Quick takes

SNIEC venue converted into hospital

Things are going from bad to worse in China – especially in Shanghai. Both SNIEC and the Shanghai World Expo Centre have been designated as quarantine sites for asymptomatic patients. City authorities have plans to transform more venues and stadiums into temporary hospitals. 2022 is increasingly looking like a complete write-off for the exhibition industry in China.

Hyve confirms plans to sell Russian events

In a company trading update, Hyve confirmed that it has entered into a conditional agreement to sell its entire Russian portfolio to Rise Expo Limited for US$94 million payable over a ten-year earn-out period. Hyve’s management noted that the Group expects to report a loss the deal.

More Asian governments ease COVID restrictions

More good news from Asia. In Jakarta, vaccinated international travellers no longer need to complete a PCR test on arrival and visa-free entry has been expanded to all travellers from ASEAN countries to Indonesia. In Thailand, the government plans to drop PCR tests for foreign visitors beginning in May.