Queensland continues engaging travel trade in Greater China amid pandemic
While the reopening of its borders to international tourism remains uncertain, the Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) is sparing no effort in engaging the travel trade in Greater China during this downtime.
Apart from updating trade partners on product and destination knowledge, it also identified business opportunities and assisted both Queensland industry and Chinese travel trade partners wherever possible.
In fact, TEQ’s office in Greater China has recently developed an idea to promote and sell consumer goods to generate small but critical revenue for both Queensland tourism operators and travel trade partners in the Greater China region. Dubbed Project Perk Up, a range of Queensland products were introduced and distributed via Chinese travel trade staff to consumers during the lockdown period. To date, 13 key travel trade partners in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have generated more than A$64,000 (US$47,100) in retail revenue from the project.
Moreover, TEQ has conducted a series of livestream programmes with different themes, aimed at delivering Queensland destination information and experiences to help support trade partners in China. As of November 11, a total of 18 livestream sessions have been held to 6,441 participants, with total viewership of 14,594. Similar travel trade training programmes have also been and will continue to be delivered in Hong Kong and Taiwan, through both online and offline methods.
TEQ CEO Leanne Coddington told TTG Asia: “TEQ has worked closely with our key partner, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), to connect Queensland operators and suppliers with Hong Kong trade and media partners to source and introduce Queensland products to consumers, ensuring that consumers are able to still get a taste of Queensland whilst they are unable to visit.
“We see great potential in developing e-commerce opportunities in Hong Kong. As a result of our partnership with TIQ, there are increasing numbers of Queensland products now being sold in Hong Kong such as wagyu beef from Kur-Cow Barnwell Farm, Bundaberg ginger beer, lobster tail, scallop, King prawns, heath products, chocolates, eggs and vegetables.”
Last Monday (November 30), the government agency organised its annual Greater China Industry luncheon in a hybrid format, drawing about 111 trade representatives from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Taiwan (99 from mainland China, three from Hong Kong and nine from Taiwan).
Speaking remotely from Queensland, Coddington cited a ‘test’ project with Ctrip featuring top Queensland hotels and airline deals that has generated over 1,000 leads for air ticket and hotel vouchers in less than a month. Additionally, the agency has also rolled out Queensland Moments, a WeChat activity inviting partners to share their past vacation photos taken in Queensland, to trigger happy holiday memories of the Australian state.
She said: “TEQ has been keeping its finger on the pulse of its key international markets. We have been adapting to the ever-changing climate this year, and working to inspire our trade partners, stakeholders, media and consumers through aspirational content and engaging events. Our current strategies in Hong Kong and China are simple and straightforward: keep the industry engaged and to position Queensland at the top of trade partners’ and consumers’ minds when they are considering their next international holiday once Australia’s borders reopen.”
TEQ group executive – global marketing, Michael Branagh, opined that although international travellers are unable to visit Queensland for now, the agency is working to understand them better and exploring innovative ways to continue engaging with them.
He said: “Our team in Greater China has developed projects such as Q Style and Beautiful Reconnection, which are UGC (user-generated content) campaigns, aiming to keep Queensland top of consumers’ minds via key opinion leaders. We believe that the businesses which have the strongest understanding of their consumers, and their future wants and needs, will be in the best position to compete in what will be an incredibly crowded market, as global travel rebounds.
“With the support of Tourism Australia, we are working with Ctrip and Trip.com to deliver a campaign, targeting the Australian-based Chinese community. We know this community is important to our tourism recovery, represents a large and valuable target segment, travels frequently, and is a key influencer for travel decisions made by visiting friends and relatives.”
During the event, a slew of TEQ stakeholders gave an online update on their latest happenings. For instance, Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Tash Wheeler, unveiled new developments in the region, including Reefsuites by Cruise Whitsundays boasting Australia’s first underwater accommodation, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort which opened in late 2019, and the newly refurbished Coral Sea Resort at Airlie Beach Day. As well, Juliet Alabaster, general manager of business and major events at Brisbane Economic Development Agency, shared new itineraries and products to excite Chinese visitors, such as a camel ride and camel farm experience.
Jakarta hotels turn back on govt’s quarantine programme after public backlash
Jakarta has seen a decline in hotels’ support for the government-initiated quarantine programme intended to accommodate Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms, following public backlash from fears of virus spread.
A total of 35 hotels had initially signed up for the programme, according to Krishnadi, chairman of Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) Jakarta chapter. However, the majority has since pulled out of the programme, after a wave of public objections threatened their business.
Of the six hotels that stuck to their decision to join the quarantine programme, half of them – Ibis Hotel, U Stay Hotel, and Grand Asia Hotel – are already hosting Covid-19 patients, said Krishnadi. Many hotels withdrew their participation as many of their existing guests proceeded to check out, and bookings were cancelled, after the news broke, he said.
The protests, he said, also came from shopping malls and apartments surrounding those hotels.
MaxOne Hotel on Jalan Sabang, a popular culinary centre in the heart of Jakarta, faced objections from the Jalan Sabang Residents’ Association for hosting some 25 patients in October, recalled its general manager, Andrianita Nainggolan.
After a mediation explaining the strict measures taken by the hotel to the residents’ association fell through, they decided to withdraw from the programme, Andrianita said.
Tauzia Hotels also pulled out its two properties – Pop! Hotel Tebet and Yello Hotel Harmoni Jakarta – from the programme after learning that participating hotels are barred from accepting regular guests during its duration. “We don’t want to sacrifice (existing) bookings,” shared its director of marketing, Irene Janti.
Nite & Day Hotel Jakarta Bandengan, on the other hand, back-pedalled on its decision to join after the hotel was left to sit empty as no patient was assigned to the property, and it could not accept bookings from regular guests, said Hera Adiwikarta Hady, director of sales and marketing, Milestone Pacific Hotel Group.
Meanwhile, the 130-room U Stay Hotel is running full occupancy, according to owner Nofel Saleh Hilabi.
He said the hotel’s decision to house Covid-19 patients did not meet with public objection, attributing the positive response to better understanding about the virus among residents of the hotel’s surrounding areas.
Saleh said: “They are well-informed about the strict health protocols implemented (in our hotel to ensure) that (this quarantine programme) does not spread (the virus) to the environment.”
Marina Bay Sands
Location
The iconic hotel stands in the prime area of Marina Bay, skirting the busy commercial districts. Despite its central location, the hotel served up a relaxing escapade, complemented by convenience, accessibility and sweeping city views.
The integrated resort is stocked with shops and restaurants running the gamut from local fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, spoiling guests with pampering choices for a comfortable and indulgent stay.
Rooms
Three towers of rooms present a variety of vistas, from Gardens by the Bay to Singapore’s iconic cityscape. I was given the Premier King Sky View Room, a 44m2 space complete with seating area and arresting city view. Its spacious bathroom boasted a large deep-soaking bathtub, as well as split shower and lavatory – especially convenient for sharing guests.
Due to Covid-19, all towels in the bathroom were individually packed in plastic for hygiene purposes. I personally wished to see a more environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative, especially as there was no card to indicate my preference to reuse my towels.
F&B
The integrated resort is bursting at the seams with award-winning restaurants, celebrity chef-helmed establishments and Michelin-starred offerings. On my visit, I had the privilege of enjoying several dining experiences, with three standout affairs: Japanese concept Koma, casual a la carte buffet at Rise and a contemporary Italian-American rooftop dinner at Lavo. All restaurants now provide disposable paper envelopes with which to store our masks.
Koma opened last year under the helm of Tao Group, which also operates the dramatic Marquee Nightclub. Enjoying a meal in Koma feels like dining in a private Japanese garden, with dedicated waiters and fusion Asian meals delighting the senses. Although sushi and sashimi are staples of Japanese dining, it would be remiss not to try some of its fusion fare. My personal favourites include the flavourful yellowtail ginger jalapeno, charred barbecued short rib and savoury miso-glazed eggplant.
At Rise, its popular buffet has been reconfigured into a more ‘pandemic-friendly’ concept. While dishes are now ordered and many served a-la-minute, the restaurant itself still displays its enticing spread and the chefs continue to prepare meals in full view of eager guests, protected by glass barriers. Dishes do take longer to arrive now, but freshness is ensured.
Finally, Lavo presented an unforgettable experience to top off the memorable staycation. At 57 storeys above the city, the Italian-American restaurant served a varied menu of surprising and delightful treats. My meal started off with an intriguing presentation of tuna tartare, served in mini cones but big on flavour. The penne seafood alfredo that followed was a deceptively simple, but creamy and lip-smacking dish. Though filled up by now, I chowed down the final prize: Oreo zeppole, double-stuffed and fried Oreo bites served with a bowl of malted vanilla milkshake.
Facilities
Being an integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands is fully fitted with conveniences and indulgences alike. The Premier King Sky View Room afforded me a faster and quieter check-in experience at the Check-In Lounge, as well as access to the exclusive Club 55 lounge.
The Infinity Pool – no doubt a centrepiece of the property – operates differently now with the pandemic in mind. Guests must book a slot to visit the pool, which is cleaned every other hour before the next cohort of visitors. Timings are limited, so guests are encouraged to book a slot as soon as they have made a room reservation.
Additionally, all entrances and exits of the hotel, the Shoppes, the train station and the ArtScience Museum are marked by SafeEntry gantries, and guests must scan their national identity card, or their TraceTogether app or token, in order to enter or leave that portion of the resort.
Guests looking for an extra experience can keep an eye out for the soon-to-come Sustainability & Art Guided Tour. This new offering takes guests through the lesser-known details of massive art installations and designs commissioned for the resort – some that even contribute to its environmental efforts. These include the iconic Rain Oculus, which collects and distributes rain water to an internal filtering system, as well as ‘hidden’ light sensors that optimise indoor lighting according to daylight.
Service
Hospitality is invariably a key product of this Sands property. Throughout my dining experiences, waitstaff and even chefs were happy to explain the concept of their dishes. Even housekeeping staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, checking on my preferred timing for cleaning as well as offering me extra minibar top-ups and amenities.
This outstanding service is what contributes to the signature experience, and sets the bar high for a luxury staycation.
Verdict
With its unforgettable dining experiences and hospitality, alongside its wealth of guest offerings such as the upcoming tour, Marina Bay Sands has maintained its standing even for a discerning local crowd. Its packages and promotions now make it a good deal for a pampering long weekend.
Number of rooms 2,561
Rate From S$540 (US$403)
Contact details
Tel: 65 6688 8868
Email: room.reservations@marinabaysands.com
Website: www.marinabaysands.com
Mondrian heads to Gold Coast
Accor and sbe have partnered with Australian developer Vitale Projects to deliver Mondrian Gold Coast on an expansive 4,037m² beachfront site at southeast Queensland’s tourism and lifestyle destination Burleigh Heads.
Slated to commence construction in 2021 and be completed by mid-2023, the property will be Australia’s first five-star Mondrian hotel and branded private residences. Set to be built at 50 The Esplanade on the Burleigh Heads Beach on the Gold Coast, it will comprise a private residential tower of 89 apartments and a separate hotel tower with 208 guestrooms.
The buildings will be united by a three-level podium that acts as the property’s common space and hub of activity, including a fitness centre, spa, restaurant, and swimming pool, all overlooking the Burleigh Heads Beach.
Mondrian Gold Coast Private Residences’ luxury two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments feature beach views, balconies, living spaces, butler’s pantries and wine cabinets. Residents enjoy full access to hotel amenities and services, including a 24-hour concierge and 24-hour room service, valet carparking and personal drivers, while also enjoying the privacy of residents-only amenities in their own building.
Mondrian Gold Coast is one of nine new Mondrian properties that sbe plans to open globally by 2022, with six more to be announced. It follows the company’s recent opening of Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, and the announcement of Mondrian Shoreditch London set to open in 2021.
Delayed payments to hotels hosting OFWs woeful
Philippine hospitality, including hotels, are turning out to be one of the biggest casualties of the tourism lockdown the past nine months and counting. Banks have cut their credit lines. Loan default and restructuring aren’t unexpected. Financial and stimulus assistance being sought from government aren’t forthcoming.
To add to their laundry list of woes, a government agency has been making local news headlines for its delayed payments to hotels that are being used as quarantine facilities for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
To date, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has chalked up a debt of roughly $5 million owed to members of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), some incurred as early as July. It is safe to assume that there are non-HSMA quarantine hotels caught in the same situation. That’s tantamount to borrowing from an industry that has wound up in a catatonic state from zero business. The government should never have allowed it to happen in the first place. As of press time, OWWA should have paid off its debt in full to HSMA hotels as promised.
The least the government can do when it cannot lend ailing hotels a financial hand is to avoid adding to the hotels’ burden. OWWA should hasten to pay back the full amount, not by instalments, to hotels. It should also take measures to ensure that, henceforth, hotels are all paid on time as more OFWs continue returning to the Philippines.
Truth is, without the cooperation of quarantine hotels, it would be tough for the government to troubleshoot the accommodation needs of hundreds of thousands of returning OFWs.
Running a hotel during the pandemic is costlier due to the enforcement of stringent health protocols such as frequent disinfection of premises and wearing of masks and PPEs, while having to observe limited occupancy and limited services.
Quarantine hotels, most of which offer affordable negotiated rates, need income on time lest employees’ salaries are affected. Staff working in quarantine hotels should be considered health frontliners as they take high risk in attending to Filipinos returning from all parts of the world as they wait for swab test results.
Surely, there is a better way to treat one’s partners even, or especially, in times of crisis.
Rosa Ocampo is correspondent, Philippines for TTG Asia Media. She reports for the company’s stable of travel trade titles, including TTG Asia and TTGmice.
APAC region with most closed borders: UNWTO
The number of destinations closed to international tourism has continued to fall, with 70 per cent of all global destinations having eased restrictions on travel introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the eighth edition of the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report.
In comparison, just one in four destinations continue to keep their borders completely closed to international tourists.
The report, which tracks measures implemented in 217 destinations worldwide, shows that, as of November 1, a total of 152 destinations have eased restrictions on international tourism, up from the 115 recorded on September 1. At the same time, 59 destinations have kept their borders closed to tourists, a decrease of 34 over the same two-month period.
UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The lifting of travel restrictions is essential to drive our wider recovery from the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. Governments have an important part to play in giving data-led and responsible travel advice and in working together to lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Looking further into current Covid-19-related travel restrictions, the report sheds new light on the factors connecting those destinations which have eased restrictions and those where borders remain closed. The study found that destinations with higher scores in health and hygiene indicators as well as on the environmental performance index are among those which have eased restrictions faster. Moreover, these destinations are increasingly applying differentiated, risk-based approaches to implementing travel restrictions.
In comparison, destinations choosing to keep their borders closed tend to be within emerging economies with relatively low scores in health and hygiene indicators and environmental performance index. The majority of these destinations are in Asia and the Pacific, with many belonging to the SIDS (small island developing states), LDCs (least developed countries) or LLDCs (landlocked developing countries).
Breaking the destination analysis down by regions, Europe continues to lead the way in lifting or easing travel restrictions, followed by the Americas, Africa and then the Middle East. Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific continues to be the region with the fewest travel restrictions eased and more complete border closures in place for international tourism.
Looking ahead, the report highlights the important role governments can play in restarting tourism. Out of the ten biggest tourism source markets, four (representing 19 per cent of all outbound trips in 2018) have issued guidance advising against all non-essential international travel. The other six (representing 30 per cent of all outbound trips in 2018), however, have issued more nuanced travel advisories, basing their guidance on evidence-based risk assessments.
PATA Beyond puts digital at heart of tourism recovery
With Covid-19 accelerating the digital agenda among travel and tourism organisations keen to stay ahead of the game, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise PATA Beyond: Travel Recovery Solutions from February 8-11, 2021, giving travel and technology solution providers a platform to showcase their innovative products and services in the Asia-Pacific region.
The fully virtual experience will allow buyers and exhibitors from across the globe to connect and access the full event programme.
PATA CEO Mario Hardy said: “Before the outbreak of Covid-19, the travel and tourism industry was on the cusp of a technological revolution, however, the pandemic has greatly accelerated the shift to industry 4.0 with the rise of virtual events and meetings, contactless payments, contact tracing software, etc.
“Furthermore, the pandemic has greatly shifted travellers’ behaviours, travel-planning habits and expectations, while creating a new set of protocols and guidelines for the industry to implement.
“In the post Covid-19 era, the businesses that will dominate the landscape will be those that are agile and efficient, embrace technology, have a distributed workforce, and offer a mix of physical and digital assets in their service offerings.”
The four-day event will showcase organisations whose products, platforms or services – both tech and non-tech solutions – can play a role in the next evolution of the travel and tourism landscape. In addition, the event will include panel discussions, live pitch sessions and other opportunities for participants to connect with key decision-makers of tourism organisations from both the public and private sectors, drawing from the vast network of PATA members, chapters and online community around the world.
Organisations providing travel recovery solutions in data, insights and analytics; payment technology; health/hygiene; consulting/advisory; security management; technology infrastructure; smartphone/mobile; sustainability/social responsibility; virtual experiences, and artificial intelligence/AR/VR, are invited to exhibit at the event.
In support of its members and industry colleagues, PATA is offering exhibition fees at significantly below market rates. PATA members can take advantage of the complimentary exhibitor package, while the fee for PATA Chapter members is US$250 and US$500 for non-members. Visitor registration is complimentary for all.
“Whether you work in digital, operations or marketing within the travel sector, PATA Beyond provides you with the perfect opportunity to meet with leading solution providers of key technologies and innovative approaches to embrace the next evolution of the travel and tourism industry,” added Hardy.
For more information about exhibiting, registration or sponsorship opportunities, click here or email events@PATA.org.
Montara Hospitality reveals details of Thai wellness project
Set to open in 2022, Montara Hospitality Group’s newest development, Tri Vananda, will reveal a holistic health and wellness residential community and resort on the southern Thai island of Phuket.
Backed by an investment of over 6.6 billion baht (US$220 million), Tri Vananda will comprise three main zones spread across 93ha of land: the wellness residential community, the wellness resort, and a wetland nature reserve. The development will offer 263 residential villas, a wellness resort, and a medical and wellness centre specialising in integrative and functional medicine and cognitive well-being.
Fully furnished and equipped residential villas, ranging from one- to four-bedroom configurations, start from 360-660m² plots of land.
Functional and integrative health take centerstage at Tri Vananda’s medical centre which will feature consultation rooms, physiotherapy and TCM treatment rooms, a cognitive health centre, and facilities for health diagnostics aimed at treating residents and guests with tailored programmes. These medical facilities will be complemented by experiential offerings including a tea lounge, fragrance courtyard, and apothecary.
A mindfulness centre on the lake will have an indoor hall and outdoor areas for meditation. Also situated on the lake is a spa with separate-sex thermal rooms, relaxation areas, and private spa suites. A fitness centre will house a 50m swimming pool, sauna, juice bar, and lake pier for recreational water sports.
Among Tri Vananda’s most significant areas are the enso-shaped reception, mindfulness zone, community house, and the botanical garden. Encircled by a sand dune, the community house will have a bar and lounge, gym, swimming pool, community garden, outdoor playground, and function areas, as well as club areas designed for teen and pre-teen members of the community. To cater to multiple generations of families, a dedicated club will foster a wellness-led lifestyle for the younger set.
The wetland nature reserve will feature a variety of tropical plant species, lily ponds, pedestrian trails, bike routes, and more, encouraging families to learn about the local flora and ecosystem.
Tri Vananda’s signature restaurant concept will source ingredients locally through the development’s own organic farm, which will supply produce and herbs to the resort’s kitchen, spa, and wellness facilities. The restaurant will also cater to guests on specific nutrition programmes.
New hotels: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha, and more
Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, Singapore
Thailand’s Dusit International has expanded into Singapore with the opening of Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore in the heart of the Laguna National Golf & Country Club, one of the island nation’s premier golf and country clubs. Comprising 198 rooms and suites, plus eight pavilions with private pools, and located just 10 minutes by car from Jewel Changi Airport and 15 minutes from Downtown, the resort is the first in Singapore to offer direct access to a pair of championship golf courses.
Opening initially to domestic guests on December 4, 2020, the resort has been designed to cater to avid golfers, local families, and business and leisure travellers. Current dining facilities include Greenhouse all-day dining, Tee Deck alfresco pool bar and grill, Legends Bar, and Dusit Gourmet.
Guests also have access to a 24-hour gym, three tennis courts, three swimming pools, a nine-hole putting green, Laguna Practice powered by Toptracer driving range, and Devarana Wellness. Alongside providing traditional Thai massage and health and beauty therapies, the latter facility also offers a range of wellness activities, such as meditation, yoga, active stretching, and breath-work exercises. For corporate functions and events, the resort boasts a boardroom, three meeting rooms, three event lawns, and a pillarless ballroom with capacity for 520 guests, depending on distancing requirements.
Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha, Vietnam
Located in the heart of the bustling Dong Da District, Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha is Accor’s seventh property in the Vietnamese capital. The hotel offers 338 rooms, studios, apartments and suites, providing guests with an ideal home away from home for both short and extended stays.
For dining, all-day restaurant Food Exchange offers a breakfast and lunch buffet alongside a la carte options, while Gourmet Bar serves up healthy sandwiches, salads and light snacks. Overlooking the skyline, Rooftop Bar presents a selection of cocktails, mocktails and wines with light dishes. Snacks and beverages are also available at the poolside bar, Aqua. Leisure facilities include a kids’ room, fitness centre, outdoor heated swimming pools, sauna and Jacuzzi. For events and conferences, the property boasts eleven meeting rooms that can host up to 480 guests.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Japan
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, has opened the Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa in the heart of Japan’s ancient capital. Once the private residence of the aristocratic Mitsui family, the property’s 300-year-old main entrance, the Kajiimiya Gate, still stands today to welcome modern global explorers. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is the only luxury hotel in the city centre with its own natural hot spring drawn from the thermal waters deep below ground.
The hotel offers 161 guestrooms and suites, including a pair of Onsen Suites featuring separate living rooms, private gardens and outdoor hot spring baths. F&B venues include signature teppan restaurant Toki, Italian restaurant Forni, The Garden Bar offering afternoon tea and cocktails, and Shiki-no-ma for an exclusive dining experience. Spanning over 1,000m2 of space, the hotel’s Thermal Spring Spa houses a thermal onsen spring, two private onsen facilities, four spa treatment rooms and a gym.
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank, Australia
Standing out for its green credentials, the Bates Smart-designed Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank – owned and developed by independent investment house Hume Partners and operated by TFE Hotels – will appeal to eco-savvy travellers seeking a city escape. For starters, the usage of 5,300 tonnes of cross-laminated timber to build the property helps off-set about 4,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Situated at the intersection of Southbank Boulevard and City Road, the 10-storey, 220-room property offers 70 studio apartments, 140 one-bedroom apartments, and 10 two-bedroom apartments – all with fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities and lounge/dining areas. Guests also benefit from full hotel services including 24-hour reception, meeting facilities and leisure amenities such as a 20m indoor lap pool and gym.
The Connaught, New Delhi, India
The Indian Hotels Company, which runs the Taj Group of luxury hotels, has opened The Connaught, New Delhi. Situated in the capital city’s prime area, Lutyens, The Connaught is a part of the SeleQtions brand – a named collection of hotels and resorts. The hotel houses 104 rooms conceptualised by Swedish designer, Christian Lundwall, of LWA. F&B options include all-day diner, The Hub, serving global and local cuisines, including some of Delhi’s legendary favourites. The restaurant opens into an al fresco dining venue, and also extends into a cocktail bar. Spaces for business conferences or social events include a 185m2 open air terrace.
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Guidance for Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Logistics and Distribution will ensure member airlines are prepared to handle what is expected to be the largest and most complex operation in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Launched in mid-November, the guidance was developed in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization, International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, Pan American Health Organization, UK Civil Aviation Authority, World Bank, World Customs Organization and World Trade Organization.
The guidance includes a repository of international standards and guidelines related to the transport of vaccines and will be updated regularly as information is made available to the industry. In addition, IATA has set up a joint information-sharing forum for stakeholders.
On December 2, the UK became the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine and will roll out Pfizer-BioNTech’s drug from next week.
Conrad Clifford, IATA’s regional vice-president for Asia Pacific, told a virtual media briefing that if people continue not to travel because of the 14-day quarantine requirement, airlines will continue to see a 90 per cent drop in traffic.
Commenting on Qantas’ announcement last week that passengers have to be vaccinated before flying with the airline, Clifford said he did not know when this regulation would kick in and was not aware of any other member deciding to follow suit.
IATA maintains that testing is still the way to go, and outgoing director-general Alexandre de Juniac, at its November 24 virtual AGM, commented: “We can’t wait for the vaccine, the priority now is testing.”
He added: “As excited as we are about vaccine development, I must be very clear on one point. We cannot wait for vaccine distribution to reopen borders for travel. An immediate solution already exists. We could safely open borders today with systematic Covid-19 testing.”