Immigration rules are discouraging a growing number of air travellers from visiting certain destinations, a global aviation survey has found, while geopolitical tensions are also influencing travel decisions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), an airline industry body, said its annual Global Passenger Survey found that 43 per cent of respondents had been put off from visiting certain destinations by immigration requirements, up from 33 per cent last year, while 72 per cent of those deterred by geopolitical conflicts cited safety concerns as their main reason.
“Passengers are embracing technology to make travel easier. Yet many travellers continue to face barriers from complex immigration and visa processes,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice-president for operations, safety and security.