RECOVER 2022: WHICH PART OF THE WORLD
T ravel and tourism are destined to recover. New research by the World Travel & Tourism Council shows that the industry is expected to generate $8.6 trillion globally, just 6.4% below the pre-pandemic levels (O’Hare, 2022). Countries have different agendas for reopening, however, which may lead to an uneven pace of recovery. NORTH AMERICA There are no quarantine restrictions for people traveling to the U.S., although travelers might be asked to show a negative result from a recent COVID-19 test (e.g., within 48 hours) before getting onto an airplane. Canada announced that it would open its border to fully vaccinated international travelers, starting February 28 (Scherer, 2022). Inbound travelers still need a rapid antigen test, which is cheaper and provides results within minutes, in lieu of the traditional molecular test. EUROPE Denmark, having an 81% vaccination rate, was the first E.U. country to lift all COVID-19 restrictions. According to a recent BBC update (2022), the U.K. is also in the BY: LINCHI KWOK, PH.D.
phase of removing all COVID-19 restrictions, starting as early as February. COVID tests have been waived for fully vaccinated travelers in the U.K. This applies to both pre-departure and on arrival. Furthermore, soon people in England will no longer need to self-isolate, even if they have COVID symptoms or test positive. A few other European countries have also announced plans to ease their travel restrictions, especially for vaccinated travelers. CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Dominican Republic removed all COVID-19 restrictions, starting on February 16 (Hulme, 2022). Mexico and El Salvador have also removed entry requirements. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Australia planned to reopen its border to leisure and business travelers, with some restrictions, starting on February 21, although the state of Western Australia, home to Perth, will still not be open to either foreign or domestic tourists (Pitrelli, 2022). New Zealand rolled out a five-step phased reopening plan, likely to welcome international travelers in July or after. Upon
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