Travel Bubbles Increasing amid COVID
While some countries are returning to strict COVID-19 lockdown policies, other nations are loosening restrictions. The result are areas being referred to as Travel Bubbles – good news for the tourism industry.
credit: mohamed_hassan
As an apparent second-wave of coronavirus cases emerged, many countries prepared to enact new lock-downs. The resurgence of these lock-downs, such as those in France, have resulted in a mass exodus. Many residents are racing to flee before the new lock-downs were implemented.
In other countries, where cases of the coronavirus are lower, an increasing amount of travel bubbles are emerging. Also known as corona corridors, these are exclusive partnerships between friendly or neighboring countries. They allow for tourism industries, and in-person business meetings, to continue even in the face of COVID-19.
Most recently, Japan and South Korea reached an agreement allowing short-term visitors. Individuals completing business trips, for example, are allowed to enter and leave each respective country without undergoing the mandatory two-week quarantine period.
However, in the case of long-term visitors, the quarantine is still required. Japan also has previous travel agreements with nine other Asian counties.
In Hawaii, the island state recently struck a deal with United Airlines removing the two-week quarantine requirement for tourists visiting on holiday. This waiver is only for airline passengers who passed rapid COVID-19 tests, provided by the airline, at their departure airport. The airline plans to expand the testing for passenger to other destinations, including Europe, very soon.
Other nations, such as Singapore, have spread their reach to countries such as New Zealand.
It is currently uncertain how the recent spike in global cases, especially those in parts of Europe, will affect the continuation of these travel bubble policies.
However, their existence and increasing popularity provide hope to many. This includes both those who are itching to explore new places, as well as the severely impacted travel industry looking to restore lost revenue.
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