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Indonesia abandons third-day PCR test

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TTR WEEKLY
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DENPASAR, Bali, 28 March 2022: Indonesia has abolished the third PCR test required from all foreign travellers during their third day in the country.

The change applies to international visitors arriving in Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Manado and Lombok.

mother with kids and luggage looking at planes in airport, family travel

Also, according to the latest government update, the four-day pre-booked travel package is no longer necessary.

Asian Trails managing director Björn Schimanski in his latest newsletter update, said the “most important change is the removal of a third PCR test on day three, and other details released by the government are “another major milestone towards normalisation for our industry.”

Depending on the nationality, visitors must present a B211A visa approval letter or request a Visa-on-Arrival.

Visitors must provide physical or digital evidence in English to confirm they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure (booster jab not necessary).

Children under 18 years are exempted from this rule (previously under 12 years).

Travellers must install the PeduliLindungi application on their smartphone and fill out the e-Hac Indonesia within the application (the PeduliLindungi app is available for download on Apple and Android devices).

They must provide evidence of the first negative PCR test taken in the country of origin not more than 48 hours before their flight departure.

They must buy health insurance covering Covid-19. (No minimum cover is mentioned in the latest update of regulations, but the standing recommendation is a minimum cover USD25,000 (or equivalent in other currencies).

A second PCR test will be required on arrival at the airport of entry directly after arrival. The payment for this test is IDR275,000 and needs to be paid on the spot by the client (other currency options and credit card payment available). There is also the option to book it in advance under: https://balitourismhospitality.com (select “entry Covid19 test”).

After leaving the airport, the traveller is required to immediately transfer to their accommodation and isolate in the room until PCR examination shows a negative test result (three to six-hour wait).

In its email newsletter to travel partners and guests, Asian Trails Indonesia recommends that travellers pre-book the first night at an accommodation provider certified for cleanliness and safety (CHSE-certified).

“They will be much better equipped to manage government procedures and will help to ensure that the PCR test result is presented to the guest promptly.”

After a negative result, they can travel freely within Indonesia. A third PCR test is no longer necessary. The four-day pre-booked package is no longer required.

Should the second PCR show a positive result but the patient is asymptomatic or shows only light symptoms, isolation or treatment is carried out in designated isolation hotels at the guests’ costs. More severe cases will be treated at dedicated referral hospitals paid for by the insurance policy.

Asian Trails emphasises that the Visa on Arrival* remains available for certain nationalities for arrivals to Bali, Bintan and Batam.

The recommendation is that travellers eligible for VOA should start their trips to Indonesia in Bali. They can then travel onwards to explore the other islands of Indonesia.

A special thanks to Asian Trails for presenting a clear update on Indonesia’s latest information regarding entry to the country.

(Source: Asian Trails Indonesia)

*List of VOA nationalities

https://mailchi.mp/asiantrails/bali-extends-border-re-opening-to-more-nations.

Singapore reopens borders 1 April

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 March 2022: Singapore returns to an almost old normal 1 April when most Covid-19 rules will end for fully vaccinated travellers.

In a media statement, Singapore said it was “taking a major step forward to restore air connectivity to the world, to rebuild and reclaim Singapore’s position as a premier air hub.”

The new Vaccinated Travel Framework starting from 1 April replaces  Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) that allowed visitors from 32 countries to travel to and from Singapore. As of 22 March, close to 585,000 travellers entered Singapore through the VTLs since November last year.

Now Singapore is rolling out the welcome carpet to fully vaccinated travellers from all countries with very few checks under the new Vaccinated Travel Framework. There is no need to quarantine, no need to test and no need to complete the Vaccination Travel Pass application,

All fully vaccinated travellers from any country or region can enter Singapore quarantine-free, as long as they have not visited any countries or regions on the MOH’s Restricted Category in the past seven days. Currently, there are no countries or regions on the ministry’s Restricted Category list.

Testing

It means travellers fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take any Covid-19 tests in Singapore. However, they must provide evidence of a negative pre-departure test (PDT) within two days before departing for Singapore. The pre-departure test can be a Polymerase Chain Reaction test, a professionally-administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART)[4], or a self-administered ART that an ART provider remotely supervises in Singapore.

However, the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the local and global Covid-19 situation and consider removing the PDT requirement in the coming weeks.

Designated Flights and Quotas

Airlines no longer need to operate designated VTL flights to Singapore, and fully vaccinated travellers may now enter Singapore on any flight. Correspondingly, there will no longer be quotas applied on daily arrivals.

Vaccination Status

All vaccination certificates, regardless of the place of issuance and whether digitally verifiable or not, will be accepted as proof of vaccination. Children aged 12 years and below are exempted from the vaccination requirement, in line with Singapore’s domestic measures.

For more details on the vaccination requirements, refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/vtsg.

For more details on the new Vaccinated Travel Framework, refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/general-travel/fully-vaccinated. 

Travellers who need assistance can write to the Safe Travel Office through its enquiry form at https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/contact-us  or call the SafeTravel Enquiries helpline at +65 6812 5555.

(Photo credit: CNA)

Love Boat dating returns to Princess

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 March 2022: The US network CBS and Australian broadcaster Network 10 jointly announced they have ordered localised versions of ‘THE REAL LOVE BOAT’, a reality dating competition series inspired by “The Love Boat” the hit 1970s scripted series that used Princess Cruises ships as its setting.

Production begins in summer 2022, and both versions are expected to air in the US and Australia later this year.

The “The Love Boat” IP is owned by CBS Studios, which, along with CBS and Network 10, are Paramount Global brands.

“‘The Love Boat’ is a timeless, romantic concept with universal appeal, and we’re excited to reimagine this popular series for audiences in two different countries,” said George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer of CBS, and head of global content strategy for Paramount’s free-to-air networks, including Network 10. “On the heels of NCIS: SYDNEY, today’s announcement is another example of our global franchise strategy to use our rich intellectual property and vast international footprint to develop new content for viewers around the world.”

‘THE REAL LOVE BOAT’ brings singles together to cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury cruise ship while looking for love. Destination dates, challenges and surprise singles will test the couples’ compatibility and chemistry. Like the beloved original scripted series, the indispensable crew members, including “captain” and “cruise director” will play pivotal roles in the matchmaking and navigation of the romantic (and sometimes turbulent) waters ahead.

After almost a month at sea, only one winning couple will make it to the final port and take home a cash prize plus a once-in-a-lifetime trip courtesy of Princess Cruises, the series’ exclusive cruise line partner.

Beverley McGarvey, executive vice president and chief content officer of Paramount Australia and New Zealand, said: “‘The Love Boat’ was synonymous with exotic locations, glamour, excitement and of course, romantic connections underpinned by wonderful comic tales. ‘THE REAL LOVE BOAT’ will encompass all of this and more. A dating show showcasing suspense, exhilaration, humour and love as it sets sail for romantic adventures.”

“Audiences really connected with the fun and escapism of ‘The Love Boat,’” said Mitch Graham, senior vice president, alternative programming, CBS. “The iconic series embodied the many possibilities of people making new, meaningful connections. Reimagining it as a dating show with competition, adventure and romance make THE REAL LOVE BOAT an ideal fit for our schedule and viewers.”

“The Love Boat’ has been synonymous with the Princess brand for more than 45 years since the world was introduced to glamour and elegance of the Princess experience,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We look forward to millions coming aboard our iconic ships as we are expecting you on THE REAL LOVE BOAT.”

For more information on Princess Cruises visit www.princess.com

(Your Stories: Princess)

MTCO names new executive director

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 March 2021: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office has appointed Suvimol Thanasarakij as its new executive director, effective last week, 2022.

Tourism leaders of the six Greater Mekong Subregion countries (Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) confirmed the appointment earlier this month after offering the job to Suvimol last November.

“We are happy to welcome Suvimol to our GMS tourism family, particularly as she is the first female executive director and the first one of GMS nationality in MTCO’s 16-year history,” said Somxay Sipaseuth, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Development Department from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lao PDR, which is also chair of the upcoming 49th GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting.

Suvimol replaces Jens Thraenhart, who left the MTCO last October to head Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

She has worked for the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) where she spent more than eight years managing tourism marketing projects. She also worked for the US Department of State, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok and Centara Hotels & Resorts.

ITB travel buyers invited to explore Sarawak

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TTR WEEKLY
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SARAWAK, 25 March 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board participated in the recent virtual ITB Berlin Convention 2022 to increase Sarawak’s visibility amongst travellers and tourism players worldwide ahead of Malaysia’s reopening of borders 1 April.

STB, along with local travel and tour operators from the southern, central and northern regions of Sarawak, networked with global travel buyers via the ITB Berlin Digital Business Day 2022, an international virtual travel agency marketing show. The Sarawak stand was housed in Kuching Waterfront Hotel for the one-days virtual sessions.

Sabah’s message welcomed the return of international travellers, saying they can plan their return starting 1 April after lockdowns and restrictions disrupted travel over the last two years. The virtual ITB Berlin networking platform connected travel buyers and sellers worldwide.

STB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said: “Our participation in ITB Berlin Convention 2022 is another step forward in allowing our local industry players to network with traders, buyers and media worldwide.

“Sarawak’s presence in ITB Berlin Convention 2022 is timely with the recent announcement of Malaysia’s borders reopening by the federal government. This platform allows Sarawak’s travel and tour operators to engage with a global audience as we prepare to welcome international travellers, who will contribute to our industry’s recovery.”

“We are geared up to present our best effort to make Sarawak a preferred tourism destination. We hope the continuous resilient spirit among Sarawak industry players will push and accelerate the progress of rebuilding our industry.”

For more information about Sarawak, log on to Sarawak Tourism Board’s website: https://sarawaktourism.com. 

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

AirAsia boosts domestic and international flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SEPANG, Malaysia, 25 March 2022: AirAsia gears up for the nation’s reopening by adding more international routes to cater for significant pent up demand ahead of Malaysia reopening borders to international travel 1 April.

 With the continued easing of travel restrictions, the airline group increased domestic flight capacity in Malaysia by 156% since October 2021, when it kickstarted the Langkawi travel bubble scheme.

It has also increased international flights by 50% since the Malaysian government’s 8 March announcement confirming the reopening of borders on 1 April.

Currently, the airline has 75 aircraft operating flights across the group serving Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam.

AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said:  We’re thrilled to be resuming more flights in all of our core markets in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia and to be adding additional services to some of AirAsia’s most popular international destinations, including Bali, Manila, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Phuket and more, starting in April. Domestic flying also continues to soar across the group. We have recently  launched four new domestic routes in Malaysia from Kuching to Langkawi, Penang to Sibu, Johor Bahru to Bintulu and Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Terengganu this year.

“While our domestic services across the group have grown by 156% in recent months due to significant consumer demand, and by 50% for international, we expect to return to 100% or more of pre-Covid domestic and international flying by the end of this year.”

To spur travel demand and bookings to destinations such as  Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Brunei, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Laos, Bangladesh, the airline group is pegging fares as low as MYRM89 one-way, while domestic routes are on sale from just MYR39 one-way.

Travellers can book cheap fares through the ‘Flights’ option in the AirAsia Super App from now until 27 March 2022 for travel between 1 April and 25 March 2023.

Mandarin Oriental unfurls flag in Cairo

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 25 March 2022: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced a management agreement to rebrand the historic Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

This will be the group’s first hotel in Egypt and expands the brand’s portfolio in the Middle East.

Shepheard Hotel first opened its doors in 1841 and remained a landmark in the city. A comprehensive renovation of the property is already underway and should be completed in 2024, when the property will reopen as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo.

Located on the eastern shore of the Nile in the heart of downtown Cairo, the property will feature 188 rooms, 88 suites and five restaurants and bars.

The project developer is Al Sharif for Tourism and Hotels, an Egyptian Closed Joint Stock Company that is a subsidiary of Al Sharif Group Holding, the Saudi holding group based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who won the concession to redevelop the site from the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels in 2020.

TCEB backs air show plan

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 March 2022: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) backs a plan to establish a Thailand International Air Show” as early as 2025 and hosted at the U-Tapao International Airport south of Pattaya.

TCEB’s feasibility study supported the resolution adopted at a recent meeting of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee.

  • Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya.

EEC agreed to designate the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) to serve as the primary host with TCEB and the Royal Thai Navy appointed as supporting agencies.

TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya confirmed the show’s official unveiling is scheduled for 2023. The organisers will approach leading aviation players and aircraft manufacturers to join a pilot edition in 2025, then host the full-scale event in 2027.

 Subsequently, the air show will convene every two years at the U-Tapao International Airport, approximately 45 km south of Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand.

Competition

Singapore International Air Show every two years will be the main competitor in Southeast Asia. The six-day show was hosted last February and will next convene in February 2024.

India has hosted a biennial air show held in Bangalore since 1996 and is now one of the largest air shows in the world and the largest in Asia.

Revenue forecast               

According to TCEB’s feasibility study, the initial investment and support will cover five editions spanning 10 years. TCEB forecasts the air show could spur the growth of GDP by up to THB4,777 million, generate 18,760 new jobs and generate tax revenue of THB1,788 million for the government. Around 75,000 aviation linked visitors should attend the show.

(Source: TCEB)

Visitor arrivals to the Philippines pass 100,000

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 25 March 2022: The Philippines tourism industry is monitoring the first signs of recovery as international visitors to the country pass the 100,000 mark in the month since borders reopened.

The Department of Tourism reports data from the One Health Pass (OHP), showed inbound visitor arrivals to the Philippines reached 102,031 as of 16 March. The country reopened its borders on 10 February, well ahead of most Southeast Asian countries.

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat commented: “We are happy to see the gradual reopening of our borders finally bearing fruit as evidenced by the much higher foreign visitor arrivals. This will help safeguard the industry’s revival, providing more jobs and livelihoods to Filipinos in the tourism sector”.

Tourists from the US remain the top contributor to tourist arrivals since its reopening of borders until 16 March with 22,243; followed by Canada with 4,852; the United Kingdom with 4,386; South Korea with 3,748; Australia with 3,387; Vietnam with 2,656; Germany with 1,976; and Japan with 1,752.

Last week, the DOT announced that the Philippines would open to fully vaccinated travellers from all countries, as well as the resumption of visa issuances by Philippine embassies starting 1 April to coincide with this development.

Along with the said move, it allowed the submission of negative laboratory-based antigen test results taken within 24 hours from departure as an alternate option for arriving passengers, in place of the initial requirement of a negative result of an RT-PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure from the point of origin.

 “Our numbers are still far from pre-pandemic levels, but we are optimistic that this will continue to increase amid the sustained decline in Covid-19 cases in the country as well as the ongoing efforts of the Philippine government to improve its healthcare capacity. On the DOT’s part, we shall continue working with the IATF, and our partners in the government and the private sector in coming up with measures that will sustain this growth,” Puyat noted.

(Source: The Philippines Department of Tourism)

Sabah at the ready to welcome tourists

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 25 March 2022: The Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry met with captains of industries and enforcement officials to assess their preparedness and identify potential challenges ahead of opening borders on 1 April to international visitors.

Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the concerns focused on airport congestion, inadequate immigration checkpoints in airports, a designated quarantine centre for positive travellers, and the Covid-19 test requirement.

In addition, tourism players also suggested the state government establish a standardised standard operating procedure to facilitate tourist entry into the state.

They said that having a standardised operating procedure that differed from the federal ones would add to the confusion and make things more complicated for tourists.

Joniston, who also chairs Sabah Tourism Board (STB),  said the engagement was critical in gathering feedback from stakeholders to implement adequate preparations before 1 April.

“A practical guideline is needed as we prepare for opening the national border to serve tourists better and avoid burdening them with obstacles they may encounter upon arrival in the state.

“The Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is Sabah’s most important entry point. Therefore, all stakeholders must express their concerns and points of view so that we can find early solutions to problems that are likely to arise,” he said.

The Ministry has forwarded all suggestions to the Covid-19 Command Centre for further deliberation before handing them over to the National Security Council.

Joniston added regular engagement would be carried out from time to time to improve the current situation and quality of service.

Also present were Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Sr Mohd Yusrie Abdullah, Deputy Permanent Secretary II Mary Malangking, STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman, STB chief financial officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit,  STB chief marketing officer Tay Shu Lan, and KKIA customs as well as immigration representatives.

Tourism players in attendance were MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, MAH Sabah Chapter chairman Hafizan Wong, SATTA president Datuk Winston Liaw,  MyBHA Sabah Chapter chairman James Ong, Sabah Tourists Association Tonny Chew, and Sabah Tourist Guides Association Grace Leong, among others.

Visit the Sabah Tourism website for more information.

http://www.sabahtourism.com/

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

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