Quick takes

Iceland opens borders for vaccinated visitors

Let’s hope we see a lot more of this. Iceland will open its borders to all visitors who have been vaccinated “without mandatory testing or quarantine.” This type of common-sense policy is needed to get so many economies back on track.

Need to visit China? Beijing says take our vaccine

In somewhat less positive vaccine news, China is willing to issue a few more visas and allow in foreigners – provided they have received a vaccine made in China (i.e. Sinovac). The politics of vaccines looks set to heat up in the coming months. An the 14-day quarantine rules still nonsensically apply to foreign visitors.

“Trade shows are plotting a comeback”

The Wall Street Journal looks at the US$11 billion trade fair industry and its path to recovery as vaccinations continue to roll out more rapidly each day. (Subscription) It also features a video report on digital passports.

Cathay Pacific records US$2.8 billion loss in 2020

It is a wonder that Cathay Pacific has managed to survive this long with passenger numbers down 87% year-on-year. The airline recorded a net loss of US$2.8 billion in 2020, compared to a net profit of US$217.8 million in 2019.