TOURISM DROP COULD SEE MASSIVE LOSE IN GLOBAL ECONOMY The collapse in tourism due to Covid-19 is expected to cost the global economy over UK£2.9 trillion for 2020 and 2021, far worse than predicted. This is especially difficult for developing countries, who rely heavily on tourism, but who have limited vaccine rollouts. The losses are despite some nations like the US, UK and France seeing a rebound in some tourism as they have higher vaccine rates. Developing countries could account for as much as 60% of the losses to global GDP due to lack of available vaccinations and there rollout. The tourism crisis is far from over. With many nations still implementing lockdowns, restrictions, etc, international tourists are not encouraged to venture outside their borders, especially to nations with low vaccination rates. International tourist arrivals were down 88% in the 1st quarter of 20 21, compared with the same period in 2019. At the earliest, it is thought a return to pre-pandemic arrivals of international tourists globally will not be seen until at least 2023.
THAILAND PREDICTS ITS TOURISM MARKET WILL NOT RECOVER BEFORE 2026 As Asia continues to see a new wave of the pandemic, with more lockdowns, Thailand has said that it does not expect tourism to return to good levels for another 5 years! This is not good news considering Thailand is one of the most tourism-dependent economies in the world. With such a long recovery predicted, many workers in the industry will be forced to find jobs in another sector.
Bangkok, Thailand
The country welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2019. The resort island of Phuket is open to tourists but with strict rules in place. It was due to be followed by 10 other destinations in October. The country only expects 500,000 visitors this year, a fraction of the 6.7 million who came in 2020 (almost all in the first 3 months of the year).
PLAZA PREMIUM GROUP INTRODUCES LAND-TO-AIR AIRPORT EXPERIENCE AT QINGDAO JIAODONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Plaza Premium Group, the world’s leading airport hospitality service provider, in joint venture with Qingdao International Ai rport Group and Capital Airport VIP Service Management Co. Ltd. has introduced its first land-to-air premium airport experience which features exclusive, integrated services and facilities, including four Plaza Premium Lounges, one Aerotel and a suite of VIP services including private meeting rooms, meet-and-greet, curb-to-apron escort services and fast track immigration clearance in China’s newest airport Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO). The unique land-to-air premium experience is offered in two areas: a three-storey VIP Building located at the Arrival area and 3 Plaza Premium Lounge outlets at the Departure area. Covering a total 6,500sq.m of the airport space, the multicomplex VIP Building offers end-to-end airport hospitality services from dining, lounging, meetand-greet to personalised concierge and accommodation. The tri-party joint venture is missioned to bring world-class airport hospitality to China’s new major aviation hub which spans 478,000sq.m and is equipped to host over 35 million travellers annually. Level 1: Houses 11 VIP rooms that offer designated spaces for corporations to provide private and premium airport services to affluent travellers. Services include private check-in, concierge, dining, lounge, and a special fast track or curb-to-apron service for those departing at the Domestic terminal. Continuing on page 13
