UK’s ETA just weeks away
Most overseas visitors to the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 8 January 2025. Without one, there is a risk that passengers heading for the UK could be denied boarding. This includes infants and children.
To receive an ETA, travellers must fill out an online form and pay a £10 fee (approximately US $12.75).
Applicants should hear if their authorisation has been approved in a few hours, but in some cases, a decision may take up to three business days.
The authorisation is valid for multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months and is good for a two-year period or until the traveller’s passport expires – whichever comes first.
“This expansion of ETA is a significant step forward in delivering a border that’s efficient and fit for the digital age,” said Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship.
Pick-Roll courts basketball lovers
This one for basketball lovers and those who love to skip and jump to keep fit.
Pick-Roll is the first geolocated app that helps basketball lovers find nearby courts, gyms and teammates while on holiday or travelling.
The app allows users to discover courts around the world — not just in the major cities—and connect with other players for pick-up games.
Founded by Italian Dario Ferretti, Pick-Roll has grown to more than 100,000 users worldwide. With features like court location, player ratings and check-ins. Pick-Roll says it is “uniting the global basketball community and making the sport more and more inclusive”.
ONYX and Traveloka work in tandem
South-east Asian travel platform Traveloka, has partnered with Thai management company ONYX Hospitality Group to drive further growth and enhanced visibility for ONYX properties.
ONYX Hospitality Group is targeting the management of more than 50 hotels and residences by 2025 and 70 by 2028.
Bharath Satyavolu, vice president of commercial at ONYX Hospitality Group, said, “By combining ONYX’s tailored approach with Traveloka’s expertise, we are confident that this collaboration will drive significant results and serve as a powerful catalyst for growth, benefiting both parties and supporting the region’s tourism recovery.”
Taxi! Japan hails autonomous service
Google sister company Waymo plans to test its autonomous taxi service on the streets of Tokyo next year.
Nikkei Asia says Japan will be first place outside the US that will host testing by Waymo, which will work with Japanese partners GO, the taxi-hailing platform, and taxi operator Nihon Kotsu.
Tokyo has a shortage of taxicab drivers, something the autonomous service may help to fix.
Still with taxis, Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup officially launched its electric taxi service, Xanh SM, in Jakarta this week, following a trial during which it offered free rides to users.
Xanh SM will begin with 1,000 taxis, operating exclusively electric cars manufactured by VinFast, a Vingroup subsidiary. It aims to expand its fleet in Indonesia up to tenfold next year.
Travel & Tech Asia 2025 heading to Bangkok
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and exhibition company VNU Asia Pacific have signed an agreement to drive advancements in travel technology across the Asia Pacific region.
The strategic collaboration will spearhead the inaugural Travel & Tech Asia 2025, scheduled for 2-3 July July 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Conference Centre in Bangkok.
