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Thailand drops Day 5 PCR test

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 February 2022: Thailand drops the Day 5 hotel stay and PCR test rule while reducing the mandatory insurance cover to USD20,000  starting 1 March.

Travellers can arrive in Thailand by air, land, and sea with the required prepaid accommodation reduced to one night and the Covid-19 tests revised to one RT-PCR on day one and a self-administered ATK test on day five.

The following rules apply from 1 March 2022 (travellers can enter Thailand on 7 March 2022 – one week to navigate Thailand Pass approval).

Points of entry

By air (direct international flight or transit domestically via dedicated flights.)
By land (at the border checkpoints in Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla.)
By sea (yachts.)

Eligible nationalities

For arrivals by air and sea: Thai citizens and foreign travellers from all countries/territories.
For arrivals by land: Thai citizens and foreign travellers from neighbouring countries connecting with the reopened border checkpoints (Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Songkhla).

Entry registration system

For arrivals by air and land: Thailand Pass system.
For arrivals by sea: Certificate of Entry system.

Quarantine requirement

For arrivals by air and land: No quarantine, but on Day 1 must wait for the Covid-19 test result while staying in an approved SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) or alternative quarantine facility. (Requires a prepaid hotel booking).
For arrivals by sea: No quarantine, but on Day 1 must wait for the Covid-19 test result on board the vessel (yacht).

Accommodation requirement

Travellers must show proof of prepayment for one night of accommodation at government-approved hotels, such as SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) on Day 1.

Health insurance

An insurance policy with a minimum cover of USD20,000 including Covid treatment. Thais and foreign expatriates covered under  Thailand’s national healthcare service are exempt from this requirement.

Covid-19 testing requirements

For arrivals by air and land: First test on Day 1 – RT-PCR (wait for the result in the hotel). Second test Day 5 by a self-administered ATK (must record the result via the application).
For arrivals by sea: First test on Day 1 by an RT-PCR (wait for the result on board the vessel), and the second test on Day 5 by a self-ATK method (must record the result via the application).

Existing requirements

A medical certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating a negative Covid-19 test result was issued no more than 72 hours before travelling.
 For those who have already contracted Covid-19: A Certificate of Covid-19 Vaccination/Recover is required.

Apply for a Thailand Pass at https://tp.consular.go.th/.

(Source: TAT – TTR Weekly posts only TAT official announcements and updates on Covid-19 rule changes.) For the full report, see: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/02/thailand-reopening-exemption-from-quarantine-test-go/

Destination Mekong seeks board nominations

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHNOM PENH, 25 February 2022: Destination Mekong, the private-sector-led regional tourism board that champions the Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism marketing, is ready to appoint its first executive board of directors.

Earlier this year, the Destination Mekong moved to a new office under the sponsorship of Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, ending a three-year stay in Bangkok working out of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office.

Destination Mekong was registered in January 2022 as a private limited company in Singapore. As the Ministry of Tourism hosts its executive offices in Cambodia, Destination Mekong will become a local legal entity in Phnom Penh.

At its first interim board of directors meeting earlier this month, Destination Mekong announced the timeline and the nomination process for the 2022 elections of its new Board of Directors.

According to its charter, Destination Mekong will appoint eight elected directors as well as additional appointed and ex-officio directors such as the executive director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the Founder of Destination Mekong,  Jens Thraenhart, and up to six representatives chosen from the main financial contributors, underwriting the cost of Destination Mekong’s marketing activities.

The call for nominations to the executive board is open to full members from now to 19 March 2022 on www.destinationmekong.com/nominations.

Destination Mekong is now rolling out its new annual membership programme with three main categories: Destination Mekong Insiders (free membership), Changemakers(full members), and Future Players (student members). Changemakers are eligible to stand as candidates for the board and cast votes in the election.

Until 19 March, annual fees for full individual Changemaker memberships will be USD60 instead of the usual USD180.00. Future Player memberships are USD30 instead of USD90 per year.

Details on the membership benefits can be found on www.destinationmekong.com/membership.

At the Annual General Members’ Meeting, scheduled for 21 April, the new executive board of directors will be elected through an online voting platform to ensure confidentiality.

Destination Mekong’s management team comprises CEO Catherine Germier-Hamel, Chief Development Officer Gavin Bell, and Chief Marketing Officer Gerrit Kruger.

Germier-Hamel praised this partnership between Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and Destination Mekong as “a unique and exciting collaboration. Destination Mekong should act as an inclusive, value-added solution provider, primarily focused on developing a set of tangible and intangible benefits to its members.”

Meanwhile, the MTCO website is back online after almost a month-long hiatus. It dropped offline due to an alleged financial glitch that has since been resolved as far as the website is concerned. However, financial concerns continue to trouble the organisation that is grossly underfinanced. It relies almost entirely on the six-member countries to each pay USD20,000 a year to administer the office. In addition, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports provides office space in Bangkok through its Department of Tourism. Destination Mekong runs the marketing programmes that reach out to private sector partners. Programmes fit the policy and strategic frameworks approved by the six countries that fund the MTCO operations. The countries ( Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) meet twice a year for policymaking Tourism Working Group meetings that provide direction for MTCO activities.

Philippines optimistic on inbound arrivals

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 25 February 2022: The Philippines welcomed 21,974 travellers during 10 days since 10 February when the country reopened its borders to international travellers, according to the Department of Tourism. 

Data came from One Health Pass, which processes all foreign arrivals to the country entering at gateway airports. Of the total, just under half(10,074) were Philippine citizens, and the balance (11,900) were foreign tourists.

According to the Department of Tourism statement, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat expressed optimism with the latest figures while hoping for a “much better outcome in the succeeding months”. 

“The recent influx of tourists reflect foreign tourists’ enthusiasm towards visiting our country, which in turn will accelerate the revival of our tourism industry,” Puyat stressed. 

“DOT continues to be optimistic that this trend will be sustained and will support not only the tourism industry but also the recovery and growth of our economy,” she added. 

Tourists from the USA make up the largest chunk of foreign tourists during the 10 days, with 5,516 arrivals. Canada followed with 1,366; 918 from the UK; 891 from Australia; 859 from South Korea; 572 from Vietnam;  459 from Japan; and 447 from Germany.

Puyat disclosed that the Covid-19 vaccine certificates are accepted from Egypt, Maldives, Palau, Albania, Estonia, Greece, Malta, and Uruguay as proof of vaccination required upon entry to the Philippines.

The eight countries are in addition to the previously approved 12 countries based on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 162.

For a full list of countries whose national vaccination certificated the Philippines recognizes so far, visit https://visitor.tourism.gov.ph/vaxcert/

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines says it is confident it can reinstate flights to achieve pre-pandemic levels, as Covid-19 cases are now decreasing.

The airline’s spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told the Manila Standard that before the pandemic lockdown, the airline operated an average of 300 flight sectors daily and remains confident that it can begin the process to reach pre-pandemic levels later this year.  

At the moment, the airline serves 32 international and 27 domestic destinations.

In March, the airline will also increase flights between Manila and Zamboanga from nine to 11 flights weekly and increase flights between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro from five to seven flights weekly.

PAL’s services to Guam will also increase from two to three flights a week; to Kuala Lumpur – from three to seven flights a week. Singapore flights increase from five to seven flights a week; Jakarta from three to four flights a week; Bangkok from three to seven flights a week.

(Source: Department of Tourism)

Sarawak networks with travel buyers

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 February 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board has kicked off its annual series of Business Networking Sessions (B2B) to engage with 300 domestic travel agencies and tour operators across five states in West Malaysia, starting with Penang, Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

Themed ‘Sarawak A Journey Awaits Business Networking Sessions 2022’, the sessions aim to provide a platform to keep Sarawak top of mind for stakeholders while promoting the rich land of Sarawak against the fascinating backdrop of history and mystery, culture, festivals, food and its unique tourism products to domestic travel agencies and tour operators.

STB Deputy CEO for Marketing Communication, Research and Private Corporate Relations Suriya Charles Buas (left) gave away the lucky draw prize to Jessica Ong, one of the participants at the B2B event.

The sessions commenced in Penang at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton on 21 February 2022; then in Grand Alora, Kedah 22 February 2022; in WEIL Hotel, Perak 23 February 2022, at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, KL 24 February 2022, and ends at Thistle Hotel, Johor Bharu on 25 February 2022.

In his welcoming speech at the B2B sessions, Sarawak Tourism Board deputy CEO for marketing communication, research and private corporate relations  En Suriya Charles Bua said: “We can see the domestic tourism industry growing gradually, following the accelerated booster shots across Malaysia. This is the perfect time for all tourism players to seize this opportunity to market their products and boost the tourism industry further.”

“Through this session, travellers are aware of their destination of choice while keeping in mind sustainability and preservation efforts. With this in mind, the Sarawak government, Sarawak Tourism Board and the ministry have taken the necessary steps to ensure an eco-friendly, responsible and sustainable tourism industry, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

In an effort to cultivate a culture of Responsible Tourism amongst personnel from Sarawak Divisional Offices, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) organised a two-day virtual workshop for their Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG) with the objective of inspiring them to adopt a sustainability mindset.

Last year, STB conducted Sarawak Tourism Virtual Product Update 1.0 and 2.0 virtually for domestic travel agencies and tour operators in West Malaysia and Sabah buyers, which garnered positive results from 300 buyers from Peninsula Malaysia, the ASEAN region and Sabah, along with over 30 sellers from Sarawak’s travel and tour services sector.

For more information about Sarawak Tourism Board, visit its website at https://sarawaktourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Jetstar Asia Expands VTL Services

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 February 2022: Jetstar Asia expands Vaccination Travel Lane flights from Singapore to Phuket, Clark, Manila, and Perth.

Jetstar Asia’s Phuket Singapore VTL service will start on 2 March with up to four services a week, followed by introducing six weekly VTL services from Clark and seven weekly VTL services from Manila from 4 March.

Following the announcement that Western Australia will reopen its international borders from 3 March, Jetstar Asia will relaunch services from Singapore to Perth starting 11 March, with up to four weekly services where the return flight to Singapore will be a designated VTL service.

Jetstar Asia’s CEO, Bara Pasupathi said: “Key Southeast Asian cities, such as Clark and Manila, are such critical links in our expanding network, while Phuket and Perth are incredible leisure destinations, offering customers the opportunity to take a much-deserved break.

“With the introduction of more VTLs, combined with gradual relaxing of quarantine measures for vaccinated travellers and the transition from PCR tests to the less costly ARTs, consumer confidence is improving, and international trips are once again back on people’s radar.”

In line with local government requirements, only fully vaccinated passengers (exemptions apply to passengers 12 years and below) who meet all the necessary VTL conditions can travel on designated VTL flights.

To celebrate the launch of these new services, Jetstar Asia has launched a network-wide sale, including the four new VTL services, from 14 February until 25 February, unless sold out prior.

Fares between Singapore and Phuket start from SGD49, from SGD109 between Singapore and Clark, SGD135 between Singapore and Manila, and SGD179 between Singapore and Perth.

Customers who book a Jetstar Asia (3K) flight on jetstar.com before 30 April 2022 for travel before 31 August 2023 will be given one ‘fee free’ date change as part of Jetstar’s Fly Flexible policy#.

Jetstar’s Fly Well safety measures offer an added layer of protection and demonstrate our commitment to keeping our people and our customers safe.

Full list of VTL services can be found here.

Route Flight Number Frequency
HKT – SIN 3K536, 3K538 Up to four services a week
CRK – SIN 3K774, 3K776, 3K780 Up to six services a week
MNL – SIN 3K762, 3K766 Up to seven services a week
PER – SIN 3K134, 3K132* Up to four services a week

The thin line between work and play

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 February 2022: Expedia released its annual Vacation Deprivation study earlier this week that estimated Americans took six fewer vacation days (less than 12 days) than the global average in 2021 leaving the majority feeling vacation deprived (59%) and more burned out than ever (72%).

Surveying more than 14,500 working adults across 16 countries, the 2022 report also sheds light on the uncomfortable reality that pandemic-era flexible work arrangements can make it more difficult to unplug (54%), blurring the boundaries between time on and off the clock.

While many Americans made the best of this newfound flexibility by taking a “workcation” (travelling to a new destination and working remotely), most don’t consider these to be “true” vacations (61%).

Furthermore, even as most Americans (78%) enjoy feeling “unproductive” during their vacations, half bring along their work laptops, and 41% frequently join zoom calls during a vacation.

“Despite the nearly universal belief that regular vacations are critical to our health and wellbeing, the research shows we struggle to unplug from work fully,” said Expedia senior PR manager Christie Hudson.

“Instead, we try and do it all, checking email from the pool and taking work calls while out of office. This study is a reminder that vacations should be a time to rest, recharge and prioritize the things that really matter. After all, work can wait.”

2022 is promising to be the year we take back control of our vacations and unplug from ‘workcation’ habits.

The study shows working adults in the US vowed to take an average of 14 days this year – almost three days more than they took in 2021 – and nearly all (92%) agree that regular vacations are important for general health and wellbeing. 44% of Americans have already booked a trip to look forward to and, based on 2021 habits; they are more likely than most other regions around the world to splurge. They may go for upgrades such as choosing a bigger room or flying first class, stopping at multiple destinations during a single trip or booking backup trips.

Breaking Bad Vacation Habits

From reconnecting with loved ones to easing burnout, research consistently underscores the benefits of vacation. However, more than a few bad habits are preventing Americans from having the fulfilling travel experiences they deserve – and it’s time to break them.

Not setting boundaries: 63% of Americans admitted to including their cell phone number in their out-of-office reply for their coworkers or clients, inviting interruptions during valuable time off. Breaking the habit of being easily available when possible ensures vacation time stays sacred.

Leaving vacation days behind: Americans took the least amount of vacation days globally in 2021, even though more workers in the US received unlimited vacation days (14%) than those in other countries (8%).

Hustling without breaks: 49% of Americans admitted to feeling guilty when they don’t do anything “productive” while on vacation. 51% used some of their time off doing a side hustle, and, on average, Americans used three vacation days last year to take care of a sick family member, go to a doctor’s appointment or run errands.

Asking permission to take time off: 52% of Americans feel guilty having coworkers cover their work, and 44% feel the need to apologize or make excuses for taking time off, despite most agreeing their colleagues support them using their vacation time (80%).

Download the full 2022 Vacation Deprivation report here

About the Vacation Deprivation Study

Expedia first commissioned Vacation Deprivation in 2000 to examine the work-life balance of people worldwide. The annual study is currently in its 22nd year and was conducted online among 14,544 respondents across North and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

(Source: Expedia.com)

WTTC backs EC revision of Covid rules

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 February 2022: The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes the European Council’s recommendations to ease travel restrictions on 1 March six weeks ahead of the Easter break in April.

“WTTC welcomes the sensible decision by the EU to drop travel restrictions before Easter, said WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson. “The patchwork of rules and regulations did nothing to prevent the spread of Covid but did cause immense damage to the economy of Europe, causing the loss of jobs and businesses. Now is time to rebuild Travel & Tourism and connect Europe to the world.”

WTTC was responding to the more recent European Council recommendation issued on 22 February. The Council’s Covid-19 update said member states should allow non-essential travel for persons vaccinated with an EU or WHO-approved vaccine, recovered persons and all persons travelling from a country on the EU list.

It includes persons who have recovered from COVID-19 within 180 days before travel to the EU. For some of these travellers, additional measures such as PCR testing before travel could apply. The new recommendation will start to apply on 1 March 2022.

Countries on the EU list

For restrictions to be lifted for all travellers from a given third country under the new rules, the number of Covid-19 cases per 100 000 inhabitants over the last 14 days is raised from 75 to 100. The weekly testing rate per 100 000 inhabitants is also increased from 300 to 600.

Sarawak Tourism wins award

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 February 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) recently took home the bronze award at the Marketing Excellence Awards Malaysia 2022 for its Excellence in Mobile Marketing for The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF).

Designed to recognise outstanding marketing strategies, the award saw 50 companies from various industries participating in 40 categories from diverse disciplines.

STB Director of Communications Margaret Apau (third right) receiving the bronze award for Excellence in Mobile Marketing for RWMF and BJF on behalf of the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

“We are honoured to be recognised for our mobile marketing strategy for RWMF and BJF. Both these events are highly-anticipated annually, and we challenged ourselves to push the boundaries in 2021 when we took RWMF and BJF virtual. In total, 402,865 people from 79 countries tuned in for the RWMF and 244,637 from 43 different countries tuned in for BJF,” said Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.

“This year, we are already prepping for RWMF and BJF, both of which will be organised in a hybrid format. Again, we will push the envelope to ensure our audience, both local and international, enjoy a wide range of musical performances from traditional to world fusion and contemporary”.

At the end of 2021,  RWMF and BJF were also acknowledged as the ‘One to Watch’ by WTM Responsible Tourism, a global award programme that recognises excellence in responsible tourism.

“Responsible tourism has been a longstanding effort by Sarawak Tourism Board to ensure that Sarawak’s tourism industry remains relevant, viable, and sustainable. We will continue spearheading responsible tourism initiatives in 2022 and beyond, as we believe it will not only contribute to the wellbeing of our local communities and environment but also create meaningful experiences for travellers,” Puan Sharzede concluded.

For more information about Sarawak Tourism Board’s website at https://sarawaktourism.com

Weekday Special on Thai Vietjet

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 February 2022: Thai Vietjet launched a Weekday Special promotion this week, offering fares starting from just THB 555 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s entire domestic flight network.

The special fares are available for booking from now until 28 February, with the travel period open from 1 March to 30 June 2022 (excludes public holidays).

The promotional tickets apply to Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic flight network in Thailand from its home base Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani.

The deal also applies to cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, together with a flight from Chiang Rai to Hat Yai.

Thailand’s travel tax won’t go away

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 February 2022: Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn insists the controversial THB300 travel tax is still on the table despite a decision to delay its introduction beyond the target launch date of 1 April.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has been pushing for the introduction of a tax on all incoming tourists for years. Still, it faces stiff opposition from a travel industry fighting for survival after two years of Covid-19 restrictions. Earlier this month, the Thai cabinet postponed the introduction of the entry tax for foreign tourists without specifying a new launch date.

Earlier this week in comments first reported by Associated Press, he stressed the entry fee’ on all foreign tourists visiting the country would be eventually implemented, noting it would be used for tourists’ insurance and an emergency fund for those travelling in the country.

Phiphat was quoted saying the collection process would be transparent and accountable to the public and would not end up in anyone’s “pocket”.

Part of the fee will go towards funding basic health and accident insurance cover for travellers to provide emergency services. The balance will fund the restoration of tourist and heritage sites supervised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ permanent secretary.

It is highly likely the USD9 tax will be introduced later in the year once collection issues have been resolved, particularly at land checkpoints. For airline travellers entering the country, the fee will be included in the fare along with the THB700 airport tax.

Travel industry opposition focuses mainly on the timing, claiming it will be perceived as yet another burden for travellers in addition to having to pay for Covid-19 tests and mandatory medical insurance under the Test & Go scheme. They are suggesting the tax should be postponed until after Covid-19 is downgraded from a pandemic to endemic and costly tests are eliminated.

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