Tag: tourism

National Cabinet to Meet on Overseas Tourist Return

Australia’s international border could soon reopen to tourists, with the federal cabinet set to consider a date for foreign travellers to return to the country. The federal cabinet’s national security committee will meet later on Monday when the reopening time frame for international tourists will be discussed. Prime Minister Scott Morrison indicated on Sunday he…


COVID Pandemic Crippling India’s Tourism Industry

JAIPUR, India—The travel and tourism industry in the world’s second-most populous country is in crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a crippling blow to the industry, which accounts for around nine per cent of India’s gross domestic product (GDP). India’s GDP in 2020 was estimated at $2.66 trillion, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry…


Queensland to Lift International Arrival Restrictions

The Australian state of Queensland will open its borders to international travellers from 1 a.m. on Saturday as it is due to reach a vaccination rate milestone of 90 percent in the coming days. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she convened a meeting of the state’s COVID-19 task force where they decided to “set a firm…


Northern Territory Government Responds to Tourism Industry Backlash

Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison has said that tour operators’ concerns over the altered Dec. 20 COVID-19 travel restrictions are being “looked at.” At a press conference on Monday, she told reporters that the Government had received responses from both residents and industry groups, and were considering some of the issues that had…


Damaged Parks, Reduced Holiday Travel Among Impacts of Flood on BC Tourism

VANCOUVER—Parts of British Columbia’s tourism industry are facing another uphill battle with an uncertain recovery horizon after this year’s damaging storms. Some attractions and landmarks were seriously damaged by flooding in November, while highways mangled by mudslides mean some operators will go without the typical holiday bump to their bottom line. Walt Judas, CEO of…


Northern Territory Travel Rules Change Again at the Expense of Tourism

The Northern Territory Government has made adjustments to its travel restrictions that may cause tourism to grind to a halt. Under the “strengthened roadmap” set to take effect on Dec. 20, vaccinated arrivals to the NT will no longer have to undertake a quarantine period but will be required to remain in a high-vaccination zone…


Laos to Target Chinese Tourists Under Green Zone Travel

Laos’ Information, Culture, and Tourism Ministry have outlined plans to reopen the country to domestic and foreign tourists in 2022 under the “Lao Travel Green Zone programme,” reported Vientiane Times on Dec. 8. Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said the government would focus its campaign to draw visitors from China and Korea, according to CCP mouthpiece Xinhua….


Amid Homicides and Homelessness, Portland Struggles to Repair its Brand

After 18 months of social justice protests, uncontrolled riots, soaring crime rates, and record homelessness, the City of Portland, Oregon, is struggling to attract tourists and retain businesses. “Our central city occupancy in September lagged behind every competitive city that we track, except for Minneapolis and San Francisco,” Jeff Miller, president and CEO of Travel…


Amid Murders, Riots, and Homelessness, Portland Struggles to Repair Its Brand

After 18 months of social justice protests, uncontrolled riots, soaring crime rates, and record homelessness, the City of Portland, Oregon, is struggling to attract tourists and retain businesses. “Our central city occupancy in September lagged behind every competitive city that we track, except for Minneapolis and San Francisco,” Jeff Miller, president and CEO of Travel…


Plans Underway to Create Iconic Sydney Great Walk

The New South Wales (NSW) government announced it is planning to create Australia’s greatest urban walking trail, encompassing the Harbour foreshore, Barangaroo, and CBD, and including iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. According to a media release on Tuesday, the “Great Walk” will link major tourist attractions and offer two loops,…