Month: July 2020

The Covid pandemic turned the world inside out in an unprecedented way and the travel & tourism sector has been one of the worst hit.

In India we are beginning to see a light at the end of this turbulence with several states cautiously opening their doors to tourists from out of state. Hotels, sightseeing locations, monuments, national parks have steadily been opening since June. With domestic flights also starting and with more frequency, these are a huge positive step for the tourism and travel industry.

With travel overseas not an immediate possibility, discovering India with domestic tourism seems to be a great place to start ticking off your travel bucket list of places we’ve always wanted to visit in India.

Travel will take a while to return to pre-Covid levels. For the next few months, there will be several changes in logistics, entry rules etc. These are slowly being rolled out and with each day bringing a new update, a new change.

The openings across the country all come with strict guidelines by the state governments, but this is all part of the new normal that we will need to accept to ensure the safety and health of all those concerned.

Be sure to check our blog stories as we keep you updated on all the great positive steps being taken across the country as we open for travel.

(Do note these are extraordinary circumstances.  With the way things are in the country, there are constant changes and updates by governments  but we will try to keep this updated as much as possible.)

Rajasthan

The iconic Land of Kings opened to tourism from 2^nd June 2020. Several hotels, monuments and wildlife parks are now open to the public. To encourage tourists, monument entries will have discounted rates till Oct 31 2020.

Madhya Pradesh 

Madhya Pradesh  reopens Tourist destinations and  has announced the reopening of State Tourism Development Corporation run-hotels, resorts and private hotels. Initially, the state is looking to attract travellers from neighboring states, who can make use of the enhanced road connectivity. The attractions include the world renowned national parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench- whose buffer zones will remain open even during the monsoon when all parks traditionally close. MP Tourism has also launched a special social media campaign  with the tagline ‘Intezaar aapka…’ (we are waiting for you), aimed to draw potential visitors to tourist destinations in the state. The campaign promises visitors, ‘Safe travel, safe stay and safe tour’. The tourist destinations being promoted through the campaign include Amarkantak, Panchmari, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Ujjain. MP’s tourism board has also introduced luxury caravans for travellers who wish to explore the state while minimising physical contact.

Goa

Has opened its doors to Domestic Tourists From July 2, 2020. About 250 hotels in Goa have been allowed to open their doors to domestic tourists. “Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the state and is the backbone of our economy. In this unlock phase, we are kickstarting our economy again by keeping the highest health safety norms in place in view of #COVID19,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had tweeted. There are several guidelines to be followed for all visitors entering the state.

Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand state government has lifted all travel restrictions on inter-state and inter-district travel. It has also lifted all restrictions for international travellers. This means, one can think about planning a summer vacation up in the hills. However, before planning, one needs to know certain things about the guidelines issued by the authorities. As per the latest reports, hotels and home stays are now open for business, but only in those areas that are not in the state’s containment zones.

Kerala

Resorts around Kumarakom , Marari, Kochi, and  Munnar slowly opened in a phased manner in July 2020. Kerala’s tourism sector, battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, is slowly but surely limping back to normal with phased openings of resorts and certain tourist spots. There are still several restrictions  in place which will have to be adhered to.

Darjeeling

Reopens for tourists with social distancing, masks and thermal screening. Darjeeling has finally opened its gates for tourists from 1 July 2020. The hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal unlocked for tourism  while following all the directives and measures by the administration.

Mumbai and Pune

Hotels can reopen from Wednesday 8 July  with these new rules. If you’re planning a staycation or even a ‘workation’, here’s what to expect when you check in. Details in link below.

Himachal Pradesh 

The mountains are calling! HP is one of the latest states to open its borders, albeit with several SOPs in place including a mandatory stay of a minimum of 5 days, Covid test done withing the last 72 hrs at the latest, registering for an e pass within 48 hours of your travel.

For more information write to us at askus@thewanderers.co.in we would be delighted to assist you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following these unprecedented times, as phased reopenings are happening across the world, we look to the future with optimism as we all work towards the new normal in our lives.

We are pleased to share with you some positive travel news from around the globe.

COUNTRY UPDATES:

European Union  recommends lifting travel restrictions on 15 countries from July 1. The EU Council has officially recommended to lift travel restrictions on 15 countries when external borders reopen from July 1.  The EU said the list was decided based on the number of new COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days, the overall trend of COVID-19 cases and government handling of the crisis. The list of countries whose nationals will be allowed to enter Europe is as follows: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, China *subject to confirmation of reciprocity

https://www.euronews.com/2020/06/29/revealed-draft-list-of-countries-that-will-be-allowed-to-enter-eu-when-borders-open

Portugal is ready to welcome everyone in a safe and relaxed atmosphere- Turismo de Portugal has created a “Clean and Safe” stamp of approval to distinguish tourist activities which are compliant with hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other possible infections.

https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/clean-and-safe

Iceland will open its borders to all visitors on 1 July 2020. Gatherings of up to 500 people are allowed in Iceland. All restaurants and bars can be open until 11 PM. The “2-meter rule”-distance between individuals, is now interpreted more as a societal norm and courtesy for individuals who are vulnerable. From June 15, the 14-day quarantine will not be mandatory for passengers arriving at Keflavík International Airport.

https://meetinreykjavik.is/

Switzerland There is no quarantine requirement for travellers entering Switzerland who are free of symptoms of illness. Travellers from countries with high rates of new infection may be subject to certain measures such as temperature checks. At public establishments such as restaurants, shops and museums, you must follow the rules set out in the applicable set of precautionary measures. This information will be provided on the premises.

https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-in/

Spain lifted border controls with all European Union member states from 21 June and will no longer impose quarantine on visitors. Hotels and tourist accommodation, restaurants, shops, as well as cultural, entertainment and other recreational and sports centres shall ensure that crowds are avoided in common areas, and shall guarantee that customers and workers maintain a minimum interpersonal distance of 1.5 metres. Appropriate hygiene measures shall be observed in these establishments to prevent risks of contagion.

https://www.spain.info/en/reportajes/informacion-practica-turistas-covid-19-viajar-espana.html

Belgium Apart from the 1.5m social distancing rule, almost nothing separates them from  visitors. Deconfinement is in progress. Everyday life and urban activities are starting up once again.

https://visit.brussels/site/en/article/coronavirus-information-tourism-sector

France Most museums and galleries are now open again, as are hotels restaurants, shops  tourist attractions and public transport. The wearing of facemasks is compulsory on public transport throughout the country and in many other locations, so visitors must come equipped or else be ready to buy facemasks on arrival. There is much less waiting to get into attractions. For most sites, there are limits on the numbers of visitors present at any time, and reservations can be made in advance. Social distancing is obligatory in all public places, with a minimum distance of 1 metre in queues or lines and in all places open to the public. French Railways are offering a lot of cheap train tickets to get people travelling by train again.

https://about-france.com/tourism.htm

Austria  is currently in a phase of gradual, secure, and monitored re-opening. Restaurants and museums have opened on 15 May, accommodation facilities and recreational operations on 29 May.At the moment, travellers from the following countries do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test or commit to quarantine: Belgium, Germany, Denmark (including the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy (partial travel warning for Lombardy), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Ireland, Cyprus, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Spain.

https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information

Seychelles From the month of June, private flights carrying passengers who have been given approval will be permitted. Chartered flights carrying passengers from approved countries may be permitted. All passengers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test that is 48 hours or less prior to boarding the flight to Seychelles.

https://covid19.seychelles.travel/

Dubai  is opening on 7^th July.  Currently every Port of Entry into the UAE have their separate rules on quarantine. It is compulsory to have a Comprehensive Travel Insurance that includes Health Cover and Covid-19 treatment coverage for the entire stay. PCR Test with Negative Result had to be taken no more than 96 Hours prior to Arrival in Dubai. The Test Report will be required on arrival at Dubai Airport. In case you are unable to obtain a PCR Test Result, you will be tested at the Airport on Arrival and will need to quarantine until the results are received. The cost of this will be paid by the traveller. Tourists required to register all their details in the COVID-19 DXB app.

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/coronavirus-advisory

Thailand One thousand foreign visitors are expected to be allowed entry to Thailand per day and the standard 14-day Covid-19 quarantine rule will be waived, according to an implementation plan for “travel bubbles”.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1934696/foreigners-to-be-allowed-in

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is readying to welcome travelers from across the world with safety guidelines and precautionary measures.  All nationalities are welcome and all types of travellers whether groups, families, individuals. Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA], Colombo Ratmalana Airport [RMA] and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport [MRIA] will be operating for tourist arrivals from Aug 1st 2020.

https://srilanka.travel/travel-news?news=729

Mauritius is proud to announce that as of 15^th June 2020 it is  COVID- The Tourism Authority of Mauritius has released a new set of guidelines outlining sanitary measures for the resumption of activities in the tourism sector. The work is designed to provide tourism businesses with specific health and safety solutions to ensure the protection of staff and customers. In addition to these guidelines, the authority has partnered with Mauritius Telecom to introduce a ‘Safe Travels’ app which all tourism operators under the tourism authority act are required to download. Mauritius is most likely to open its borders 1^st September 2020.

http://www.tourism-mauritius.mu/trade/en-uk/mauritiusreopening

Tanzania, Zanzibar -On Sunday, June 7, officials in the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar eased measures restricting international travel to the island following a two-month suspension implemented as a precaution to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Arrivals must have proof of valid international health-insurance, wear face masks at all times, and observe social distancing measures during their stay. Arrivals are subject to temperature checks at their point of entry.

https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/348886/tanzania-zanzibar-eases-travel-restrictions-june-7-update-6

Maldives  Starting July, tourists from all countries will be able to visit the Maldives visa-free, with no Covid-19 testing on either end of their flight to the destination, stay for as long as they like and not bother about self-quarantine either. So, in effect, it is back to business-as-usual in the tropical paradise

https://www.cntraveller.in/story/maldives-is-opening-to-tourists-without-any-covid-19-restrictions-travel-visa-rules/

 

STATE UPDATES:

Kerala  The Kerala government issued new guidelines for people travelling to the state for short duration stay.  As per the new guidelines, people will only be allowed to come to the state for limited purposes — business, official, trade, medical, court cases, property management and education.  The fresh guidelines make it clear that no individual coming to the state can stay for more than seven days. Such individuals must leave on the eighth day.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/kerala-7-day-mandatory-quarantine-no-longer-required-for-short-visits-know-it-all-here/as76405008.cms

Madhya Pradesh re-opens its State Tourism Development Corporation Hotels, Resorts and many private Hotels at tourist destinations for tourists and Hoteliers, promoting domestic tourism allowing in tourists from within the Country. Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has also issued a circular regarding re-opening of National Parks from 15th June 2020. National Park’s Buffer Zone will remain open during monsoon season.

http://bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Madhya-Pradesh-re-opens-its-tourist-destinations/13-06-2020-286815/

 

HOTEL UPDATES:

ITC HOTEL GROUP  has launched the WeAssure programme as its  commitment towards health, hygiene and safety, designed in collaboration with medical professionals and disinfection experts to further enhance the existing hygiene and cleaning protocols.

https://www.itchotels.in/content/dam/projects/hotelswebsite/itc-hotels/WeAssure/WeAssure-itc-hotels.pdf?utm_source=General&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=WeAssure_wavetwo

AMAN GROUP  is  preparing to safely reopen their doors  by following the various compliance and government mandates, and keeping the expectations and comfort of the guests and staff at the forefront of everything they do.

AMANJIWO, Java in Indonesia –  Has reopened check below link for the press release with the hotel’s latest updates and especially its signature experiences with an emphasis on private dining experiences, spiritual and wellness activities.

AMANWANA, Moyo Island in Indonesia –  Amanwana is scheduled to re-open on the 1st August with a new positioning and only 12 luxury Guests tents. A natural paradise less than two hours from Bali by plane and boat is to be discovered at Amanwana, the only resort on the beautiful island of Moyo, a nature reserve in the Flores Sea.

https://www.aman.com/covid-19-update

BELMOND GROUP  Belmond is working hard to ensure that they are ready to welcome back  guests from around the world. They continue to closely follow the latest guidance from government and world health authorities and are undertaking a full review of their operations to ensure that extensive health and safety protocols continue to meet the highest of standards. The teams are preparing for the reopening of properties.

Your timeline for Asia

1 July – Belmond Jimbaran Puri, Bali, Indonesia

1 July – Belmond Governor’s Residence, Yangon, Myanmar

1 July – Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

1 July – Belmond Napasai, Koh Samui, Thailand

1 July – Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang, Laos

29 September – Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

https://belmondcdn.azureedge.net/pdfs/BELMOND_OpeningDates_Latest.pdf

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) recently announced  Healthy Stays commitment that will enhance global cleanliness procedures and protocols for  their 430 worldwide members.

For more than nine decades, LHW has been at the forefront of creating the highest standards that have set the bar for worldwide luxury hospitality. With great dedication they are elevating their  cleanliness standards and protocols for clients with their  Healthy Stays commitment.

Healthy Stays commitment includes:

Expert Medical Guidance: LHW collaborated with doctors of RemoteMD, ProHealth Environmental and a FEMA Emergency Response Trainer to develop Best Practice Guidelines specifically for member hotels. These guidelines for COVID-19 disinfection ensure LHW members are taking the steps necessary to create the safest possible environment for their guests and employees.

Gold Standard Cleanliness Accreditation: To certify their global portfolio of hotels meet a higher level of cleanliness and safety, LHW partnered with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, to offer GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation to their members.

https://www.lhw.com/customer-care?utm_medium=email_manual&utm_campaign=0620_REG_Cleanliness_ENG+-+FINAL&utm_content=&utm_source=LHW%20Contact&ext=EB2MDRB2BLHWWORLDWIDE062020BS1

 

AIRLINE UPDATES:

Turkish Airlines  Has  returned to the skies with upgraded health, hygiene and social distancing measures to ensure that you enjoy a safe and healthy flight. Post meticulous work with national and international health authorities the  flights are ready.They are  happy to offer  flexible travel opportunities  to plan in advance.

https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/announcements/coronavirus-outbreak/current-flight-plan/

GoAir  Web check in is mandatory now. Check in on their website  or app to obtain your boarding pass  72 hours to 1 hour prior to flight departure. GoAir’s safety measures are regular deep cleaning of aircrafts, Hepa filters, contactless travel, safety gear for crew and passengers.

https://www.goair.in/

KLM is gradually and carefully restarting its network. In July, KLM operates 5,000 European flights. The forecast for August is 11,000. Intercontinental numbers are around 1,900 in July and 2,100 in August. KLM hopes that – if worldwide travel restrictions are relaxed – an increasing number of intercontinental flights will be allowed to carry passengers again from July onwards.

https://news.klm.com/klm-gradually-rebuilds-network/

EasyJet to resume flights in UK, France and four other European airports. Passengers and crew must wear masks but middle seats will not be blocked

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/may/21/easyjet-to-resume-domestic-flights-across-england-and-france

Emirates adds new cities and brings its  network to over 50 cities in July.  Cairo (from 1 July), Tunis (from 1 July), Glasgow (from 15 July) and Malé (from 16 July).Khartoum (from 03 July), Amman (from 05 July), Osaka (from 07 July), Narita (from 08 July), Athens (from 15 July), Larnaca (from 15 July) and Rome (from 15 July). Colombo, Auckland, Beirut, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (all from 1 July); and Barcelona, Brussels, Munich and Washington DC (all from 15 July).  These will bring Emirates’ offering flights for passengers from Dubai to 52 cities, including existing flights to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, Manila, Kabul, Dhaka, Bahrain, Manchester, Zurich, Vienna, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin, New York JFK, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Hong Kong, Perth and Brisbane.

https://www.emirates.com/in/english/help/travel-updates/

Picture ©Tourismus Salzburg, Foto: Breitegger Günter

 

For any further information do get in touch with us at askus@thewanderers.co.in

Team Wanderers