Competition
Thailand Won’t Tax Jet Fuel Until 2022edit
Simple Flying – Online Web
Thailand has extended its jet fuel tax cuts through the end of 2021. The measure was first introduced last February and has since been extended twice to help beleaguered airlines in the country. Fuel accounts for one of the highest operating costs for airlines, making any tax relief a huge boost for airlines during this tumultuous time.
After US advisory and UK red list, now UAE restricts travel from India as COVID cases surgeedit
First Post – Online Web
On a day when India recorded the world’s highest daily tally of 3,14,835 new COVID-19 infections, the UAE banned travel from the country for ten days. The travel ban will come into effect from 11.59 pm on Saturday, 24 April, and is subject to review after 10 days, the Gulf News reported, as per PTI. As per the new rules, passengers arriving from India will not be allowed to enter the UAE unless they have spent 14 days in other countries. However, departure flights will continue to operate and the ban will not extend to UAE citizens, diplomatic passport holders and official delegations.
21day quarantine for travellers from India will help Singapore detect more Covid19 casesedit
The Indian Express – Online Web
Indias surging outbreak has prompted places such as Hong Kong and New Zealand to ban flights. But the Singapore daily had experts saying that it is not yet necessary to ban flights from India or tighten guidelines on social and other gatherings. Infectious disease expert Leong Hoe Nam said while banning flights is easy, it is about achieving a balance, as theres also the need to support the economy and be compassionate in allowing family members to come to visit.
Industry
There Are Plenty of Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Tourism’s Futureedit
Entrepreneur – Online Web
It goes without saying that travel has been disrupted severely over the past year, with movement restrictions within countries and internationally, plus new requirements for travel that have made it much more cumbersome than simply packing a bag, buying a flight ticket and getting on board. Nonetheless, the industry is recovering quickly, according to a variety of metrics, including this paper from McKinsey, which estimates a possible recovery scenario of 85% of 2019 volumes in 2021 and a full recovery by 2023. As with every downturn in an industry, there’s a significant upside now in the travel industry for entrepreneurs willing to make the right moves.
Israel targets tourism boost, gears to reopen next month after Covid-19 lockdownedit
Hindustan Times – Online Web
Israel’s struggling tourism sector hopes to reap quick benefits when the country reopens next month after a rapid Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Airlines are racing to add flights to Tel Aviv as groups of foreign tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed into Israel from May 23. “As we look to the world reopening and travel resuming, the Italies and Frances are a little behind Israel in terms of when we anticipate travel will reopen. And that’s due to vaccines,” said Brian Znotins, vice president of network and schedule planning at American Airlines, referring to two other tourist destinations.
Australia adds India to red list countries, travel to country restrictededit
Money Control – Online Web
Australia has become the latest country to add India to its “red list” of high-risk countries amid a ferocious second wave COVID-19 pandemic in the region. The restrictions, announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on April 22, include flights to and from India to Australia, even for those wanting to travel for weddings and funerals, reports said. Besides the UK and Australia, flights from India are also banned in New Zealand and Hong Kong.
Mention
Australia adds India to red list countries, travel to country restrictededit
Money Control – Online Web
Australia has become the latest country to add India to its “red list” of high-risk countries amid a ferocious second wave COVID-19 pandemic in the region. The restrictions, announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on April 22, include flights to and from India to Australia, even for those wanting to travel for weddings and funerals, reports said. Besides the UK and Australia, flights from India are also banned in New Zealand and Hong Kong.
21day quarantine for travellers from India will help Singapore detect more Covid19 casesedit
The Indian Express – Online Web
Indias surging outbreak has prompted places such as Hong Kong and New Zealand to ban flights. But the Singapore daily had experts saying that it is not yet necessary to ban flights from India or tighten guidelines on social and other gatherings. Infectious disease expert Leong Hoe Nam said while banning flights is easy, it is about achieving a balance, as theres also the need to support the economy and be compassionate in allowing family members to come to visit.
Specific
Singapore, Hong Kong Delay Travel Bubble Announcement Againedit
Bloomberg Quint – Online Web
Singapore and Hong Kong called off an announcement planned for Thursday on an air-travel bubble, according to people familiar with the matter, the second time in five months the highly anticipated arrangement for quarantine-free travel between the two financial hubs has run into obstacles. No reason was immediately provided on why the announcement — which Bloomberg had reported was expected as soon as Thursday — was postponed and a new date hasn’t been set, said the people, who asked not to be identified as they’re not authorized to speak publicly. The cancellation was initiated by the Singapore side, one of the people said.