Bali to require COVID-19 swab test results for all visitors

Anyone with plans to visit Bali must first undergo a swab test and a obtain letter stating they are free from COVID-19 under a new policy issued by the Bali administration that will take effect later this month in order to curb transmission of the disease on the world-renowned resort island.

From May 28, everyone visiting Bali is required to have undergone a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, Bali Airport Authority head Elfi Amir said.

“We urge everyone and all airlines to ensure this […]

Toot, toot: Minor Hotel Group to release new luxury train for Vietnam

BANGKOK – Details are sketchy, but a new luxury  journey is due to launch in Vietnam in July.

The Minor Hotel Group has released images of the train – the Vietage – that will travel through south and central  Vietnam, linking Da Nang and Quy Nhon.

The custom-designed carriage, with just 12 reservation-only seats, will include a fully serviced bar, dining car and massage area.

More details are expected shortly.

There is an existing rail service between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, a six […]

Life after lockdown in Vietnam: This is what it’s like when an entire country reopens

Hanoi, Vietnam (CNN) — As the faint smell of smoke rose up from the sidewalk and into my bedroom, I jumped up and stepped out onto the balcony to survey the Hanoi streets.
The owner of my building was burning joss paper (fake money) as an offering of good fortune to their ancestors.

After a week with no new Covid-19 cases, Vietnam’s government had just eased its 22-day social distancing initiative, allowing some businesses to reopen on April 23.

Signs of life had […]

Thrills at sea: Global Dream’s roller coaster takes shape

HONG KONG, MUNICH –  New Global Class cruise ship, Global Dream  is on track to be equipped with the world’s longest roller coaster at sea.

The Spike-Coaster-type roller coaster – called Space Cruiser by Dream Cruises – will be the highlight of the Dream Park at the Pier, the very first theme park at sea.

One of the most exciting cruise ship attractions to date is being set up for testing on land in the immediate vicinity of the MV Werften shipyards […]

Indonesia eases lockdown while virus cases rise

JAKARTA – Despite recording the highest number of cases in a single day, the Indonesian government is planning a five-phase return to post Covid-19 normalcy, starting with the freeing up of transport services on June 1 and the opening up of all economic activities by the end of July.

“Until the discovery of an effective vaccine, we must live in peace with the coronavirus for some time to come,” said President Joko Widodo, whose chief concern all along has been the […]

APAC sees highest travel intent in February 2021

Sojern has launched a new interactive dashboard providing real-time Covid-19 travel insights that will empower travel marketers to forecast travel demand and make informed decisions about market recovery.

The dashboard, updated daily at 10.30 (UTC), will provide market-level details on future searching and booking trends indexed to pre-Covid levels to provide visibility into timing for a recovery in specific destinations.

Sojern rolls out interactive dashboard providing real-time data on travel demand

Sojern collects and analyses travel intent data from thousands of airline and […]