Quick takes
Hong Kong gets mountain of cash to attract visitors
Hong Kong has had a rough go of it with the 2019 protests and then straight into the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent government budget gave Hong Kong Tourism Board an addition US$120 million to bring the tourists back. It will be worth watching to see what they do with all that cash.
Thailand may move first to allow vaccinated visitors
This could translate into a first mover advantage for the Thai tourism sector and its overall economy and it could push other Asian governments to consider a similar move. Mitigate the risks and restart economic activity has to be the way forward.
Phuket may be the test case for vaccination visitors
In addition to the above article, it also appears that Thailand is thinking about business events. TCEB organised the Thailand Virtual MICE Expo this week. In that event, it was stated that Thai officials are close to removing quarantine requirements for vaccinated visitors to business events in Phuket – which could serve as a test case for the rest of the country.