Singapore and Hong Kong claim first with quarantinefree ‘ air bubble ’
Governments are ironing out details that will allow travel between the two cities
The air route between Hong Kong and Singapore will form the first so-called travel bubble that exempts residents of both cities from any form of quarantine , once details are finalised .
The route between the two cities was among the busiest in the Asia-Pacific before the pandemic , with both being major aviation hubs . On announcing the arrangement , officials from both sides said they hoped it would kick-start a resumption in commerce after months of border closures .
Under the terms of the bubble , there will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel , provided that passengers take a COVID-19 PCR test before they fly . Quarantine is eliminated for both sides under the deal , while airlines must operate dedicated routes on which transit passengers are not allowed .
Travellers will be able to move freely in each city , but the bubble is subject to change or suspension in the event of a rebound in infections .
“ Both our cities have a low incidence of Covid-19 cases and have put in place robust mechanisms to manage and control the virus . This has given us the confidence to mutually and progressively open our borders to each other . It is a safe , careful but significant step forward to revive air travel , and provides a model for future collaboration with other parts of the world ,” said Ong Ye Kung , Singapore ’ s transport minister , in a news release .
Officials will now flesh out the final details of the arrangement , which is expected to be implemented before Christmas .
Turkey opens up to court international arrivals
Chinese travellers are now being given a warm welcome and COVID-19 tests are not required
Turkey has been taking intensive measures to gear up for its return as a major tourism destination , with health tourists now being issued medical visas for treatment .
The country has opened up to visitors from most countries and operates the briefest shortlist of nationalities barred from arrival .
All incoming travellers are required to purchase travel insurance covering COVID-19 infections for the duration of their stay . And while they don ’ t need to present proof of a negative infection test , they could be required to undergo PCR tests if they show symptoms on arrival . A positive result leads to a 14-day quarantine at a state medical facility .
In recent months , Turkey has introduced the Safe Tourism Certification Program designed jointly by the country ’ s tourism , health , transportation , and interior ministries . This defines a series of measures to be taken by travel operators and accommodation providers for the safety of tourists and is mandatory for all hotels with more than 50 rooms .
Turkey has also received the World Travel & Tourism Council ’ s Safe Travels stamp , confirming that the country is a safe destination for visitors .
The country ’ s main travel hub , Istanbul Airport , was the first airport accredited by the Airport Health Accreditation programme launched by the Airports Council International World .
Airport authorities are now courting Chinese travellers in particular , with a series of measures introduced , such as dedicated check-in islands for China flights , digital welcome messages on boarding bridges , and Weibo and WeChat integration to engage with Chinese travellers as quickly as possible .
Flight announcements are in Mandarin for all flights to Chinese destination cities , and hot water dispensers are available on both arrival and departure floors . The airport has also enabled WeChat Pay , which is widely used by Chinese travellers .
40 NOVEMBER 2020 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com