SINGAPORE, 6 January 2023: IATA criticises nations reintroducing Covid testing for travellers departing China, saying it is a “knee-jerk” response.
The prestigious association representing more than 300 international airlines worldwide said governments should listen to science, particularly the World Health Organisation, which opposes all travel restrictions linked to Covid-19.
Willie Walsh, Director General , IATA.
Commenting on the imposition of a travel restriction for travellers from China, IATA’s director general Willie Walsh said: “Several countries are introducing Covid-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China, even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders. It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years.
Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected.
“That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions. We have the tools to manage Covid-19 without resorting to ineffective measures that cut off international connectivity, damage economies and destroy jobs. Governments must base their decisions on ‘science facts’ rather than ‘science politics’.”
SINGAPORE, 6 January: Countries are in a hurry to reinstate stricter Covid-19 rules for all travellers departing airports in China, Hong Kong and Macau, despite a cautionary statement from the IATA not to overreact.
They are responding to Beijing’s decision to relax its strict ‘zero-Covid measures that kicked in just days before the New Year celebrations.
China called on countries to rethink the decision to introduce stricter testing regulations, which involve showing a negative PCR test result before boarding flights departing China.
Southeast Asian nations are taking a more cautious approach by monitoring the situation but stopping short of reintroducing PCR test pre-flight boarding requirements.
Malaysia says it will conduct temperature checks for arriving passengers on flights from China but stops short of requiring negative PCR tests to be presented before boarding.
Thailand has also confirmed it will not reintroduce the requirement to present negative PCR test results for passengers joining flights from China, Hong Kong and Macau.
At least for the time being, Singapore confirms it is not reintroducing pre-flight PCR testing for travellers from China, but it continues to monitor the situation.
Countries tightening entry rules
India
The country requires a Covid-19 negative test result for travellers from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand. Passengers from these countries will need to undergo quarantine if they show symptoms of Covid-19 or test positive.
Japan
Japan will introduce stricter conditions for travellers from China effective 8 January that require negative pre-boarding Covid-19 test results to board flights from China to Japan.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Centre says all passengers arriving on direct flights from China and by ship at two offshore islands will have to take polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests upon arrival.
From 6 January, if you’re flying from China to Taiwan (including from China to Taiwan transiting through Hong Kong and Macau), you must also present a PCR test taken within 48 hours before boarding your flight or a rapid antigen test (RAT) taken within 24 hours before boarding.
If you test negative, you can go to your accommodation for seven days of ‘Self-initiated Epidemic Prevention’. If you test positive, you’ll need to isolate and practice self-health management until you test negative or seven days have passed since the last day of your isolation period.
If you’re travelling from locations other than China, you don’t have to do any tests or quarantine. Still, you will need to undertake seven days of ‘Self-initiated Epidemic Prevention in a hotel or private residence, provided the establishments meet the government criteria.
South Korea
If you’re entering South Korea from China, you must undertake a Covid-19 (PCR) test on arrival and isolate while waiting for test results.
From 5 January, if you’re travelling from China, you must show a negative (PCR) Covid-19 test result before boarding your flight.
Starting 7 January, if you’re travelling from Hong Kong or Macau, you’ll also be required to present a negative Covid-19 test result before boarding your flight and will be tested upon arrival. You’ll also need to register using the Q-code system before boarding. If you’re confirmed to have Covid-19 upon arrival, you’ll need to isolate for seven days.
Australia
Starting 5 January, travellers from China to Australia must submit a negative Covid-19 test result.
Travellers arriving in Australia from Macau and Hong Kong will be required to undertake a Covid-19 test within 48 hours before travel and show evidence of a negative test result. This applies regardless of your Covid-19 vaccination status and includes Australian citizens.
New Zealand
Effective 4 January, travellers from China will need to undergo a PCR Covid-19 test not more than 48 hours before departure and show proof of negative result to immigration on arrival in New Zealand.
UK
The UK introduced a pre-departure negative Covid-19 test from passengers from China starting 5 January 2023.
Italy
If you are travelling to Italy from China you will need to either provide a certificate confirming a negative Covid-19 test result before departure or be tested on arrival. The rule does not apply to children less than six years old.
France
France requires travellers from China to provide a negative Covid-19 test result in less than 48 hours before departure. It will also carry out random PCR Covid-19 tests on arrival for some travellers coming from China.
Spain
Passengers joining flights from China to Spain must test negative for Covid-19 or prove they have been fully vaccinated against the disease.
Canada
From 5 January, Canada requires travellers departing China to test negative for Covid-19 and show proof to board flights to Canada. The requirements apply to all travellers two years of age and older arriving on flights in Canada from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macau.
US
The US imposed mandatory Covid-19 tests on travellers from China as of 5 January 2023. All air passengers aged two and older must present a negative result from a test no more than two days before departure from China, Hong Kong or Macau. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said Americans should reconsider travel to China, Hong Kong and Macau.
Qatar
As of 3 January, Qatar requires travellers departing China to provide a negative Covid-19 test result not more than 48 hours before the flight’s departure, according to Qatar’s state news agency QNA. The testing requirement is imposed on all travellers regardless of vaccination status.
SINGAPORE, 6 January 2023: China says the introduction of Covid-19 testing and restrictions on travellers departing China and its territories is “unacceptable;” a knee-jerk reaction, a view shared by travel associations, including the powerful International Airlines Transport Association (IATA).
China was responding to a raft of new restrictions by nations worldwide that took effect on 3 January.
China’s steep rise in infections comes after Beijing decided to lift three years of restrictions last month and end its zero-tolerance policy.
“Some countries have taken entry restrictions targeting China,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a weekly briefing reported by news wire services.
“This lacks scientific basis, and some practices are unacceptable,” she added, warning that China could “take countermeasures based on the principle of reciprocity”.
The rules imposed affect all travellers coming from China – not just Chinese nationals – while Beijing continues to restrict inbound visitors and not issue visas for tourists or international students.
Officially, China has only recorded 22 Covid-19 deaths since December and has dramatically narrowed the criteria for classifying such deaths – meaning that Beijing’s Covid statistics are now widely seen as not reflecting reality.
DUBAI, 5 January 2023: Emirates has sealed an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas to promote tourism to the Caribbean archipelago. The airline and the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism will embark on joint initiatives to boost visitor traffic into the islands from key markets across Emirates’ network.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman and Chief Executive and HE Tony Joudi, Ambassador of The Bahamas to the UAE and the State of Qatar, at the Emirates Group Headquarters. Also present at the signing ceremony was Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer and Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Americas.
Emirates Group chairman and chief executive, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “We are pleased to collaborate with The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas in supporting its goals to boost the nation’s tourism economy. Through our partnerships with United and Air Canada, we look forward to playing a key role in promoting the Bahamas as a key leisure destination. Our global customers from across our network can enjoy Emirates’ services to our points in North America and benefit from enhanced connectivity and access to the islands.”
Spread across 16 major islands, the Bahamas boasts more than 100,000 sq. miles of the world’s clearest ocean. Its coveted beaches and pristine shorelines make The Bahamas one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, offering a rich mix of leisure and cultural activities for visitors.
Under the MoU, both parties will partner on joint promotional campaigns to benefit the airline and boost tourist arrivals into the Bahamas by showcasing the destination’s appeal to visitors and holiday-makers. The agreement will also see marketing activities, including media and trade familiarisation trips, in the first quarter of 2023 and the development of tailor-made tour packages, through its tour operating arm Emirates Holidays, which can be booked by customers across the airline’s vast network. Both parties have also agreed to explore opportunities to collaborate on joint advertising campaigns to promote the West Indies destination.
Under the MoU, both parties will partner on joint promotional campaigns to benefit the airline and boost tourist arrivals into The Bahamas by showcasing the destination’s appeal to visitors and holiday-makers. The agreement will also see marketing activities, including media and trade familiarisation trips, in the first quarter of 2023 and the development of tailor-made tour packages, through its tour operating arm Emirates Holidays, which can be booked by customers across the airline’s vast network. Both parties have also agreed to explore opportunities to collaborate on joint advertising campaigns to promote the West Indies destination.
Emirates currently flies to 12 points in the US in addition to Toronto. Emirates’ customers from across its global network can utilise its services to fly to US destinations such as Houston, Chicago, or Newark before connecting to Nassau on United, thanks to the partnership between airlines. Travellers can also fly to The Bahamas via Toronto, with Canada’s national carrier Air Canada, which activated its codeshare partnership in November.
While most visitors to the Bahamas originate from the US and Canada, The Bahamas also attracts tourists from other international points in Emirates’ network, including the United Arab Emirates, Greece, India, China, the Philippines and Singapore.
Currently, Emirates customers can connect to Nassau airport on codeshare flights with Air Canada via Toronto and from major US airports, including Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), and Chicago (ORD) on interline flights with United. Emirates operates a modern fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft to a network of more than 130 destinations across six continents.
LANGKAWI, 4 January 2023: We’ve curated this wallet-friendly five-day/four-night Langkawi itinerary for you to have the best beach vacay on a budget.
Do you often find yourself scrolling through your social feed, daydreaming about tropical getaways? As most people are feeling the squeeze of inflation, it goes without saying that budget becomes an important factor to consider when it comes to planning trips. With that in mind, we’ve curated an extensive and complete itinerary of the best things to do in Langkawi and some of the must-eat places to experience.
While costs are rising this year, many people are not willing to forgo a family vacation, especially after the last few years of having to miss out on or cancel a family vacation. Just because you may be trying to do family travel on a budget, it does not necessarily mean you have to or should miss out on a fantastic trip. If you are trying to do family travel on a budget, then this post is for you.
Day 1
Start your day by visiting the Oriental Village, the home of Langkawi Skycab and SkyBridge. The area is only a 20-minute drive from Langkawi International Airport.
Langkawi Skycab
You will be amazed at the unfolding dramatic views from the Skycab’splatforms up to 708 meters above sea level. There are plenty of activities in Oriental Village, such as feeding animals and experiencing the joys of animal therapy at Machinchang Pet Land, defying reality at VR Universal, and being entertained by the 3D interactive paintings at the 3D Art Museum.
3D Art Museum
For lunch, check out Restaurant Siti Fatimah for an impressive variety of Malay dishes. After fueling up, continue your journey by making your way to the TelagaTujuh Waterfall, one of the island’s most revered and majestic natural wonders. Cool down in this waterfall, with cheeky monkeys swinging between their branches. If you fancy dining with a stunning view of Chenang beach, Langkapuri Resort Roof Top Restaurant is the place to go as it offers both good food for your stomach and a delightful view for your eyes.
TelagaTujuh Waterfall
Day 2
For your second day on this idyllic island, consider island hopping. This activity is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy wildlife, dense forests, freshwater, and picturesque views. To have a wholesome experience, head over to the Underwater World Langkawi, one of the largest marine and freshwater aquaria in Southeast Asia. For lunch, eat at Smiling Buffalo, a café tucked in a boutique chalet. With its wall-less structure, flourishing tropical garden, and relaxed ambience, you are promised a good lunch escapade.
Underwater World Langkawi
Be sure to also check out Langkawi Craft Complex, which sells exquisite artworks from Malaysian craftsmen and artists. The main Craft Complex has a succession of halls with several sections designated as museums, displaying various intricate art and craft items reflecting the cultural Malaysian heritage. The entrance is free, and you will leave with a souvenir or two.
Langkawi Craft Complex
For shopaholics, enjoy duty-free shopping amongst the widest variety of luxury brands at designated duty-free stores, shops, and shopping centres at Kuah.
Dataran Lang
To capture Instagrammable holiday moments, stand in front of the eagle’s base at Dataran Lang to take an instantly recognizable selfie. To end your day, bring your family to Wonderland Seafood at Kuah Town, the locals’ to-go place for seafood at pocket-friendly prices.
Day 3
Temurun Waterfall
Have a refreshing start with a breakfast picnic at Temurun Waterfall, which consists of three tiers with a 200-meter drop, making it the highest waterfall in Langkawi. After a hearty breakfast with a view, go to ‘theominously’ named PasirTengkorak beach, which features activities like trekking, camping, swimming, and sunbathing for big and small groups alike. Experience fresh steamed crabs that are caught in the mangrove forests at Crab Farm for lunch.
Pasir Tengkorak
For the second half of the day, immerse yourself in a relaxing Mangrove Tour at Kubang Badak Island and be amazed at Malaysia’s biggest crocodile in captivity at Crocodile Adventureland. To cap off your night, fill your tummy with even more value-for-money seafood whilst basking in stunning views of the Andaman Sea at WarungUpih.
Day 4
Start your morning with nature at TanjungRhu Beach, an amazing getaway that features untouched corridors of forests, serene shorelines, and peaceful enclaves for visitors looking for a tranquil retreat. At TanjungRhu, unmissable adventures await those who are seeking thrilling experiences such as stand-up paddling, kayaking, and paragliding.
Tanjung Rhu
Unwind at Ayer Hangat Village Salt Water Hotspring, where you can soak in soothing and relaxing hot springs. Tantalise your tastebuds at Mak Ngah Gulai Panas, said to have the best Malay Curry Fish in Langkawi!
Ayer Hangat Village Salt Water Hotspring
Discover many animals and have up-close interactions with them during feeding sessions at Langkawi Wildlife Park. See a different side of Langkawi in a rewarding mangrove tour, which can be privately customised for an unforgettable experience. For dinner, indulge in a dizzying array of pizza styles at Artisans Pizza.
Day 5
On your final day in this paradise, be sure to experience the culture Langkawi offers by visiting MakamMahsuri, where you will have an amazing time learning about Mahsuri’s tomb, the final resting place of a beautiful maiden. For your next stop, drop by Langkawi Rice Garden Museumor LamanPadi, a popular eco-tourism spot at Chenang Beach where you can learn about rice cultivation in a rustic setting. For traditional Malay cuisine, explore Nasi Dagang Pak Malau during lunch for Nasi Dagang with a generous selection of side dishes such as chicken curry, beef rendang, mutton korma, pickled cucumber and sambal.
Makam Mahsuri
If you love fruits and eco-tourism, Mardi Agro Technology Park Langkawi is a treat for you. Learn about local agriculture and farming techniques and be awestruck by the sweeping stretch of land consisting of fruit farms over Gunung Raya Reserve forest. For splashing fun, visit Perdana Quay Eco Marine Park Langkawi, the first interactive seawater theme park in Asia. For dinner, visit KapalLayar Langkawi Restaurant. With a mini sailboat docked on its rooftop, this restaurant is truly an arresting sight to behold. Equally as eye-catching are its lavish servings of marine cuisine.
Langkawi Rice Garden Museum
What are you waiting for? Craving a refreshing family adventure? Look no further than the stunning shores of Langkawi Island!
Sabah Tourism Board CEO Noredah Othman said: “I am glad that finally, AirAsia has reactivated its Hong Kong – Kota Kinabalu route, adding another international air link to Sabah.”
“Hong Kong is one of our top target markets, and this is a great start in 2023 for our tourism industry. Sabah is blessed with beautiful islands and beaches, making us a preferred destination for Hong Kong travellers,” Noredah commented.
AirAsia connects Kota Kinabalu to five major international cities: Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Taipei and Hong Kong.
With the resumption of the Hong Kong – Kota Kinabalu route, Sabah now receives 64 weekly direct international flights. Other direct flights are from South Korea (29), Singapore (14), the Philippines (6), Brunei (5), Taiwan (4), Japan (2) and Thailand (2). Sabah will continue to improve access to the state by increasing the number of international flights from major foreign cities.
SINGAPORE, 5 January 2023: Part of Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, names Manish Dayya as the property’s new general manager.
Dayya brings with him over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. He joined Accor in 2013, and most recently, he headed up the management team of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre as the complex general manager.
Sofitel Mumbai BKC is located in the city’s central business district – the Bandra Kurla Complex, offering 302 rooms and suites and meeting spaces.
MANILA, 5 January 2023: Visitor arrivals exceeded the 1.7 million target reaching 2.65 million international visitor trips at the close of 2022.
The arrivals translated to PHP208.96 billion or USD3.68 billion in tourism revenues, a substantial 2,465.75% increase from 2021, according to a news briefing by the Department of Tourism on Monday.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) calculated that since the country reopened its borders to all travellers in February until the end of the year, international visitor arrivals and returning Filipinos tipped the 2.65 million mark – 628,445 were returning Filipinos, while the bulk of 2.02 million tourists came from top markets US (505,089), South Korea (428,014), Australia (137,974), Canada (121,413), UK (101,034), Japan (99,557), Singapore (53,448), India (51,542), Malaysia (46,805) and China (39,627).
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the tourism sector’s growth clearly showed the hard work of the entire industry to recover from the unprecedented crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Philippines News Agency.
“We welcome 2023 with gratitude and excitement for Philippine tourism to bounce back stronger than ever. We shall welcome with warmth and that distinct Filipino smile visitors from all over the world as they visit our award-winning beaches, experience the richness of our culture, and enjoy our world-renowned Filipino brand of service excellence,” she concluded.
SINGAPORE, 5 January 2023: British Airways has announced a new daily flight from London Heathrow to Florence, Italy, for Summer 2023.
Starting on 26 April 2023, the new flight will operate daily from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 0750 on an A320Neo aircraft.
Known for its Renaissance art scene, architectural masterpieces and Tuscan fare, Florence is in central Italy, near Bologna and Pisa for those looking to explore further afield.
Florence will be one of 11 Italian cities served by British Airways from London Heathrow in Summer 2023, including Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples.
The London Heathrow to Florence flight joins new routes starting in the Summer 2023 season, such as London Gatwick to Aruba and Guyana, and London Heathrow to Cincinnati, Ohio.
Return flights are on sale from London Heathrow to Florence, starting from UKP114. British Airways Holidays also offers two nights with breakfast at the 4 Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel Boutique from UKP279pp, travelling on selected dates in May 2023. The offer includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and a 23kg luggage allowance. Bookings must be made by 31 January 2023.
SINGAPORE, 5 January 2023: Holland America Line is adding several new itineraries for the 2024 season that combine regions, increasing voyages of 14 days or longer, and adding new departure ports in Northern Europe.
From April to November, new itineraries – ranging from seven to 35 days – will be offered on two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ships, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, along with Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
Rotterdam, Netherlands, is a new homeport for many Holland America Line European cruises in 2024.
The four Holland America Line ships will cover the entire region on voyages designed for cultural immersion. Nine overnight ports and 33 late-night departure cities provide more time ashore while the ships explore the Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, French and Spanish rivieras, Israel, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenland and Norway.
NORTHERN EUROPE
The ship Rotterdam returns to its namesake city with new sailings roundtrip from Rotterdam in 2024.
New seven-day cruises to Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
New seven- or 14-day itineraries to Norway and Scotland.
New 14-day cruises to England, Scotland, Ireland and Belgium.
New 14-day itinerary to Norway, Scotland and Iceland.
Seven-day Norwegian Fjords.
In May, Zuiderdam sails a 14-day Northern Europe cruise that explores Norway, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, followed by a 21-day “Ultimate Viking Explorer” journey around Iceland, Greenland and Scotland, both roundtrip from Ijmuiden.
The popular “Voyage of the Vikings” returns in 2024 aboard Zuiderdam. Departing on 20 July, the 35-day adventure sails roundtrip from Boston and calls at ports in Maine, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Norway. The itinerary also is offered in 17- and 18-day segments from Boston to Rotterdam or from Rotterdam to Boston.
