कोरोनावायरस – आवारा मुसाफिर

With borders closed, South Africa pins hopes on cash-strapped local tourists

August 31, 2020495 Views

Lisa Krohn’s Ashanti Lodge in Cape Town - normally abuzz with backpackers from around the world - today sits largely empty, a sign of how the pandemic has crushed South Africa’s tourist industry. “This place is like a morgue,” she said, contemplating the Victorian-era building’s deserted foyer. Following a five-month lockdown, South Africa is easing domestic travel restrictions, allowing hotels to reopen. With international borders still closed, the government is pinning its hopes on domestic tourism, echoing a strategy being tried from Vietnam to New Zealand with mixed results. A shopkeeper awaits visitors at the Table Mountain cableway station, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Cape Town, South Africa, , August 22, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings South Afric...

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Travel revival in Europe struck in deep chaos

UPENDRA SWAMI

August 15, 2020655 Views

Is Europe expected to bring itself back on track by easing out restrictions on cross-border travel, then the dream has perhaps shattered prematurely. After EU decided to open its borders on 30th June, month of July was all about opening up to more and more countries by EU as well as non-EU nations. But as came August, tables were turned and it was chaos and confusion all over, which continues to grow with every passing day. If this summer was supposed to offer hope that coronavirus was under control in Europe, spikes in cases across the continent and ensuing travel chaos have given governments a worrying reality check. From France to Ukraine, the number of positive tests for Covid-19 is rising sharply as more people seek vacations and as lockdown measures are eased to allow citizens to...

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Switzerland reimposes some travel restrictions

AWARA MUSAFIR BUREAU

August 7, 20201014 Views

Europe continues to be getting nervous on rising COVID-19 cases. The way various countries are changing quarantine rules so frequently, they have more or less become like stock indices to be kept track of on regular basis. In the most recent development, Switzerland has amended its list of countries at risk from high rates of infection with the new coronavirus. List now covers all nations outside Europe’s passport-free Schengen zone barring a score of exceptions. The new list has some notable exceptions though, including Australia, Ireland, Japan, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand, although Australia and Japan are themselves facing a resurgence of novel coronavirus in their respective countries. The Swiss move, which aims to curb the spread of the COVID-19, takes effect on Saturday. ...

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Different policies and rules add to travel confusion

AWARA MUSAFIR BUREAU

July 24, 20201153 Views

Worldwide differences in definitions and guidelines of quarantine and self-isolation are creating confusion and difficulty for travelers. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called for more consistent travel rules and COVID-19 advice by different countries to counter confusion by travellers and holidaymakers. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, terms such as ‘quarantine’ and ‘self-isolation’ have become much more commonplace now. Indeed, with COVID-19 restrictions in place in almost every country or territory in the world, international and even some domestic travel at this stage involves some form of quarantine or isolation. Those journeying to Europe for the first time since travel restrictions began to ease have faced a baffling array of different types of travel...

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From today, Bahamas bans US tourists as well

AWARA MUSAFIR BUREAU

July 22, 20201256 Views

COVID-19 pandemic has brought a big shift in geopolitical conditions. The US power is losing its clout and aura with more and more countries denying entry to US tourists casting a damning verdict on its handling of the crisis. Bahamas is latest entrant to the list. Its move is brave as well as significant since the tourism economy of the tiny Caribbean island nation is lot dependent on US tourists. Despite this, less than three weeks after reopening its borders to international visitors, the Bahamas on Sunday announced that it is closing all its airports and seaports to tourists from the United States, effective Wednesday, 22nd July 2020. Bahamasair, the country’s national carrier, will cease all outgoing flights to the United States immediately. Domestic travel is allowed, but pas...