As travel restrictions ease, some countries are being more selective about who they welcome post-pandemic.

Last week, New Zealand’s tourism minister reiterated his desire to attract “high quality tourists” rather than those who campervan around the country “on $10 [€7] a day by eating dried noodles.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism boards around the world have been experimenting with selective entry policies. Now, they’re implementing recovery plans - many of which echo this ‘quality over quantity’ mentality.

Reducing overtourism could have a positive impact on the environment and local communities in popular destinations. But does this mean travel will become reserved for the super rich?

With rising fuel costs signalling the end of the €10 flight era, according to a recent BBC Radio 4 interview with Ryanair chief exec Michael O’Leary, the days of budget travel could be behind us.

So here are the countries targeting wealthy visitors as tourism bounces back.


The Cayman Islands welcomes high net worth remote workers


Long a haven for luxury travellers, the Caribbean Cayman Islands sought to secure their high-end image - even during the pandemic.

Launched in 2020, the Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP) gives remote workers the chance to make this British Overseas Territory their home. Those earning upwards of $100,000 (€98,666) per year can apply for a two-year visa for an annual fee of $1,469 (€1,449).

Under the scheme, the country’s official tourism website invites “professionals and digital nomads alike [to] embrace a remote lifestyle and immerse themselves fully in the bespoke luxury, adventure, culture and beauty of the Cayman Islands.”


Fiji targets a growth in visitor spend


During the pandemic, Fiji positioned itself as a retreat for billionaires.

Back in June 2020, the country launched ‘Blue Lanes’ for “yachters looking to escape the pandemic in paradise.” In a tweet, Fijian PM Frank Bainimarama invited billionaires with private jets to rent their own islands.


Pre-COVID, the tourism industry made up 38 per cent of Fiji’s economy. To kickstart a revival, the country is placing continued focus on luxury travel.

Tourism Fiji’s Corporate Plan for 2022 to 2024 pledges to “attract and expand high value customer segments” and encourage a “growth in visitor spend” to promote sustainable tourism.


Indonesia dances around a Bali backpacker ban


In September 2021, Indonesia joined the list of countries seeking ‘quality’ visitors post-pandemic.

“We’ll aim for quality tourism in Bali, so we won’t allow backpackers to enter once the reopening plan for international travellers is officially put in place in the near future,” said Indonesia’s coordinating minister of maritime and investment affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, according to a report in the Bali Sun.

Bali is shunning backpackers in favour of wealthy tourists.


He later clarified that he was referring to filtering out visitors who might violate the country’s health or immigration rules.

But the 2022 arrival of luxury hospitality brands like Banyan Tree and Jumeirah in Bali suggest the island is tipping further away from its backpacker past.


Montserrat lures lucrative digital nomads


Fancy making the mountainous Caribbean island of Montserrat your home for a year? If your annual income is above $70,000 (€69,000), now you can.

Launched in February 2021, the Remote Work Stamp invites high-earning digital nomads to “work remotely and safely from an exotic location.”

The application fee is $500 (€493).


New Zealand snubs ‘$10-a-day’ campervanners


New Zealand’s post-pandemic tourism recovery scheme has its sights set on high-net-worth individuals.

“These are not the guys that jump in a camper van and…get around our country on $10 [€7] a day by eating dried noodles,” said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash speaking at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand annual conference in August 2022.

New Zealand's tourism minister has slammed $10 tourists living off ‘dry noodles.’


Instead, he wants to attract visitors who “spend a little more money, stay a little bit longer.”

New Zealand finally reopened its borders in August 2022, with plans to better manage the tourism industry by avoiding overcrowding and improving sustainability.


Thailand tries to shake its backpacker legacy


Thailand’s tourism industry is steadily recovering after months of COVID restrictions, which tested visitors’ willingness to fork out for expensive quarantine schemes.

Keen to capitalise on this and shake the country’s long-standing image as a backpacker haven, government ministers have asked hotels and business to refrain from luring tourists with big discounts.

"We cannot let people come to Thailand and say because it's cheap," said Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at a tourism event in July 2022.

Thailand wants to position itself as a premium travel destination.


Instead, he suggested the country should focus on raising its value as a premium travel destination, reports Reuters.

Thailand also hopes to lure high-earning digital nomads with its new 10-year ‘work from Thailand’ visa. Only open to those earning upwards of $80,000 (€78,965) per year, the visa solidifies the country’s push for wealthy visitors.

Approval paves way for broader digital financial services.
Singapore-based rewards and payments platform ShopBack has secured a major payment institution license from local regulators, enabling it to expand its suite of digital financial services.

Executives say the license will support greater innovation and strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional fintech hub.
New initiatives aim to strengthen academic and cultural ties.
The United States and Singapore have announced deeper collaboration on education, unveiling new exchange programs and partnerships designed to boost academic ties and cultural understanding.

Officials say the initiative will create expanded opportunities for students, researchers, and educators in both countries.
Offering to fund growth amid booming demand for cloud infrastructure.
Singapore-based NTT DC REIT is set to raise approximately $773 million through an initial public offering, aiming to capitalize on surging demand for data center capacity.

The company plans to expand its regional footprint as cloud computing and AI workloads fuel a race for secure, efficient digital infrastructure.
High-end spending rises as city-state attracts international brands.
Singapore is defying the global luxury slump with a surge in high-end retail spending, driven by its 240,000 millionaires and a robust influx of wealthy tourists.

Industry analysts say global brands are opening more stores in the city-state, making it Southeast Asia’s most stable and lucrative destination for luxury shopping.
Nine financial institutions fined for anti-money laundering failures.
Singapore’s financial regulator has imposed penalties totaling over S$27 million on nine institutions for breaches of anti-money laundering rules linked to gambling operations.

The enforcement action underscores the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.
New installation to boost adoption of electric vehicles.
Singapore plans to install its fastest electric vehicle charger by the fourth quarter of 2025, a move aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to cleaner transport.

Authorities say the high-capacity charger will significantly reduce charging times, supporting government targets for wider EV adoption in the coming years.
Health-focused initiative aims to boost access to virtual care.
Google has announced the expansion of its telemedicine advertising service to Singapore and the UK, enabling healthcare providers to better reach patients seeking virtual care.

The move aligns with rising demand for digital health solutions and represents the tech giant’s push into more localized, regulated markets.
Partnership will develop best practices for financial technology.
Singapore and the United Kingdom have formed a new alliance aimed at shaping the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector.

Officials say the collaboration will focus on developing standards, guidelines, and research to ensure AI tools are deployed safely and effectively across banking and fintech.
Award-nominated project sets benchmark for urban sustainability.
Singapore’s first net-positive energy nature park has been recognized as a finalist in the ULI Global Awards for Excellence 2024.

The innovative project, designed to generate more energy than it consumes, showcases the city-state’s commitment to sustainable urban development and serves as a model for other global cities.
Airlines struggle to manage delays amid regional storms.
Severe weather across Southeast Asia has disrupted flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded in Singapore, China, and the UAE.

Airlines including Singapore Airlines and Air China have scrambled to accommodate passengers after unexpected storms forced widespread delays and cancellations, complicating peak travel schedules.
Ash cloud reaches 18 kilometers high, forcing widespread cancellations.
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano has erupted spectacularly, sending an ash plume 18 kilometers into the sky and grounding flights across the region, including heavy disruptions for Bali-bound tourists.

Authorities have issued health warnings for ashfall, with residents wearing masks as thick grey deposits blanket nearby villages.
Nickel-rich projects drive growth despite ESG scrutiny.
Chinese mining giant Huayou Cobalt has posted record profits fueled by its nickel operations in Indonesia, underlining the Southeast Asian nation’s growing importance as a global supplier of battery metals.

The company says demand remains strong despite environmental and social governance concerns surrounding resource extraction.
Agreements cover oil, gas, and advanced mineral development.
U.S. energy giants including ExxonMobil and Chevron are expected to sign $34 billion worth of deals with Indonesia, covering oil and gas production as well as critical minerals essential for the green energy transition.

Officials describe the agreements as a landmark boost for bilateral economic ties and energy security cooperation.
Move seen as bargaining chip in tariff negotiations.
In an apparent concession aimed at reducing trade tensions, Indonesia has pledged to buy more American wheat as it negotiates with Washington to avoid the full impact of a 32% tariff on its exports.

Officials hope the expanded agricultural imports will help secure a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade arrangement.
New trade measure raises stakes in U.S.-Indonesia economic relations.
Former President Donald Trump has confirmed the imposition of a 32% tariff on all Indonesian exports to the United States, warning Jakarta against retaliation.

The measure forms part of a broader set of trade restrictions targeting multiple countries, sparking concerns over rising costs for key Indonesian industries such as palm oil and electronics.
Agreement aims to stabilize supply as regional shipments decline.
Indonesia and Vietnam have announced a new rice trade agreement designed to secure reliable supplies as exports from the region face sharp declines.

Officials say the pact will help maintain price stability and food security for both countries, while reinforcing trade ties amid broader geopolitical and climate-related challenges.
Travelers stranded as ash cloud threatens aviation safety.
Flights to and from Bali and other Indonesian destinations have been canceled following the violent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which sent ash clouds soaring into commercial air corridors.

Airlines across Australia and Southeast Asia have grounded routes, stranding hundreds of travelers and forcing carriers to coordinate last-minute contingency plans.
Authorities on alert for further eruptions from Mount Lewotobi.
Indonesian emergency teams have begun evacuating villages threatened by lava flows and heavy ashfall from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki’s latest eruption.

Officials warn that conditions remain unstable, with volcanic tremors continuing to rattle the region, as authorities prioritize resident safety and the delivery of emergency aid supplies.
Jakarta scrambles to defuse economic tensions before new levy deadline.
Indonesia is sending its top trade negotiator to Washington in an urgent bid to avoid the looming 32% U.S. tariff on its exports.

Officials say they hope to present new concessions, including increased American agricultural imports, to secure a more favorable outcome and protect Indonesia’s crucial manufacturing and commodities sectors.
Residents don masks as air quality plummets near eruption zone.
Thick volcanic ash from Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi eruption has blanketed surrounding villages, forcing thousands of residents to wear masks and shelter indoors.

Authorities have issued urgent health advisories warning of respiratory risks, while emergency teams monitor conditions for potential evacuations if volcanic activity continues.
Move aims to defuse trade tensions and avoid steep American levies.
Thailand has formally submitted a new trade proposal to the United States that offers zero tariffs on a wide range of American goods in exchange for reduced tariffs on Thai exports.

The government hopes the offer will avert the impending 36% levy, preserve critical trade flows, and stabilize the country’s export-dependent economy.
Trade escalation raises fears of severe impact on key industries.
Former President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 36% tariff on all Thai exports to the United States, warning Thailand against retaliatory measures.

The move is part of a broader strategy targeting multiple trading partners and is expected to hit Thailand’s electronics, automotive, and food industries particularly hard.
Government scrambles to finalize concessions as clock ticks.
Thailand’s finance minister says he remains confident that ongoing negotiations will succeed in reducing the newly announced 36% U.S. tariff before the August 1 deadline.

The government has offered trade concessions and is engaging in intensive diplomacy to preserve vital export markets and avoid disruptions to economic growth.
Government offers new concessions in effort to lower tariff threat.
Thailand has submitted a new trade proposal to the United States offering zero tariffs on many American goods in a bid to avoid the newly announced 36% tariff on its exports.

Officials say they remain hopeful that concessions will lead to a reduced tariff rate before the U.S. deadline, aiming to protect jobs and critical supply chains.
Washington weighs curbs over fears of Chinese technology transfers.
The United States is reportedly preparing to restrict exports of advanced AI chips to Thailand and Malaysia in a move designed to curb China's access to critical technologies.

Industry analysts warn the proposed measures could hamper Thailand's efforts to build its semiconductor sector and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
Military partnership highlights shared security commitments in the Indo-Pacific.
The United States and Thailand have begun the 2025 iteration of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, or CARAT, exercises aimed at enhancing maritime security, interoperability, and regional stability.

The joint drills underscore the longstanding defense partnership between the two countries amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
SVOLT factory celebrates landmark achievement amid growing demand.
Chinese battery maker SVOLT has celebrated the production of its 10,000th electric vehicle battery pack at its factory in Thailand, underscoring the country’s emergence as a regional EV manufacturing hub.

Officials say the milestone reflects surging demand and Thailand’s strategy to position itself at the forefront of clean automotive technology.
Authorities warn of flooding and travel disruptions.
Thailand’s meteorological department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall as tropical storm Danas intensifies the annual monsoon.

Officials advise residents to brace for potential flooding and landslides, with emergency services on alert and travel disruptions expected across affected regions.
Officials aim to protect industry and employment from U.S. levy.
In a bid to avoid the full brunt of a 36% tariff on exports to the United States, Thailand has offered further trade concessions aimed at satisfying American demands for improved market access.

Government officials stress the need to safeguard critical industries and jobs that rely on robust trade ties with Washington.
New laws aim to stem inflows of foreign trash and boost sustainability.
Malaysia has passed tougher laws to curb the import of plastic waste, drawing praise from environmental groups that say the country has long been a dumping ground for foreign trash.

Officials argue the stricter regulations will reduce pollution, support recycling industries, and promote a more sustainable waste management system.
First Asia trip for new Secretary of State comes as trade conflict heats up.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Malaysia for ASEAN meetings this week, marking his first official visit to Asia.

The trip comes as new American tariffs on Malaysian exports fuel diplomatic tensions, with both sides expected to address trade frictions and regional security challenges during high-level talks.
Trade ministry says it remains committed to a fair deal with Washington.
Malaysia’s trade ministry has pledged to continue engagement with the United States despite the announcement of 25% tariffs on Malaysian goods.

Officials say they remain committed to finding a balanced solution that preserves vital trade flows while addressing American concerns over market access and supply chain security.
Airline group commits to major fleet expansion despite tariff headwinds.
Malaysia Aviation Group has confirmed a major order for 20 additional Airbus A330neo jets, signaling long-term confidence in aviation growth despite looming trade tensions.

The move reflects the airline’s strategy to modernize its fleet, expand regional routes, and compete more effectively in Asia’s fast-recovering travel market.
Economists see potential cut as trade tensions cloud growth outlook.
Malaysia’s central bank is weighing its first interest rate cut in five years as economists warn that new U.S. tariffs could dampen exports and slow growth.

Analysts say policymakers face a delicate balancing act to support domestic demand while guarding against inflation risks and financial market volatility.
Strong second-quarter growth highlights country’s tech ambitions.
Malaysia’s digital sector attracted more than $6.19 billion in new investment in the second quarter of 2025, a 125% increase from the previous quarter.

Officials say the surge underscores the country’s ambitions to position itself as a Southeast Asian technology hub while diversifying its economy and creating high-skilled jobs.
Officials aim to prevent damage to trade ties after sudden tariff announcement.
Malaysia’s government has requested urgent trade talks with the United States after Washington announced a 25% tariff on Malaysian goods.

Trade officials say they are committed to a fair, balanced deal and hope to avert lasting damage to economic ties that support billions in annual commerce between the two countries.
Report says U.S. weighing new limits on sales to Malaysia and Thailand.
Reports indicate the United States is preparing to restrict exports of advanced AI chips to Malaysia and Thailand as part of broader efforts to curb China’s tech ambitions.

Industry leaders warn the move could hurt Malaysia’s growing semiconductor sector, which plays a critical role in global electronics supply chains.
Trade move targets 14 countries, intensifying global economic tensions.
Former President Donald Trump has imposed new 25% tariffs on all Malaysian exports to the United States as part of a sweeping trade crackdown affecting 14 countries.

The administration argues the move will protect American industry, but critics warn it risks inflaming diplomatic relations and disrupting global supply chains.
New trade measures target 14 countries with steep penalties on select imports.
Former President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs, including a 40% duty on imports from Myanmar and Laos, as part of a broader plan hitting 14 countries with punitive rates.

The move is intended to counter what Trump describes as unfair trade practices, but critics warn it could strain diplomatic ties and raise consumer prices.
Move seen as response to international criticism over recruitment practices.
Myanmar’s military junta has released 93 child soldiers following sustained international pressure and condemnation from the United Nations.

Human rights groups have welcomed the move but continue to call for stronger protections and accountability to end the long-standing practice of recruiting minors into armed conflict.
Refugees cross into India’s northeast amid clashes between junta and ethnic forces.
Intensifying clashes in Myanmar’s Chin State have forced thousands of civilians to flee across the border into India’s northeast, straining resources in border states like Mizoram.

Officials report ongoing efforts to shelter and support the displaced as humanitarian agencies warn of growing needs amid continued violence.
Disaster survivors still struggle with damaged infrastructure and aid gaps.
One hundred days after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, thousands of survivors remain in precarious conditions with limited access to adequate housing, healthcare, and clean water.

Aid organizations report that rebuilding efforts have been hampered by funding shortfalls and ongoing political instability, leaving many communities vulnerable.
Fighting in Kachin state threatens critical mining operations vital to global tech supply chains.
Escalating clashes between Myanmar’s military and Kachin Independence Army rebels threaten China’s crucial supply of heavy rare earths, raising alarm in global technology markets.

The conflict has disrupted mining operations in northern Myanmar, forcing Chinese buyers to weigh alternative sourcing as geopolitical risks mount.
Industry braces for massive payouts following destructive cross-border quake.
Insurance industry analysts estimate claims could exceed $1.5 billion after the recent earthquake that struck border regions of Myanmar and Thailand.

The quake caused widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture, highlighting gaps in preparedness and spurring calls for stronger disaster mitigation measures across the region.
Health authorities warn of serious risks to communities relying on river water.
Health officials in Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar have sounded the alarm over dangerous levels of arsenic contamination detected in stretches of the Mekong River.

Experts warn that prolonged exposure poses severe health risks to millions who depend on the river for drinking water, irrigation, and fishing, prompting calls for urgent mitigation efforts.
Thousands flee fighting between junta forces and ethnic armed groups.
Heavy fighting between Myanmar’s military junta and ethnic resistance forces has triggered a fresh wave of refugees crossing into India’s Mizoram state, with officials confirming over 4,000 new arrivals.

Local authorities and aid groups are scrambling to provide shelter and relief as the humanitarian crisis along the border deepens.
Diplomats seek common ground as tensions overshadow economic goals.
ASEAN foreign ministers gathering in Kuala Lumpur face mounting pressure to address the worsening crisis in Myanmar alongside rising trade tensions sparked by new U.S. tariffs.

Analysts say the bloc must balance calls for stronger action on human rights with maintaining regional economic stability and diplomatic ties.
Minority groups demand accountability as global attention returns to rights abuses.
Myanmar’s military rulers are under renewed scrutiny at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where Rohingya and other minority groups are calling for stronger international pressure to hold the junta accountable for abuses.

Advocates argue that meaningful action is essential to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice for victims.
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