The Covid-19 vaccination race in southeast asia

The Covid-19 vaccination race in southeast asia| Update 30th July 

Cambodia

On July 23, Cambodia received the first 330,000 of an expected 1 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses donated by Japan through COVAX.

On July 23, Cambodia extended ongoing business and gathering restrictions in Phnom Penh through at least August 6. Schools and high-risk businesses such as casinos, cinemas, nightclubs, and sports centers will remain closed. Gatherings continue to be limited to 15 people, except for family members living in the same residence and for funerals.

On July 27, the Ministry of Health announced that the state-licensed Pharmaceutical Export-Import Institution can apply to import Covid-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and distribute them to private healthcare providers.

Indonesia

On July 23, the Indonesian government tightened restrictions on foreign workers arriving in the country.

The Indonesian government on July 25 extended the emergency public activity movement restrictions (PPKM) until August 2.

The government on July 25 announced that small businesses and select shopping malls would reopen despite the extension of Covid-19 restrictions.

On July 26, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that Indonesia expects to receive 45 million doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Sinovac vaccines in August.

The government on July 26 delayed plans to establish a travel corridor with Singapore.

Pharmaceutical company PT Kimia Farma on July 27 postponed a planned program for individuals to purchase their own vaccines over concerns that it would halt the distribution of vaccines to underprivileged populations.

Laos
On July 19, the United States delivered over 1 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines to Laos through COVAX.

On July 25, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control ordered the deployment of medical staff, medicines, and equipment to provinces that are overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.

On July 26, the Ministry of Health announced it would increase the duration of quarantine and medical supervision for workers returning to Laos from international countries.

On July 26, Lao authorities in Champasack Province began administering Johnson & Johnson vaccines to the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

On July 26, China announced that it would deliver 1 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to Laos.

On July 27, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control announced that the United Kingdom would provide 415,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Laos in August.

On July 28, the Lao government instructed the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism to coordinate with localities nationwide to prepare to reopen the tourism industry with Covid-19 restrictions in place.

Malaysia

The Malaysian government on July 26 announced that it would not extend the country’s state of emergency, which was set to expire on August 1. Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan surprised and confused opposition lawmakers by announcing that the government had actually lifted all emergency ordinances five days earlier without informing the public.

Myanmar

The government on July 21 locked down a camp holding 3,000 internally displaced persons in Kachin State due to Covid-19 spread.

On July 22, the junta reported that 736,000 Sinopharm vaccines arrived in Myanmar from China.

On July 24, the Kachin Independence Army said it had received 10,000 vaccines from Chinese authorities in Yunnan Province.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on July 28 that the Singapore Red Cross will send 200 oxygen concentrators to the Myanmar Red Cross Society.

On July 28, the Kachin Independence Army announced it will carry out Covid-19 testing in areas under its control in northern Myanmar.

The Philippines

COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines started in March 2021 and the country aims to vaccinate 58 million people by the end of the year.

The government on July 23 ordered children ages 5 to 17 to stay at home.

The Philippines suspended travel from Malaysia and Thailand and tightened restrictions in the Manila area until the end of the month.
As of July 23, 2021, around 17 million doses of the China-based vaccine brand Sinovac arrived in the Philippines. This was followed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, with 6.86 million and 3.24 million vaccine doses, respectively.

Thailand

U.S. senator Tammy Duckworth on July 22 announced that the United States will donate at least 1.5 million Covid-19 vaccines to Thailand. Duckworth is Thai-American.

The Bangkok government announced on July 23 that it is immediately opening 23 Covid-19 community isolation centers and will open 53 total centers by early August for individuals waiting for admission to hospitals.

The Thai Red Cross Society on July 24 announced a deal with the local importer of Moderna’s vaccine to procure the company’s second-generation Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available in 2022.

The Chulabhorn Royal Academy announced on July 24 that King Maha Vajiralongkorn had donated more than $85 million for the procurement of medical supplies and equipment.

The Disease Control Department, the Central Vaccination Centre, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry began a vaccine drive targeting elderly foreigners on July 19.

Thailand on July 28 received 1.5 million Pfizer vaccine doses from the United States. The Public Health Ministry announced the day before that 700,000 of the first batch of vaccines would be reserved for frontline healthcare workers, while the remaining doses would mostly be given to senior citizens, those with preexisting conditions, and pregnant women.

The National Economic and Social Development Council announced on July 28 that visitors in the Phuket Sandbox program may travel outside the province starting August 1.

A Thai Buddhist monk receives a shot of Sinovac vaccine during a coronavirus vaccination drive at the Priest Hospital in Bangkok on May 18. Vichan Poti/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Singapore

Singapore on July 22 returned to its Phase 2 (heightened alert) status, putting in place enhanced restrictions including limiting social gatherings to two people and banning indoor and outdoor dining.

Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on July 26 announced that all households in Singapore will receive Covid-19 self-testing kits.

Singapore’s Expert Committee on Covid-19 Vaccination on July 28 announced that individuals who are severely immunocompromised can now receive the Covid-19 vaccine

Vietnam

The government on July 22 authorized the T&T Group to purchase 40 million Sputnik V vaccines from Russia without using state funds. The Vietnamese government will be responsible for licensing import, inspection, and organizing free injection programs for all the doses.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam announced on July 22 that it will only permit two roundtrip flights per day between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam received more than 1.2 million AstraZeneca vaccines on July 23 as part of the contract between AstraZeneca Vietnam and the Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company.

Vietnam on July 24 instituted a 15-day lockdown prohibiting more than two people from meeting in public in Hanoi.

Vietnam on July 24 and 25 received a donation of 3 million Moderna doses from the United States through COVAX.

Vietnam on July 26 began piloting a new program in Ho Chi Minh City to allow asymptomatic Covid-19 patients to quarantine at home.

Ho Chi Minh City on July 26 banned residents from leaving their homes between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. except for medical emergencies, Covid-19 response efforts, news reporting and delivery, and other essential work.

On July 27, the Ministry of Health announced that Vietnamese firms AIC and Vabiotech had signed a deal with Japan’s Shionogi & Co to locally produce Covid-19 vaccines based on recombinant DNA protein technology.

On July 29th Vietnam is set to receive 665,000 COVID-19 vaccine donations from the governments of the UK and the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has announced.
This equals the share of people who have received all doses prescribed by the vaccination protocolas of July 22

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Southeast Asia Travel News| Update 29th July

Southeast Asia Travel News| Update 29th July

Bangkok Airways to resume its first international flight (Samui – Singapore), starting from 1 August 2021
Starting from 1 August 2021, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited will resume its first international service between Samui and Singapore.
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More tourism workers in Boracay to receive COVID-19 jabs

Boracay Island, Philippines – The vaccination of tourism workers on Boracay Island received a boost yesterday Monday (July 26) with the arrival of an additional 10,000 doses of Sinovac anti-Covid vaccines as local tourist arrivals in the world famous island picked up.
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Finalists for the 2021 Experience Mekong Showcases Announced
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office is announcing the 15 Finalists of the Experience Mekong Showcases 2021 from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as Guangxi and Yunnan in China.
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British Airways calls for end to quarantine for vaccinated travellers

The results of a joint UK proving trial established by Heathrow, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have demonstrated the UK government can rapidly expand its amber policy and remove self-isolation for fully vaccinated US and EU citizens arriving into the UK.
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SQ firms up flights in August
Singapore Airlines will resume more services in its worldwide network but due to the Covid-19 crisis in Southeast Asia flights remain limited to just five capital cities.
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Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 28th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 28th July

Laos Prepares for Reopening of Tourism Under New Normal Conditions
The government of Laos has instructed the tourism ministry to coordinate with localities around the country to prepare for the reopening of tourism under “new normal” conditions.
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World’s Greatest Places (TIME) calls Phu Quoc, Viet Nam

TIME magazine has just announced the list of 100 extraordinary destinations to explore (World’s Greatest Places of 2021) based on nominations of international network of correspondents and contributors. Phu Quoc is one of 3 Vietnam’s places in the list, beside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

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Singapore aims for quarantine-free travel by September

Singapore is considering to allow quarantine-free travel for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 from as early as September.

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Malaysia projects most states to move into final phase of National Recovery Plan in October
The Malaysian government anticipates that most of the country’s 13 states will move into the final phase four of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in October.
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ASEAN governments urged to work on a digital vaccine certificate to kickstart tourism recovery
The Federation of ASEAN Travel Association (FATA) is calling on South-east Asian governments to work out a common and acceptable vaccine passport protocol to jumpstart intra-regional travel.

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Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 27th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 27th July

Vietnamese opt for sustainable tourism after COVID-19
The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the perception of Vietnamese holidaymakers in a more sustainable way. So what is sustainable tourism?
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Inside luxury resorts, outdoor theaters offer new travel experience
Resorts in popular tourist destinations across Vietnam have set up outdoor cinemas surrounded by mountain ranges or palm forest, or beside the beach and in parking lots.
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Thai tourism likely to hit rock bottom this year
The Tourism Authority of Thailand says both international and domestic tourism are likely to drop to an all-time low this year. The Bangkok Post reports that the TAT predicts international arrivals may only number 1 million, with domestic tourism dropping to just 50 – 60 million trips.
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The Maldives is the country people are most looking forward to visiting post-Covid
Despite the high levels of COVID-19 present in the country, India is in second place with 130,750 monthly average searches. In third place is Greece with 108,780 searches per month.
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Philippines reiterates call for safe travel amid stricter quarantine measure
The Department of Tourism (DOT) of The Philippines reiterated its call for safe personal travels as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) placed Metro Manila and other areas under a stricter quarantine measure to prevent local transmission of the Delta Variant of COVID-19.
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Pangkor Island Malaysia is set to be the next Covid-19 free destination
Lumut, Malaysia – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia has started its second phase of the Tourism Recovery Plan in Pangkor Island, Perak, with a mass vaccination programme to prepare the island as the next Covid-19 Free Destination.
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Where can you visit Thailand beyond Phuket in 2021?

Thailand has surged ahead with its plans to restart tourism after deeming a pilot programme in Phuket to be a success. Now they are planning to reopen for vaccinated travellers to Koh Samui, Tao and Phangan in Surat Thani Province.  The Tourism Authority of Thailand expecting about 1,000 foreign tourists to arrive in  between its July 15 reopening date and Sunday, August 15.
Koh Samui
One of Thailand’s most famous islands, Koh Samui is known for its palm-tree lined beaches, pristine waters and bustling nightlife. In any other year, the island would be thronging with tourists at this time. Appealing to the masses with everything from luxury five-star resorts to budget backpacker hostels, a visit now might be one of the only times you can go to see the island without the crowds it has become known for. Beaches on Koh Samui are aplenty, as are waterfalls and Buddha statues, the most famous being the island’s Big Buddha.

Koh Tao

Only accessible by boat, Koh Tao is the smallest and quietest of the newly reopened islands and has been a favourite with scuba divers for decades, thanks to cheap instruction and equipment hire, coupled with incredible marine life.

The island has plenty to offer above the water, too. Its volcanic rock surface is home to several climbing routes, providing hikes with abseiling, bouldering and amazing viewpoints, not to mention pristine beaches and lush green jungles.

Koh Phanghan

Thailand’s fifth-largest island, Koh Phanghan, is only 12 kilometres from Koh Samui and is best-known for being home to the original Full Moon Party, an all-night beach shindig that has been running for nearly four decades.

It also boasts beautiful bays, mountainous jungle with waterfalls and mountain pools, as well as plenty of yoga and nature resorts for those seeking to get away from it all.

What are the new rules to visit the islands?
Under the Samui Plus rules, a mandatory two-week quarantine for inoculated visitors is now waived so long as tourists can meet certain requirements.

“The reopening of Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao to tourism is another significant step towards achieving the Thai prime minister’s recently announced policy of reopening the whole country within 120 days, or by the end of October,” said Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

If you’re planning a visit to one of the islands, here’s what you need to take note of:

· Tourists must have a passport with at least six months validity.

· Travellers need to have been in an approved country for 21 days or more – the UAE is on the approved list of destinations which can be seen here.

· All overseas visitors must be fully vaccinated with a jab approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health or the World Health Organisation. This includes the Sinopharm vaccine.

· Proof of return air travel may be provided.

· Overseas visitors need to book to stay in a Samui Extra Plus hotel for the first seven days of any trip, and at an SHA Plus hotel for any remaining days. You can find information on which hotels are approved via the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website.

· Accommodation must be booked and paid for in advance and all required PCR tests must also be prepaid.

· All tourists need to have travel insurance with Covid-19 treatment coverage of at least US$100,000

· Travellers need to apply to visit to Thailand and can do so online here. If applications are approved, travellers will be notified.

PCR testing in Thailand
All visitors from overseas must have tested negative for Covid-19 no longer than 72 hours before travel.

Once in the country, further testing is required, with tourists having to undergo a test on arrival at their own expense. They must then isolate in their hotel until the result is ready, typically for a period of one day.Further PCR tests will be required. Those staying less than seven days must take a test on day six, and visitors staying 10 to 14 days must also take a test on day 12. If travellers are staying less than five days in the country, no additional PCR test is needed.

For the first three days of all trips, travellers must stay inside their initial hotel but can use the facilities such as pools and beaches so long a negative result has been received.

On day four, tourists can travel within designated routes and on tour programmes on Koh Samui island only.
From days eight to 14, tourists can travel within Koh Samui, Ko Phangan and Koh Tao. By day 15, if the final PCR test taken on day 12 is negative, tourists can travel anywhere in the country.

The Samui Plus programme is set be in operation for travel to the province between July and December.

How can I get to the islands?
Travellers can fly to Koh Samui on a direct international flight or an international flight via Bangkok, and connect on approved sealed flights to the islands, which are operated via Bangkok Airways.

Tickets must be issued on the same booking. Both Emirates and Etihad Airways operate from the UAE to Bangkok.

When will the rest of Thailand reopen to international tourists?
The next Thai destinations to reopen to visitors are set to be Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Buriram Phang Nga, with reopening scheduled for Wednesday, September 1.

Bangkok and Hua Hin are scheduled for a Friday, October 1 opening, with the rest of the country set to reopen gradually through the remainder of the month.
Source: Thenationalnews

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Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 22 July

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 22 July

Hua Hin aims to reopen to international travellers October 1
Following in the intrepid footsteps of Phuket and now Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, the coastal city of Hua Hin has set its sights on reopening to international travellers on October 1. The provincial governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan made the announcement today despite Covid-19 infection numbers growing in the province.
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Siargao among Time magazine’s greatest places of 2021 list
Siargao Island made it into Time magazine’s list of “greatest places” in 2021, which recognizes destinations that were able to adapt and innovate despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
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Thailand suspends domestic flights in Covid-risk areas
Airlines in Thailand have halted domestic flights through end of this month, as authorities further tighten travel restrictions in response to several consecutive days of record infections.
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Fansipan: 1 of 5 out-of-this-world destinations to explore ‘space tourism’ without leaving Earth
The first successful test of recreational space travel on July 11 has many people aiming for the prospect of “space tourism”. Before realising this “luxury” dream, visitors can experience “space tourism” without leaving Earth. Fansipan peak is one of the rare destinations that help visitors get this experience.
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Hotelbeds signs preferred agreement with RedDoorz to expand portfolio in Southeast Asia
Hotelbeds has announced a preferred partnership with RedDoorz expanding its portfolio in Southeast Asia.

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Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 21st July

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 21st July

TOURISM Phang Nga and Krabi hope to re-open to foreign tourists under “Andaman Sandbox”
On August 1, the Tourism Authority of Thailand hopes to launch the “Andaman Sandbox”, allowing Phang Nga and Krabi to re-open to foreign tourism.
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Travel firms look forward to a safe tourism map of Vietnam
Many travel businesses are looking forward to the introduction of Vietnam’s safe tourism map to “live in peace” with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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More hotels in Malaysia will shut down before they’re allowed to reopen again
The hospitality sector in Malaysia will likely crumble before Covid-19 cases are kept under control and hotels are allowed to operate again.

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Could Sarawak be first on Malaysia’s reopening plan?
More than 2,000 of Sarawak’s tourism and business events industry professionals got fully vaccination as of 18 July, bringing the state a step closer to its reopening dreams.

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Canada to reopen for international travel from Sept 7
The Canadian government has said that it intends to open Canada’s borders to fully vaccinated travellers from September 7.
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Phu Quoc to welcome foreign visitors with vaccine passports by October

Phu Quoc Island, in Kien Giang province, expects to welcome international visitors with vaccine passports beginning in October.

This program is designed to gradually restore the international tourism market and the local tourism industry while showcasing Vietnam as a safe and attractive destination with effective pandemic prevention and control measures.

We have an interview with Mr. Pham Ha, president and CEO of Lux Group, on how to prepare, what products, and which markets are sourced to put Phu Quoc at the front of the minds of high-end holidaymakers both Vietnamese and foreign.

– If the scheme gets the green light, which source markets do you expect to return to Vietnam first and have you started selling/ promoting Phu Quoc to any markets?

Phu Quoc can follow Phu Ket to reopen for tourism for key selected markets. October is the season for European and Russian holidaymakers. We should focus on quality rather than quantity: travelers looking for isolated places, straight-to-the-sun getaways, less visited destinations, or niche tourism products after Covid 19. Phu Quoc is also expected to attract vaccinated travelers from Singapore and South Korea thanks to short and convenient flights.

– Do you envisage any challenges with the proposed scheme?

October is approaching very fast and preparations are needed to accelerate the process like clear guidelines, safety regulations, and ensuring locals are vaccinated. This should create the green zone and promote suitable products such as beach holidays, golf tours, cruises, and wellness travel packages. We do not know all the regulations so far and which hotels will be equipped to accommodate guests. Big guys like Vin offer packages of 7-14 nights, however our German guests do not want to stay in these big resorts, but prefer small resorts with few rooms. When we’ve contacted the small resorts, unfortunately they don’t always know how to conform to the regulations.

– What does the country’s tourism industry need to do now to prepare to welcome tourists after such a long down time?

We face a shortage of quality tourism workers. We’ve done some research and development of products by ourselves. The government and tourism bodies are involved in telling us the behavior of travelers, which products they prefer, and how to attract them. Positioning and marketing is not as good as expected, almost no marketing activities have taken place since the outbreak of Covid 19. We need to take steps toward opening our market sources so we can advise our agents and b2c clients.

-Have you developed any new products/ packages for Phu Quoc to cater to the predicted new demand from tourists (eg nature/ space etc)

Lux Group will bring 2 brand new Emperor Cruises and Heritage Cruises to Phu Quoc next year. Indeed, Phu Quoc Island is a year-round destination, for both Vietnamese and foreign holidaymakers as a beach and maritime destination. All branded hotels and resorts there are famous. Phu Quoc could compete with Phu Ket for attracting quality travelers. The destination should focus on training quality workers and creating better environmental standards which are cleaner, greener. Free Visas for extended stays, entertainment products, night-life activities, and new creative products should be added or renewed to satisfy travelers. Allow people to come to the island easier and when there, they will have more fun and leave satisfied.

– what do you see as being the ideal next steps for Vietnam’s tourism industry after this?

Covid 19 set Vietnam tourism back 5 years and erased our memory as to the best way to attract travelers. The unique difference in Asia is that Vietnam has it all: nature, culture, food and people. Vietnam should position itself as the leading heritage destination in Asia including cultural and natural heritages or maritime destinations. Halong Bay, Lan Ha, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc are the maritime destinations, travelers must go there. We must create more beautiful experiential travel experiences, develop infrastructure every year, facilitate visas, improve service with qualified tourism workers, ensure the destination is sustainable and green. Vietnam should be promoted properly in the world with a clear message, and if so people will come and come again for holiday in Vietnam and Phu Quoc in particular.

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Southeast Asia Travel News| Update 20th July

Southeast Asia Travel News| Update 20th July

6,800 tourism staff in Quang Ninh got Covid vaccine
A total of 6,800 tourist accommodation and cruise ship employees in Quang Ninh have received their first Covid vaccine shots as the province tries to revive its crippled tourism industry.
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Sri Lanka exempts fully vaccinated travellers from quarantine as vaccination drive gains steam
Sri Lanka is now allowing fully vaccinated international travellers to enter the country without undergoing quarantine.
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Travel unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, say industry experts
One-third of travel industry experts in Asia-Pacific expect travel to resume to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

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Langkawi could reopen in September

Langkawi launches a mass vaccination project for the residents on this island with hoping to welcome tourists here soon.
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No dining in, social group sizes cut to 2 from July 22 as S’pore returns to phase 2
COVID- 19, from Thursday (July 22) to Aug 18, Singapore goes back to phase two (heightened alert) to stem the recent spike in community cases.
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Phuket tightens up Covid-19 restrictions

Phuket has heightened Covid-19 control measures as the number of new cases there has risen slightly to keep the situation under control and the Phuket Sandbox tourism reopening programme going.

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Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 13th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 13th July

Vietnam Airlines to resume certain Asia, Europe commercial flights | Airlines
Vietnam Airlines will reopen international commercial flights connecting Hanoi and HCMC with Australia along with several Asian and European destinations starting this week.
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Finnair plans new flights to Thailand | Airlines

Finnair will launch nonstop flights from Arlanda, Stockholm in Sweden to Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand and Miami in the United States effective October for the winter timetable 2021/2022
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The 20 Safest Airlines & Malaysia’s Newest Travel App

The airline industry has taken the need for evolution in stride. As can be seen in this list of the 20 safest airlines for 2021 and the launch of Malaysia Aviation Group’s Journey
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Vietnam plans to receive 40,000 international visitors with vaccine passports
Vietnam planned to receive international tourists with vaccine passports in the Mekong Delta Province of Kien Giang’s Phu Quoc Island by air, via charter flights or commercial flights from October 2021.
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Centara Reserve Samui opens in August

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces the much-anticipated opening date of Centara Reserve Samui in August 2021.
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Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 14th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 14th July

Koh Samui’s tourism hopes pinned on international travellers | Thailand

Thailand’s island-focused international travel reopening plan is set to roll out in Koh Samui on July 15.
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Langkawi eyed as a launchpad for Malaysia’s tourism comeback | Malaysia
Langkawi is planning to reopen its doors to foreign travellers soon. They have promoted as a Covid-free destination, under a pilot project by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) to kickstart the country’s tourism recovery.
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British travel magazine names Phu Yen hotel among world’s best | Vietnam
Condé Nast Traveler has listed Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho in Phu Yen Province among the world’s 69 best new hotels in 2021.
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DOT-7 to launch new diving site in southwest Cebu town
The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) is launching a new diving destination in the town of Aloguinsan in southwestern Cebu.
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Laos to Develop Sustainable Tourism Sites in Champasack | Laos
The government plans to develop the Dong Hua Sao National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area and the Xe Pian National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area in Champasack provinces as ecotourism sites as part of efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
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Trends shaping Tourism After Covid-19

In this fickle world where everything constantly shifts from time to time, no industry remains the same without trends and innovations. The tourism industry is no exception. New travel trends are involving and appearing every day. Have you ever wondered how the new travel trends will be like once the Covid-19 is gone? If you want to know the top 7 new tourism trends:

1. Destination Trends:
Due to fears that the epidemic will affect their trips, tourists will choose open destinations declared as “green zones” for Covid-19, with a commitment to “air travel”. The so-called “tourist bubble” is a new concept of a safe, controlled form of travel conducted between two certain destinations. In addition, resorts with certificates of safety measures against Covid-19 will bring confidence to tourists. A planned travel bubble between Singapore and Australia is “more likely to happen” towards the end of 2021, said Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan. Several months ago, Some countries in Southeast Asia also discussed the travel bubble in the area.

2. Planning and Booking Trends
European travelers often planned their trip and booked services long before their departure. However, in times of uncertainty, shorter booking timeframes will help mitigate the risk of travel policy changes and mobility restrictions. They tend to wait until the last minute to book accommodation, as they perceived it would be harder to cancel and get a refund for hotel bookings than flight tickets. To adapt to the “shorter timeframes” trend, tourism enterprises have changed booking terms and conditions towards flexibility. With rapidly changing travel policies and regulations, allowing travelers to change hotel reservations or flight tickets at no extra charge seems the only way to give travelers a nudge to book confidently.

In times of disruption and uncertainty, travelers are in dire need of an invaluable source of information to keep informed of the latest coronavirus news. Covid-19 underlines the critical role of travel agents, they not only sell tours and events like before but also have fountains of knowledge and information. Travel agents respond to all requirements since they offer travel advice, implement the best flight plans, provide the latest news on health and safety standards, and help tourists cancel and get a refund for flight tickets and hotel bookings.

3. Transportation & Accommodations Trends:

Travellers prefer private transportation without sharing with others. If they can choose, they will move around by car/train instead of taking a flight.

– Guests tend to choose separate resorts which are far from the center or hideaway hotel lists. The reason is that they want to have their own time to take a rest and relax with their family
– The young travellers trend to choose hotels which are equipped with contact restriction to avoid socializing with others during the epidemic.
– The hotels/ resorts need to ensure the protection standards such as cleaning, disinfection, designing private places for serving eating or distance socialize for travellers.
– Customers tend to want to stay longer at the place of stay because of the spread of disease and the services at the accommodation also need to be diversified. Each property can also be viewed as a destination for guests to explore.

4. Slow Travel Trends:
Slow travel could become the next big tourism trend, according to data and analytics company GlobalData. This is due to a combination of pent-up demand for immersive travel experiences with no set time limit, and tourists opting for longer stays due to many being able to work remotely.

Slow travel refers to when travellers spend longer in a destination, prioritising connecting with local people, culture, food, and music. According to GlobalData, this makes slower travel more sustainable for the environment and more profitable for local communities.

5. Nature and Wellness Activities Trends:

In the viral age, the quest for improved health and immunity will be a powerful motivation for tourists globally, who will be seeking out places that boost their wellbeing. The travellers tend to need their holidays which combine the natural and healthy activities. Instead of traditional sightseeing tours, they prefer soft adventure activities to explore nature such as cycling, trekking through the tropical forests, diving in the sea. Southeast Asia is known well for the most breathtaking scenery, beaches and islands. It will be an ideal destination for designing any outdoor activities in nature. Besides physical activities, travellers also need programs that help them to recover their mental health. Therefore, wellness and retreat programs are a growing trend in tourism in the future. The hideaway resorts specialize in organizing wellness and retreat activities always attract travellers.  The travellers tend to seek “the off beaten track”  places to discover.

6. Size of Travellers:

Solo travel will become a new normal in the next couple of years. While some people are still enjoying going with a big group with friends or family, some are choosing to be on their own. Besides, due to the new social practice that tells people to avoid the crowd, it is no surprise to see more and more people enjoy some lone times. If travellers go following the group, the size of the group will be small from 2 to 4 people.

7. Responsible Travel:
According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves education”. It takes many forms and has been a type of travel that has grown in popularity over the past decade.
In the wake of the pandemic, people will be thinking far more carefully about the way they travel and seeking out hotels and companies that are doing everything they can to minimise their impact on the planet. We can also expect accreditation to gain prominence, as consumers look for reassurance from legitimate “eco-tourism” and “carbon negative” certifications.

 

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The Best Places to Visit in July in Southeast Asia

The Best Places to Visit in July in Southeast Asia

July and August bring the summer holidays for everyone. Most places in Southeast Asia are hot and wet during summer unless you head to milder climates at higher elevations. Urban heat in big capital cities can become oppressive. July – This is a good month for taking advantage of the monsoon season’s lower prices with less crowd of tourists. If you want to get away from the heat and crowds in popular European holiday destinations, you may spend the Summer in Southeast Asia. Here are some recommendations for places to visit in July in Southeast Asia.

1. Koh Samui Archipelago, Thailand

While it is the rainy season throughout a lot of Thailand during July, there is a slice of paradise off the East Coast where you can enjoy sunny days in July. This is the Koh Samui Archipelago and it consists of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

By travelling to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in July, you can get wonderfully sunny days as well as cheaper accommodation prices.

There are plenty of things to do on these islands such as the ever-popular Full Moon party held each month in Koh Phangan. This massive event is super popular with backpackers in Thailand. I am not so much of a partier so instead, I hired a scooter to find the top beaches in Koh Phangan. Though, if you love discovering life underwater Koh Tao provides plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, diving and free diving.

Either way, the gorgeous Koh Samui Archipelago in Thailand has some impressive islands with plenty of things to keep you busy. So, if you are looking for where to go on holiday in July and looking for a cheap holiday destination in July, I highly recommend either Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.

2. Sapa | Vietnam

The summer months are the perfect time to visit Sapa in Northern Vietnam. Sapa’s elevation high up in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountain Range keeps it nice and cool during the summer months, which is rare in Southeast Asia. Due to its unique climate and location, this region only gets one rice crop per year and the terraces are bright green and full of life in July & August. The extensive rice terraces that cover the tall hills and mountains are a photographers dream!

Hikers too will love trekking through the lush paddies, however, you should bring some gear that can withstand a few raindrops. Even though the temperatures are pleasant it does rain more than in the winter months. One of the best ways to experience Sapa, Vietnam is to hike to and sleep in a local village in a homestay with a Hmong family to get a glimpse into local life here. A trip here in the summer is one you won’t soon forget.

Source: Luxury Travel Vietnam

3.  Vientiane and Luangprabang | Laos

While Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, in general, is a laidback city, without the chaos of the other Southeast Asian Cities. In July and August, the crowds are much less on the streets of Vientiane. The weather isn’t that bad during these months with the low season bringing a little more rainfall and the rise of humidity. Therefore, if you want to go to a major city in Asia without chaos, no significant high-rise buildings and plenty of cultural attractions to visit. Surely that’s reason enough to put Vientiane on the list when organising your holidays in Asia during the Summer.

In addition to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are also good places to visit in Laos in the Summer. Here you can explore the beautiful culture and nature of Laos.

Source: Luxury Travel

4. The Royal Belum| Malaysia

Located in the state of Perak in Malaysia. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It’s the perfect place to see tropical plants and wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, wild boards, cobras. Although chances are slim, you may get a glimpse of Malaysian tigers and threatened gigantic Rafflesia! Another reason we recommend Belum is that unlike other National parks in Malaysia, it remains largely unknown to tourists. Not to worry though, there are a number of decent resorts nearby the state park to stay in and most resorts offer tour packages that include accommodation, breakfast and excursion. July is the coldest and driest month in Perak. it suitable for many types of activities such as river cruises, trekking, visiting the local tribe or bamboo rafting, fishing.

5. Gili Islands | Indonesia

The Gili Islands in Indonesia are idyllic year-round but for the best weather on the Gili Islands, I would recommend visiting in July as I did. The days are warm and sunny and perfect for relaxing on the beach or snorkelling. The Gili Islands are a small group of islands in the northwest of the Indonesian island of Lombok. The archipelago consists of the three sister islands Gili Meno, Gili Air and Gili Trawangan.

 

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Covid-19 in Southeast Asia | Update 9th July

COVID-19 Tightens Its Grip on Southeast Asia

At least half of the region’s 11 nations have seen record daily infection counts over the past week.
Pandemic records continue to tumble in Southeast Asia, as the region’s governments struggle to control a region-wide surge of COVID-19 infections that is scrambling well-laid reopening plans and pushing health systems to the verge of a breakdown.

Despite surviving the first year of the pandemic relatively unscathed, the region has been slammed by the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19 and hampered by ineffective administration and sluggish vaccine rollouts.

Over the past week, most of the region’s nations have announced record highs for coronavirus infections, deaths, or both.

Indonesia, the region’s largest country and its worst hit by COVID-19, has seen near-daily increases in the number of infections. It reported a new record of 38,391 cases yesterday, six times the number a month earlier, pushing its totals to nearly 2.4 million since the beginning of the pandemic. It has also seen almost 63,000 fatalities. Both are the highest figures in Southeast Asia.

The runaway outbreak has battered Indonesia’s health system, with hospitals on the densely populated island of Java straining and oxygen supplies running short. According to Reuters, four of five designated COVID-19 burial grounds in the capital Jakarta are close to full.

A record of 9,170 cases was also reported today in Malaysia, where the worsening COVID-19 infection rate – the worst in Southeast Asia in per capita terms – has now become a threat to the stability of the Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government. A key ally withdrew its support on Wednesday evening; among its main reasons was the government’s mishandling of the pandemic. The country’s looming public health and economic crisis are in danger of being compounded by a new iteration of the political crisis that has surrounded Muhyiddin’s administration for the past year.

In neighbouring Thailand, today brought a further record of 9,276 cases, following another record of 7,058 yesterday, prompting the government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration to impose further restrictions for a period of 14 days, including a night-time curfew, travel restrictions in Bangkok, and other restrictions in designated “red zones.”

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also announced that he would not take a salary for the next three months, intending to donate the resulting $11,500 to COVID-19 relief efforts – a decision that, given the former general’s considerable wealth, prompted much anger and mockery on social media.

In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City will go into lockdown for 15 days from midnight Thursday to head off its own outbreak. While the country’s infection rates remain modest in regional terms, Reuters noted that the country has seen more cases in the past three days than during the first 13 months of the pandemic. In recent, the number of new cases in Vietnam has increased by more than 1,000 new cases per day.

Crisis-hit Myanmar also saw more than 4,000 new cases for the first time yesterday – a figure that is probably much higher given the drop in testing efforts by the country’s military junta. While Cambodia has recorded its highest number of cases and deaths over the past two weeks.

This dire picture represents a turnabout from last year when many Southeast Asian nations were leading the world in the containment of COVID-19. Perhaps lured into an illusory state of complacency by its initial successes, the region is now as far from a return to normalcy as any region of the world.

Vaccination rates remain low, with 5.3 per cent of Indonesia’s population fully inoculated, 4.5 percent of Thailand’s, and 2.7 percent of people in the Philippines. Malaysia has done slightly better – it has fully vaccinated 9.6 percent of its 32 million people – while Cambodia has inoculated just over a fifth. (These statistics come care of the handy Our World In Data COVID-19 vaccine tracker.). Vietnam plans to have 8-10 million more doses of Covid-19 vaccine this July. About 19,000 injection sites will be mobilized to ensure speed for the largest Covid-19 vaccine campaign in history.

Southeast Asia’s sorry situation was reflected in the findings of the Nikkei COVID-19 Recovery Index, released earlier this week, which ranked 120 nations for their achievements in infection management, vaccination rollouts, and mobility.

Thailand came in at 118th position out of 120 countries, just ahead of Malaysia (114th), Indonesia (110th), the Philippines (108th), Vietnam and Cambodia (tying at 100th), and far astray of Laos (66th). The region’s outstanding performer was Singapore (12th), where nearly 38 percent of the population has now been fully vaccinated.

The frightening thing about the current situation is that there is little sign of immediate relief, given the increased contagiousness of new COVID-19 variants, continuing shortages of the most effective vaccines, and a combination of complacent leadership and distribution bottlenecks.

The heady days of late 2020, when pundits were puzzling over the low caseloads in countries like Thailand and Cambodia, now appear very far off. Absent another equally dramatic turnaround, Southeast Asia and its people stand on the verge of tragedy.

Southeast Asia Tracker      

 Source: csis.org. Update July 12

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Southeast Asia Travel News | update July 12

Southeast Asia Travel News | update July 12
New tourism development potential revealed through geological heritage study | Vietnam
The central province of Thừa Thiên-Huế should move toward combining ecotourism and geotourism to boost the local economy, specialists have suggested via a recent study on geological heritage in the region.
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Vietnam Airlines pilots digital health passport | Vietnam
The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines hopes that if the trial of “Digital health passport” is implemented successfully, the Government will consider and recognize this solution, towards promoting the resumption of international routes.
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Numbers of COVID-19 cases still on the rise in Southeast Asia| Southeast Asia
Several countries in Southeast Asia continued to witness new records in the numbers of new COVID-19 cases and related deaths on July 10.
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Boracay: Next stop for cyclists | Philippines
Boracay Island has rebranded as a sustainable destination and the next haven for cyclists.
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All Thai AirAsia July flights cancelled; airlines cope with lockdown | Thailand
In light of Bangkok’s new Covid-19 lockdown measures, Thai AirAsia has cancelled all their domestic flights in Thailand, while Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Smile, and Vietjet have introduced emergency measures for flight rescheduling.
Read more

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Is it worthy travelling to Southeast Asia during monsoon?

Is it worthy travelling to Southeast Asia during the monsoon?

Traveling to Southeast Asia in the monsoon season (roughly from June to October) may not sound like an appealing idea at first thought. But before you put off or cancel your trip, we are here to tell you that a trip to Southeast Asia during the monsoon is actually worth doing. Here is why.

1. The weather is great – most of the time.
Just because it’s rainy season doesn’t mean it rains all day and each day. And when the rains come, they often come in short downpours. The rest of the day is still warm and sunny. You will get blue skies too!

2. The temperature is cooler.
Most parts of Southeast Asia experience hot temperatures that can reach up to 40 Celsius degrees from March to May. When the monsoon season arrives, the moist air from the ocean can bring down the temperature to 28-33 degrees. This can be cooling relief for both locals and travellers.

3. There are fewer tourists;
Hotel rates are lower and you probably don’t need to prebook.
The monsoon season in Southeast Asia coincides with the low season in Southeast Asia, so you will see fewer tourists and enjoy lower hotel rates. Many hotels will drop their prices to attract the few tourists that are out there. Shorter queues, lower prices and more freedom can make you forget about the few rainclouds you encounter.

4. The landscapes are more scenic!
The best thing about monsoon season is that the landscapes are more scenic! The jungles, forests, and rice paddies are astonishingly green and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular.

5. Dramatic sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows.
The monsoon season in Southeast Asia is a showcase of dramatic weather patterns – the sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows that arrive after thunderstorms can be some of the most dramatic ones you have ever seen.

6. The perfect time to slow down and relax.
The monsoon rains will cool the air down enough for a great night’s sleep, especially if it pours at night or late evenings. And when it does rain, it is the perfect time to slow down, relax and take it easy for a little while.

Travel Tips
1. Find a tour operator that is flexible.

Remember, this is the monsoon season – cruise ships, buses, and planes can be cancelled without further notice. It is recommended to find a tour operator that is flexible and willing to make adjustment timely so that you can make the most of your time in SE Asia.

2. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent.

Deet should be carried to repel mosquitoes. If you are a first-timer to Southeast Asia, here are more travel tips to read regardless of the season.

3. Wear light clothing.

The weather can be hot and humid, so wear light and loose clothing to keep you cool as well as to help you dry off quickly after a downpour.

Don’t let the monsoon put you off – its benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Now write to for a tailor-made trip to Southeast Asia and give us a social share!

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Southeast Asia Travel News | update 9th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | update 9th July

Cambodia completes COVID-19 vaccination drive in capital, with 2.12 mln inoculated | Cambodia

Cambodia on Thursday wrapped up its COVID-19 vaccination drive in Phnom Penh after 2.12 million people, or 99 per cent of the capital’s adult population, have completed the two-dose inoculation, officials said.
Read more

Hoi An bike tour among world’s 20 best: Tripadvisor | Vietnam
A bike tour around the ancient town of Hoi An ranked ninth among the world’s 20 best biking experiences as voted by Tripadvisor readers.
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HCMC-Phu Quoc flights suspended on Covid fears | Vietnam

The Ministry of Transport has suspended all flights between HCMC and popular tourist destination Phu Quoc Island from Thursday amid the continuing Covid-19 crisis in the city.
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SHA certification expanding to also cover Phuket transportation | Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce to expand transportation providers in Phuket.
Read more

New vaccine appointment method for foreigners in Thailand | Thailand

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health has announced a new vaccine appointment method for foreigners in Thailand.
Read more

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Southeast Asia Travel News | update 8th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | update 8th July

Strong demand for private aviation powers Yugo’s SEA expansion | Airlines
Although commercial flight operations are still a long way to recovery, one private aviation brand has seen demand for private flights picking up, warranting its expansion across Southeast Asia with new charter routes.
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Vietnam orders COVID-19 lockdown in Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam
Nine million people in Ho Chi Minh City has lockdown since the 8th of July, as the commercial hub struggles to contain Vietnam’s most serious COVID-19 outbreak so far.
Read more

Phnom Penh most likely target for travel bubble | Cambodia
Phnom Penh’s extraordinary vaccination effort means that the capital’s economy is ripe for re-opening.
Read more

Boracay Island gets world-recognized ‘safe travel’ stamp | Philippines
Boracay Island just became one of the two Philippine destinations to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp next to Baguio City, indicating it has adopted globally recognized health protocols.
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Bangkok Airways revises Koh Samui flights ahead of reopening | Thailand
To prepare for the Samui+ reopening programme launching July 15, Bangkok Airways is revising its schedule to operate 3 inbound flights and 3 outbound flights daily between Koh Samui and Bangkok.

Read more

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Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 7th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | Update 7th July
Indonesia bans unvaccinated foreigners as Delta-variant surges | Indonesia
Foreign visitors who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be barred from entering Indonesia from Tuesday (July 6), as the highly infectious Delta variant.
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Qatar Airways trials vaccine verification via IATA Travel Pass | Airline
Qatar Airways is the first airline to begin trialling Covid-19 vaccine authentication through the IATA Travel Pass mobile app.
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NatGeo lists Mekong River tour as top must-try adventure | Vietnam
A Mekong River cruise combined with biking from HCMC to Cambodia’s ancient kingdom of Angkor is National Geographic’s top must-try adventurous experience.
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PG prepares for Samui Plus Model | Thailand
Bangkok Airways prepares for Samui’s reopening by offering a sealed Bangkok-Samui route that will serve international passengers.
Read more

Champasack Province Locks Down After New Community Spread of Covid-19
Authorities have locked down Champasack Province following one new community transmitted case of Covid-19, as well a high number of imported cases.
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Southeast Asia Travel News | update 6th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | update 6th July

Indonesia bars unvaccinated foreign visitors as Delta variant spreads| Indonesia

Foreign nationals who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be barred from entering Indonesia as the Southeast Asian country works to contain the more transmissible Delta variant. The order goes into effect tomorrow.
Read more

Surat Thani province to launch “Samui Plus” re-opening model | Thailand

From July 15, the islands of Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan embark on the “Samui Plus Model”, to re-open the Surat Thani tourism destinations to vaccinated tourists. Provincial governor Witchawut Jinto has confirmed that preparations are underway, with over 70% of the islands’ residents now vaccinated.
Read more

Vietnam reports highest single-day spike in Covid-19 cases | Vietnam

The Ministry of Health this evening, July 5 confirmed 527 new Covid-19 cases, including 13 imported cases and 514 domestic infections, raising the daily total to 1,102, the most infections recorded in a single day so far.
Read more

Lao Airlines Uncancels Domestic Flights in the Third Announcement | Laos
State-owned Lao Airlines has reverted to its original plan by re-announcing flights between Vientiane Capital and Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, and Xieng Khouang provinces.
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Singapore Airlines Flight Schedules – June to October 2021 | Singapore
Read more

The Pavilions debuts new hotel brand Explorar in Thailand | Thailand
Hong Kong-based The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched its new hotel brand, Explorar Hotels & Resorts, with its first property slated to open in Thailand come October 1.

Read more

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Southeast Asia Travel News | update 5th July

Southeast Asia Travel News | update 5th July

CAAV proposes halting flights to/from Tho Xuan, Phu Bai, Chu Lai airports | Vietnam
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed the suspension of flights to and from Tho Xuan airport in Thanh Hoa province, and flights between HCMC and Phu Bai in Thua Thien-Hue and between HCMC and Chu Lai in Quang Nam.
Read more

Indonesia places Bali and Java under two-week lockdown | Indonesia
The Indonesian government will tighten restrictions across parts of Java and Bali islands for two weeks starting July 3, to curb a surge in cases driven by the Delta variant.
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Vogue Paris lists Siargao among top islands ‘to go on holiday’ | Philippines
Siargao has landed on Vogue France’s list of 10 “most charming islands to make the most of the summer season,” an inclusion welcomed by the Philippine government on Friday.
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Cambodian tour operators look seriously at ‘Phuket Sandbox’ as possible way to restart tourism | Cambodia
As Thai authorities are marketing the “Phuket Sandbox” – a special tour programme for foreign tourists to enjoy their holiday in Phuket without quarantine – local tour operators said it can be a lesson for Cambodia to consider welcoming vaccinated tourists.
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Laos Extends Lockdown Measures Until 19 July | Laos
Laos has extended lockdown measures until 19 July after confirming a further 32 cases of Covid-19 today.

Read more

Surat Thani province to launch “Samui Plus” re-opening model | Thailand
From July 15, the islands of Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan embark on the “Samui Plus Model”, to re-open the Surat Thani tourism destinations to vaccinated tourists. Provincial governor Witchawut Jinto has confirmed that preparations are underway, with over 70% of the islands’ residents vaccinated.
Read more

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Countries Reopen to Travel as Pandemic Recedes

Countries Reopen to Travel as Pandemic Recedes

Whilst Australia with its low vaccination rate is not in a hurry to open the international borders, around the globe, countries are taking different approaches for re-opening to travel after more than a year of virtual lockdowns in most of the world.

Countries reliant on tourism are racing to reopen borders and revive economies decimated by the pandemic.

The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that the sector lost nearly $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs last year. Airlines alone lost $126 billion last year and are on track to lose another $48 billion this year, according to their largest trade group.

The rollout of vaccines against COVID-19 is giving government officials in many countries’ new confidence to welcome visitors. But time is critical.

The patchwork of rules around the globe can be hard to follow for anyone planning a trip. Cyprus, for instance, has restrictions in place for countries deemed as higher risk, requiring arriving passengers to have a negative PCR test that’s valid 72 hours prior to their departure and to undergo a new test upon arrival. They also must self-isolate in Cyprus until their test results are issued.

Source: Luxury Travel Vietnam

Here’s how different regions are trying to reopen to travel:

EUROPE

Europe has been opening slowly, testing the patience of Mediterranean countries that rely heavily on tourism, including Greece, Spain, and Turkey. That is changing now, as European Union ambassadors agreed last week to allow in visitors who are fully vaccinated or are from a now-expanded list of countries whose citizens are deemed to be safe.

EU member countries still have to approve the changes, and it’s not clear exactly when they would take effect.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Friday that Spain will let British and Japanese visitors enter the country starting Monday if they have been vaccinated and people from other countries, including the United States, on June 7.

Tourists are already beginning to show up in Greece after authorities there decided this month to accept vaccination and test certificates from the European Union and 21 other countries.

On the Greek island of Naxos, business owners began pulling tables and chairs out of storage, power-washing wooden decks and reopening once-jammed seaside tavernas.

Croatia has also reopened — one of the few spots in Europe that’s easy for Americans to visit. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have announced direct flights from New York to Dubrovnik this summer.

ASIA

The virus is surging again across parts of Asia, causing several nations to halt the cautious steps they had been taking to reopen.

Hong Kong and Singapore postponed a quarantine-free “travel bubble” for a second time after a new outbreak, and Hong Kong lengthened mandatory quarantines for many unvaccinated visitors. China set up checkpoints at toll booths, airports and train stations in Liaoning province, site of new cases this month — travellers must show proof of a recent negative test for the virus.
Thailand, which closed its borders and managed to keep outbreaks under control for most of last year, gradually began allowing entry to some foreign visitors in the fall under strict controls. But the country reversed course when it became overwhelmed by its worst outbreak in late March.

Bangkok closed entertainment venues and parks, ordered more people to work from home, and banned outdoor dining. Streets in the capital and many of Thailand’s resorts are nearly deserted.

Source: Luxury Travel

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

At the height of the pandemic last year, the United Arab Emirates closed its borders and shuttered airports to travellers. The capital, Abu Dhabi, still has strict measures including mandatory quarantines even for fully vaccinated residents returning from certain countries. But the UAE’s biggest city, Dubai, has opened its doors to travellers since last July with few restrictions beyond a negative COVID-19 test.

Dubai — home to the world’s busiest airport for international travel — is courting visitors fleeing lockdowns in Europe with open beaches, bars, hotel pools, restaurants, movie theatres, theme parks and spas. Social distancing and mask mandates are in place.

Meanwhile, the Gulf’s largest country of Saudi Arabia is not permitting tourists into the country. Saudi citizens, who have largely been banned from travel since March 2020, can travel abroad starting this month if they have been vaccinated or recently recovered from the virus.

Egypt is trying to draw more foreign tourists even as it deals with a new wave of infections. It exempted beaches, cafes and restaurants tied to tourist hotels from new restrictions, like an earlier curfew and the closure of public beaches and parks during the Eid holiday. It even lowered the cost of tourist visas, although it still requires a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country.

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Visitors to the tourism-dependent Caribbean tumbled by two-thirds last year to levels not seen since the 1980s. Bermuda was among the hardest hit, suffering an 84% drop.

A handful of islands, including Bonaire, Martinique and Montserrat, still ban travel from most countries. Elsewhere, tourists are trickling back under requirements that include electronic monitoring. Some islands, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have created “bubble resorts” to take tourists. Cruise lines are planning to shift ships from the U.S. to Caribbean ports this summer.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has been the region’s success story this year, with arrivals down a modest 27% from January through March — much of that due to Americans who are forbidden in other places and can visit the U.S. territory without a passport if they avoid going through another country on the way.

Mexico has no flight restrictions, no requirements for visitors to pass a test or quarantine upon arrival. That has kept a reduced but steady flow of tourists, especially to beach destinations.

Mexico’s laid-back approach, however, could be creating a backlash in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancún and Cozumel and where tourism accounts for 87% of the economy. Infection and hospitalization rates are rising, and stricter capacity limits have been imposed in public places.

U.S. AND CANADA

The U.S. continues to bar most visitors from Europe, China, India, Brazil and other places. Inbound international travellers, including American citizens, must pass a COVID-19 test before boarding flights. The State Department discourages foreign trips, labelling most of the world’s countries high-risk.

The border between the U.S. and Canada remains closed to nonessential travel through June 21.

Domestic air travel in the U.S. is nearly back to 2019 levels, but travel-industry groups are growing impatient with what they see as an overly timid response by the Biden administration to allowing more international visitors.

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