Coping mechanisms today

Travel companies in different countries are responding to the growing uncertainty amidst the pandemic in different ways. We share insights from three…

Thailand

Shashank Nigam, CEO, SimpliFlying

Tourists to Thailand must pre-pay both a 14-day quarantine and a 90-day hotel stay. They must have at least $100,000 in health insurance and a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival, travel only by charter or private flight. So, with a cost of at least US$7,440 for a family, excluding airfare, who is planning their next holiday in Thailand?

South Korea

Min Yoon, Founder & CEO, Tidesquare and Co-founder, WiT Seoul

To help the trade during this time, the South Korean government has subsidised domestic travel if it is booked through the travel agents. This programme gives the customer the equivalent of US$30 coupon per booking. This mostly comes through online purchases, when travellers download the coupon and then go to the designated travel agencies to redeem them.

China

Huiying Zhao (Karen), Product Manager (North & Central Asia), Intrepid Group

I would consider our customers lucky to have us to arrange their logistics and help them communicate with the destinations, their governments, their embassies, as well as their insurance companies. This is the service as tour companies that we should provide to our customers and help rebuild their confidence.

Inputs by Hazel Jain