Competition
Health and safety are priority as Dubai welcomes the new normaledit
The Times of India – Online
The UAE has been extremely proactive in implementing a farranging series of preventative healthcare and hygiene protocols, including ramping up its hospital infrastructure and rapid testing capabilities as confirmed by its ranking as the worlds top country for its response to COVID19 in terms of number of tests per million people.
Dubai all set to reopen water parks at 50 percent capacityedit
The Times of India – Online
Dubai water parks are all geared up to start operations, and as per the latest reports, preparations are underway. This was announced recently by the Emirate’s tourism authority that also issued a circular to the park operators.
Airports of Thailand forecasts 50% fall in revenue and passengersedit
Reuters – Online
Airports of Thailand (AOT) said it expects passenger numbers and revenue to fall by 50% in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus crisis. AOT, which manages six airports including Bangkoks main Suvarnabhumi, on Wednesday forecast a 50.7% yearonyear drop in revenue for its 2020 fiscal year and a 42.2% fall in 2021.
Now, take virtual group tours of Warsaw, Bogota, Venice with realtime guidesedit
The Times of India – Online
When coronavirus hit, all summer bookings were cancelled. Tour guides are not on regular salary, they get paid for each booking. With no support from the government, we decided to start online experiences, said Gaurav Kumar, founder TourHQ, a travel company based mainly out of Hong Kong and Singapore.
Covid hasn’t disrupted open-air burials in Baliedit
MINT – Print – Mumbai
For centuries, Bali’s Trunyanese people have left their dead to decompose in the open, the bodies placed in bamboo cages until only the skeletons remain. It is a ritual they haven’t given up even as the covid-19 pandemic upends burial practices worldwide with religious leaders in protective gear, cemetary workers in hazmat suits, and mourners banned or unable to comfort each other because of social- distancing rules.
Industry
SOTC launches Back To Life overseas holidays to shorthaul destinations starting Septemberedit
Travel Biz Monitor – Online
SOTC Travel has launched Back To Life international holidays at close to home destinations, starting September 2020. To ensure flexibility, the holidays come with zero cancellation till 5 days prior departure and the added advantage of special offers like complimentary stay for a child and hotel upgrades. SOTC Travel has launched Back To Life international holidays at close to home destinations, starting September 2020.
Rebooting domestic tourism! Ensuring safety, hygiene at destinations top priority, says Prahlad Singh Pateledit
The Financial Express – Online
Revival of international tourism would take some time, he said. Coronavirus and tourism: With focus on domestic tourism and safety at every point of destination, India is set to reboot the travel sector! Now worldwide, the tourism sector has been among the worst hit areas during the coronavirus pandemic.
SOTC Travel anticipates demand for international destinations closer to homeedit
Orissa Diary – Online
SOTCs Back to Life international holidays hence provide a combination of relaxation and wellness experiences, adventure and beach getaways. Customers can choose from an array of destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Dubai, Malaysia, and Mauritius amongst others and at affordable price points.
Specific
Ram battles dragon: Taiwan backs India against Chinaedit
India Today, Free Press Journal, Op India, Zee News, Swarajya, Zee Hindustan, ABP, News 18 – Online
Taking a clear stance on the India China border faceoff, Taiwan media has printed an illustration showing Lord Ram battling a Chinese dragon which surfaced on social media via a Hong Kong user.
Hong Kong Disneyland gears up for reopeningedit
India News, WIO News – Online
The rides are back in motion at Hong Kong Disneyland as it gets ready for its grand reopening on Thursday (June 18) with face masks, temperature checks and other health and safety restrictions in place. After being closed for nearly five months, a health declaration will be required to reserve tickets.