Competition
UAE to boost strategic stockpile, waive visa fines over coronavirusedit
Reuters – Online
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, who is also the UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai, the region’s tourism and business hub, did not say what goods were included in the stockpile or give further details on the visa fine waiver.
TAT India sheds light on Covid impact on Thailand traveledit
Voyagers World – Online
Considering its low exchange rates and ease of visa, Thailand has always been the goto destination for an Indian traveler. In an exclusive interview with Voyagers World, Cholada Siddhivarn, Director, Western and Southern India, Tourism Authority of Thailand, talks about what the future holds for Thailand post the Covid crisis.
Lockdown hits business activity across Europeedit
The Economic Times – Online
Business activity has cratered across Europe as attempts to contain the coronavirus pandemic push governments to shut down vast swathes of their economies, from shops to factories to restaurants, surveys showed on Friday.
IATA calls on Asia Pacific states urgently provide financial support to airlinesedit
Travel Biz Monitor – Online
Australia, New Zealand and Singapore have announced a substantial package of measures to support their aviation industry. But others in the region, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand, have yet to take decisive and effective action. Jobs as well as the GDP supported by the industry are at risk, said Clifford.
Industry
Virtual tours to online sessions; bringing cultural sites to people’s doorstep during lockdownedit
Daily Excelsior – Online
UNESCO and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya (CSMVS), Mumbai, are also using culture themed memes to encourage people to get the message of staying home, with a sense of humour.
Coronavirus pandemic could shrink global economy almost 1% in 2020: UN Reportedit
Hindustan Times – Online
The UN report said that in the best case scenario, moderate declines in private consumption, investment and exports will be offset by increases in government spending in the seven major industrialized nations and China, leading to global growth of 1.2% in 2020.
Mention
From performing artists to marriages, here is how internet was the savior during COVID-19 lockdownedit
The New Indian Express – Online
At Art Basel Online Viewing Rooms, each work appears on a ‘virtual’ wall, enabling viewers to zoom in to see the details, including its price, and information on the artist.