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.

The post Travel Bubbles Increasing amid COVID appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

The WTTC- World travel and tourism council recently published the appalling stats regarding the probable loss of nearly 174 million tourism jobs by the end of 2020. This due to COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting travel limitations imposed.

The possible efforts to curtail and restrict the virus have impacted catastrophically on the tourism sector. According to current and present-day economic data of WTTC, the travel restrictions worldwide would likely have a huge impact resulting in loss of 174 million jobs.

This shocking number is less than the previously stated estimates of 197 million jobs to be lost.

The tourism experts are of the belief that this improvement is the result of return of domestic travel in many areas. Some countries have also restored international travel and tourism.

The data states that the relaxation of domestic and international travel will drastically reduce the loss of jobs. 31 million jobs could be saved if the travel is brought back to normal domestically.  

Mexico is on the top of the list of the countries affected considering that 15.5 percent of its GDP is generated from travel and tourism.

The United States has already faced the loss of 18.6 million jobs.  $4.7 trillion from travel and tourism will not be contributed to the GDP, and will result in alarming 53 percent loss in 2020 as compared to 2019.

The devastating situation demanded a solution. Many other countries like New Zealand, Australia, UK, Lithuania and Estonia have all acted on the situation lifting the travel restrictions. They have reopened their borders for international travelers and tourists from some selected nations.

This large impact to the tourism sector can be saved by the WTTC recovery plan. The 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan outlines the major, prime initiatives that will aid in strong and established international coordination for constructive operations and to the restoration of travel.

The post COVID-19 Crushing Impact on Travel and Tourism appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

With a local population of only about 24,000, Adelaide is a beautiful city that usually welcomes 300,000 visitors each day . It is well known for its wineries, for wine tastings, and branding.

In addition to its wineries, tourist attractions also include sporting events, the Adelaide zoo, the University of Adelaide and much more.

International flights are into the country are still largely banned from most areas. Additionally, interstate travel within Australia is also subject to many restrictions.

Those who are allowed to travel into the area are subject to a 14-day quarantine in most cases. This is another factor leading to a drop in tourism.  

What is happening in Adelaide city is not unique. Cities which garner a lot of revenue from tourism are in a similar situation.

The drop in tourism dollars creates a ripple effect throughout the local economy.

It begins at the tourist attractions, and then hits the nearby shops and restaurants. As the workers at these locations lose wages, the merchants that they frequent also start to lose revenue.

As this cycle continues, the financial decline in many areas can begin to impact local government and the public services which they provide.

In Adelaide, the government is working to re-vitalize the tourism industry. They are providing vouchers to would-be tourists to partially subsidize their accommodations.

It seems like a smart approach. The vouchers lower the cost for the visitor, thereby encouraging them to travel. At the same time, the government money is guaranteed to make its way directly back to the local economy through the hotels.

The post Tourism Decline causing Financial Strain for Cities Worldwide appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.