, with a glass of Bugatti Carbon Champagne in hand, guests had the opportunity to admire the latest Bugatti Lifestyle creations. These included the luxury Jacob & Co timepieces as well as the latest Baby Bugatti II from The Little Car Company, and the exclusive Asprey egg.
In the Remise Sud, where customers are usually welcomed and guided through the personalization of their cars, a rare Centodieci – paying tribute to the legendary EB110 – was on display alongside the legendary EB110 itself. Jascha Straub, Head of Sur Mesure and Personalization, offered guests a live-sketching experience on a car bonnet.
After a fine dining experience punctuated with elegant music played by a string quartet, hosted in an incredible luxury 1920s-inspired structure built in the park behind the iconic Château Saint Jean just for the event, anticipation peaked as Bugatti prepared to unveil the first model of a new era: the Tourbillon.
Preceding the unveiling was a recap by Christophe Piochon of the brand’s 115-year history, paying homage to the visionary minds who made this moment possible – like Ettore Bugatti, the founder in 1909; Romano Artioli, who travelled to Molsheim especially for this occasion and was sitting in the audience; and Ferdinand Piëch, who relaunched the brand 20 years ago – introducing the vision behind the new car, which was explained by CEO Mate Rimac.
With a dramatic flourish, Bugatti’s new hyper sports car emerged through a portal, following a mesmerizing modern dance performance.
The Tourbillon made its appearance, driven by Bugatti Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace, and accompanied by Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac. Following two turns on the turntable, the doors of the Tourbillon swung open. Mate Rimac stepped forward, disclosing the name of Bugatti’s latest icon and delving into its technical prowess under the theme “Form follows performance”, highlighting the unparalleled design.
Bringing together more than a century of peak development, the Bugatti Tourbillon features an all-new chassis and performance-honed body, along with an all-new V16 engine and electrified powertrain. As Mate Rimac unveiled the car, his excitement was palpable, reflecting the anticipation of the audience. The Bugatti Tourbillon emanates the timeless craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology synonymous with the French automotive brand, marking the start of a new era guided by the visionary spirit of founder Ettore Bugatti. The crowd’s admiration mirrored Mate’s passion, creating a shared moment of exhilaration and hope for the future.
Following the stunning reveal of the Tourbillon, Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s Director of Design, took to the stage. He passionately revealed the intricate thoughts and groundbreaking innovations behind the concept. Heyl’s explanation highlighting the meticulous design process and the visionary ideas that shaped the Tourbillon.
The launch of the Tourbillon marks a defining moment for Bugatti and Mate Rimac, whose vision for the future is crystal clear. With its new icon, Bugatti aimed to create a vehicle that surpassed all previous standards – ultimately striving for incomparability. This philosophy will permeate every aspect of the brand’s endeavors. Rooted in the legacy of giants, Bugatti is poised to exceed every benchmark of excellence
Succeeding the unveiling, attendees were invited onto the stage to admire the car up close and engage in discussions with the Bugatti team. This spectacle, livestreamed to a global audience, showcased the introduction of a new icon.
Ahead of an unforgettable World Premiere, Bugatti gave a select group of owners the chance to experience a “Petit Tour” around Alsace, a bespoke adventure designed especially for them to kick start the festivities. The event started with a private dinner at the 5 Terres Hotel & Spa in Barr and included a convoy through the enchanting landscape of Alsace, led by Bugatti Pilote Officiel Pierre-Henri Raphanel – who has held the role of Pilote Officiel since 2005. Attended by some of Bugatti’s most remarkable creations, including a never-before-seen Mistral prototype, the procession concluded at Bugatti’s headquarters in Molsheim after visiting Château Du Hohlandsbourg and Château Ollwiller. Guests then returned to their hotels to refresh and prepare for the World Premiere.
After unveiling the new Bugatti Tourbillon to its customers and partners, Bugatti extended the celebration to its enthusiasts and friends. On June 22, over 200 guests gathered to experience the Tourbillon up close, reinforcing the strong relationship between Bugatti’s classic and modern worlds. Throughout the morning, attendees – including members of Club Bugatti France, Enthousiastes Bugatti Alsace, Musée de l’Automobile de Mulhouse, and esteemed collectors – despite the rain, arrived on the brand’s premises behind the wheels of the most extraordinary classic Bugattis. They had the opportunity to delve into Bugatti’s rich heritage and future vision.
To honor the dedication of Bugatti and Bugatti Rimac colleagues who made this new era possible, Bugatti devoted that afternoon to a Family Day, attended by over 1,000 guests. The event included exclusive walks around the Bugatti Atelier, where colleagues and employees had the opportunity to preview the very first Bolide cars in production, and heritage tours showcasing the brand’s most iconic historic vehicles displayed on the Molsheim grounds.
For those who have dedicated their careers to Bugatti, this special event with their families – featuring activities such as a magician, a photobooth in front of the majestic Type 41 Royale, coloring of Bugatti sketches, as well as food and drinks, along with the unveiling of the Tourbillon; the result of countless hours of hard work and energy – and a visit to their second home, brought a lot of emotion.
Throughout the Tourbillon World Premiere activities, every moment was an ode to Bugatti’s past, present, and future – an homage to the enduring spirit of excellence that has defined the marque for over a century. A grand gathering of the Bugatti family, marking the beginning of this new, incomparable era.
Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti, said: “The Bugatti Tourbillon represents the latest creation in our relentless pursuit of perfection. With the Tourbillon, we pay tribute to the vision of Ettore Bugatti, melding the beauty, luxury, and performance that define our heritage. The Bugatti World Premiere events reaffirm our commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation and craftsmanship, creating icons that stand the test of time. We chose to host these events in Molsheim, the birthplace of our brand, to honor the heritage and legacy that is so cherished by our customers. It was also extremely important for us to involve not only our valued customers and partners but also the friends of the brand, as well as our colleagues from the Bugatti Rimac group and their families, to celebrate their loyalty and dedication.”
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
