UPFRONT
Germany adds Bahrain and UAE to safe list
IATA: 67 per cent of travellers say borders should open AN INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA) survey has revealed
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travellers are increasingly frustrated with COVID-19 travel restrictions. Of the 4,700 respondents in 11 markets surveyed in September, 67 per cent felt most country borders should be opened, an increase of 12 per cent from the June 2021 survey. Additionally, 64 per cent felt that border closures are unnecessary and have not been effective in containing the virus, an increase of 11 per cent, while 73 per cent said that their quality of life is suffering as a result of the restrictions – up six per cent from June. Respondents supported the removal of quarantine if a person had tested negative for COVID-19 (73 per cent), or if a person had been vaccinated (71 per cent). Additionally, 80 per cent agreed that vaccinated people should be able to travel freely by air, though two-thirds feel that it is wrong to restrict travel to just those who have been double jabbed. More than 80 per cent believe that testing before air travel should be an alternative for those who do not have access to vaccination. Nonetheless, 75 per cent believe that the cost of testing is a significant barrier to travel, and 80 per cent think that governments should bear the cost of testing. The survey also showed that, while 86 per cent felt safe on board due to COVID-19 measures, people were still confused by the COVID-related travel rules and requirements.
UAE business travel on bounce back brink: KPMG BUSINESS TRAVEL IS on the brink of a
major bounce back, with 71 per cent of UAE residents believing corporate travel is necessary for meetings in the future, despite the boom in online video conferencing usage, according to new KPMG research. An even higher percentage (81 per cent) of respondents believe corporate travel will
NOVEMBER 2021
be justifiable for events like exhibitions and conferences, the first KPMG UAE Aviation Survey 2021 revealed. Six in 10 (60 per cent) of UAE residents have flown out of the country in the past 12 months to meet their family or relatives, while four out of 10 (40 per cent) flew for leisure and just 13 per cent travelled for business, the survey found. The most popular destination was South Asia, followed by the GCC states (30 per cent) and Europe (27 per cent). Consumers also believe COVID-19 will leave an indelible mark on companies’ approach to business travel. About 78 per cent predict that company policy will dictate the countries or destinations for business travel, the survey said.
THE GERMAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has added
Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to the German safe list, reducing COVID-19 implemented restrictions for travellers. The news follows the previous inclusions of Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia on the list.
The lifting of restrictions applies to all travellers 12 years and above, regardless of individual vaccination status, with visitors now able to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel, a valid vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery. For full entry requirements to Germany, refer to bmi.bund.de.
2025
The date when international business travel is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels (Source: The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) BTI™ Outlook report)
