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Singapore residents may look forward to ‘air travel bubbles’ for general travel soon

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on Tuesday (Oct 6) that ‘air travel bubbles’ with countries with low COVID-19 infection rates may soon be possible. Negotiations are on the way though he advised the public to manage their expectations.

“I need to manage expectations here. For members who are hoping that I’m about to announce some air travel resumption and even possible December holiday destinations, I am sorry I will disappoint you,” he said.

No requirements for a strict itinerary

‘Air travel bubbles’ differ from reciprocal green lane arrangements because there are no requirements for a controlled itinerary. Also, reciprocal green lanes are used mainly for official and business travel.

What to expect?

Image Credits: AFP/Roslan Rahman

Singapore will only establish ‘air travel bubbles’ with safe countries and regions. Other than abiding by the COVID-19 test protocols, authorities might look into setting a quota on the number of travellers per day.

“We also require travellers to apply for an air travel pass before their journeys, to allow us to plan for their arrivals, and throttle down the numbers, reduce the quota, if the epidemic situation changes,” Mr Ong added.

Which country is top on the list?

Hong Kong has revealed its intention to establish such ‘air travel bubbles’ with Singapore alongside other countries. As such, Singapore will most likely begin discussions with Hong Kong and other partners soon.

COVID-19 testing capacity no longer a major constraint

travellers entering Singapore amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Mr Ong shares that about 27,000 people in Singapore are tested daily and the numbers are set to rise. By November, Singapore may be able to increase testing capacity to 40,000 tests a day.

There are also plans to set up a dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratory at Changi Airport. This is so as to support aviation recovery in the coming months. Currently, Changi Airport has an existing facility to swab up to 10,000 passengers a day.

Travellers must get used to being tested before departing. This additional step is very much similar to us going through security and having our bags checked before we board a plane. Most importantly, it’s crucial to kickstart general travel.

Other plans in place to safely reopen borders

travellers checking-in at a hotel amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Countries which are economically important to Singapore but with higher infection rates will be considered with “practical schemes”.

“For example, we can replace the 14-day (stay-home notice) in a hotel with new requirements, such as a more stringent and repeated test protocol… we can segregate them from the rest of the community… we can closely track their movements while they are here,” said the minister.

Apart from ‘air travel bubbles’, Singapore will continue to pursue reciprocal green lane arrangements with other countries or regions. At the moment, Singapore has such arrangements with Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Singapore Airlines will not be offering a ‘flight to nowhere’ after reviewing factors

Were you anticipating Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) ‘flight to nowhere’? While some may treat it as a joke, others are dying to get on a plane, even if it means landing back on home ground. That’s why earlier in August, Taiwan’s EVA Airlines offered something similar on a Hello Kitty-themed plane. It was definitely a well-received ‘getaway’ for some grounded travellers.

But we’ve just received news that SIA will not go ahead with their ‘flight to nowhere’ plan following a review of factors. This includes environmental implications and financial viability.

“An idea for a one-off short tour flight, or a ‘flight to nowhere’, was also initially considered but not pursued after the review,” said SIA.

With that said, the public can instead look forward to a range of new experiences launched by SIA. Discover Your Singapore Airlines is the theme behind the airline’s latest curation with these activities:

Restaurant A380 @Changi
Inside Singapore Airlines
SIA@Home

Restaurant A380 @Changi

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

From Oct 24 to 25, SIA’s A380 will be welcoming diners. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience on the world’s largest passenger aircraft, don’t miss out on dining onboard with SIA. You may choose your cabin classes accordingly.

Try out the signature international Singapore Airlines dishes or enjoy the best dishes from their Peranakan menu, specially designed by local chef Shermay Lee. Your meals will come with two complimentary alcoholic drinks and free flow of other beverages.

If you want to get a rare behind-the-scenes look at private access areas and explore SIA’s award-winning interiors furnished by renowned international designers, sign up for their exclusive pre-dining tour! Limited slots are available.

Other perks include limited-edition souvenirs and exclusive shopping discounts. For more information on Restaurant A380 @Changi, click through the link to view.

Inside Singapore Airlines

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

Just for two weekends, specifically Nov 21 to 22 and Nov 28 to 29, SIA will be opening their doors to give the public a rare inside look of its SIA Training Centre. You will gain insights over 70 years of SIA heritage. Also, here’s your chance to witness for yourself how SIA’s iconic cabin crew uniform and cabin products have evolved over the years.

Those who’ve always been curious about SIA’s training program will be able to take a look at how their training is conducted. The tour will also feature the latest cabin products and flight simulators.

Peeps who are bringing kids along will be glad to know that there are complimentary craft activities. Engage with hands-on activities prepared for you like shaping balloons into animals and making your own batik roses.

Head over to this link for more details.

SIA@Home

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

Prefer to dine comfortably at home instead? SIA’s got you with SIA@Home. You can order a home-dining experience for two created by world-renowned International Culinary Panel chefs. Pair it with your choice of wine or champagne.

For the perfect re-creation of SIA’s First Class or Business Class experience at home, you may want to purchase the all-inclusive package. It comes with the exquisite tableware and luxurious amenities one can expect onboard SIA flights.

Click here to view their dining packages.

Special tourist visa to Thailand will be available from October

Foreign tourists will be able to visit Thailand soon with a special long-stay visa amid COVID-19. Termed as the special tourist visa (STV), it will become available from October to Sep 30 next year. This is part of the government’s efforts to boost the economy, especially the tourism sector.

STV holders will be able to stay in Thailand for 90 days. They may extend the visa twice at a cost of 2,000 Baht (S$87) each time.

Here’s what you need to know about the STV.

STV aims at tourists with spending power

One must be willing to undergo a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival in Thailand. But before that, STV holders must arrange their own trip to Thailand either by a chartered plane or a private aircraft.

Bruno Huber, general manager of Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, rightly points out, “Private or purpose-chartered flights would be too prohibitively expensive and greatly reduce the number of potential guests. A functioning and attainable commercial flight solution is integral towards any success.”

How to apply?

Image Credits: roots.sg

Those who have both the time and money to spare can apply for the STV with a travel agent. The travel agent will in turn work with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in order to obtain approval from the Thai foreign ministry.

In the application form, applicants must state their Alternative State Quarantine hotel in Thailand for the compulsory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Currently, there are 74 such hotels nationwide – 69 in Bangkok and 5 in Phuket, Burirum, and Chonburi.

In addition to the above, they will also need to list down their flight details, state their post-quarantine accommodation, and purchase medical insurance for their stay in Thailand. The insurance should have a minimum coverage plan worth USD100,000 (S$137,000).

Upon successful application, a Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand will be issued. Applicants can collect the COE from the Thai embassy in their country.

Preparing for travel and arrival

Before travelling, individuals must obtain a fit-for-travel health certificate and a medical certificate stating they are free of COVID-19. The certificate should be issued no longer than 72 hours before departure.

Upon arrival, one will have to go through a health screening. If tested positive for COVID-19, they will be admitted to the local hospital. If all is well, they may proceed straight to their chosen quarantine facility.

STV holders can travel in Thailand after serving their quarantine. But they will need to install a COVID-19 contact tracing app before they can go about their daily activities.

Tourism operators and hotels rejoice with concerns

Image Credits: anantara.com

Daniel Simon, general manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, said that all visitors going to Thailand will help to stimulate the hotel sector. This will in turn help support suppliers from fisherman and farmers to tour guides and small businesses.

“The Thai government’s planned special tourist visa programme is a step in the right direction, but we look forward to more measures which will quickly, but safely, open the kingdom to international travellers once again,” he added.

Pichanan Kongchana from Roast8ry Lab, a café in Chiang Mai, shares that while she believes this scheme would help improve the economy, she’s also concerned about safety.

“We want tourists to visit,” Pichanan said. “But I want the government to issue them some sort of document they can show to us. This way, we won’t have to be worried.”

As of Sep 25, Thailand has carried out 977,854 COVID-19 tests nationwide, according to a spokesperson of the COVID-19 Situation Administration Centre. The country has reported more than 3,500 cases of COVID-19 and 59 deaths. At the time of writing, 117 patients remain in hospitals.

Here’s what you need to know about the new business travel pass for senior executives

The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Wednesday (Sep 23) that Singapore will trial a new business travel pass for senior executives with regional or international responsibilities. The pass is specifically for senior executives who need to travel regularly for official and business purposes.

Here’s what you need to know about the new business travel pass.

#1: It’s not open for applications

As it’s still in its pilot phase, applications are not open. Senior executives who meet the criteria set by the government and economic agencies will be given the green light.

#2: Individuals must comply with the rules

The chosen ones must follow strict public health safeguards set by the authorities.

They will keep to a controlled itinerary. Speaking of which, individuals will have to submit an itinerary of their meetings and activities, including a list of places they will visit and information on the people they will be interacting with.

#3: The travel pass does not replace any international restrictions

Image Credits: Korean Air

Though these travel pass holders are able to travel to a range of countries, they must stick to the measures set by the countries they are visiting. Reciprocal bilateral green lane conditions would also apply.

Singapore currently has cross-border travel arrangements with China, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, and South Korea. Discussions on a reciprocal green lane with Indonesia is on its way.

#4: A health declaration to be completed

Before their return to Singapore, these business travellers must fill in a health declaration form to pledge that they are symptoms-free and have not come into close contact with any COVID-19 patients.

#5: Undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival

Upon arriving in Singapore, individuals must take a PCR test in lieu of serving a stay-home notice. Until the test results are out, they must self-isolate from the public.

#6: Avoid all forms of public transport within 14 days of return

Image Credits: TODAYonline

According to GoBusiness, these senior executives should avoid all forms of public transport within 14 days of their return. In addition to that, they must use TraceTogether. Those who do not keep to the rules will have their travel pass cancelled.

#7: Authorities will consider expanding the scheme

While there is no fixed timeline for the business travel pass pilot scheme at the moment, the authorities will consider expanding the scheme should the pilot prove to be successful.

With that said, GoBusiness states that public health remains a priority. Before any further plans can be made, the relevant parties will carefully monitor this pilot program.

All Adult Singaporeans Will Receive S$100 Tourism Vouchers In December

Highlights

The vouchers can be spent on local attractions, tours, and hotels.
No limits will be given in the number of vouchers used on a single transaction.
Vouchers are valid from December to June 2021.
Attraction operators will be able to apply for an increase in their operating capacities.

Singaporeans aged 18 and above will receive S$100 in virtual SingapoRediscovers vouchers to spend on leisure attractions, local tours, and hotel staycations. These SingapoRediscovers Vouchers will be accessible through SingPass from December and can be used to offset ticket purchases and hotel bookings until June 2021.

Permanent residents will not be eligible for these vouchers.

Adult Singaporeans will be able to purchase up to six subsidized tickets for attractions and tours – each at S$10 off too. These subsidized tickets can be given to Singaporeans under the age of 18. The validity of these subsidized tickets spans from December to the end of June 2021.

Last Wednesday, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said that the duration of this program is timely as it coincides with the December, March, and June holidays. He stressed that this is an “economic scheme to help our tourist attractions preserve their capabilities that have been built up over their years while they consolidate the capacity in the interim”.

Because the tourism sector was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the $320 million SingapoRediscovers Vouchers program was part of the Government’s efforts to boost tourism in the country.

Since the SingPass is the primary mode of issuing these vouchers, it is a distinct identifier that will be less susceptible to fraudulent activities. The Government will design other anti-fraud mechanisms into the system as they work with the eventual appointed platform operators.

LARGER CAPACITY LIMITS FOR ATTRACTIONS

From September 18 onwards, attractions may apply for an increase in their operating capacity from 25% to 50%. The applications are subjected to the approval of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Attractions can also apply for an increase in the capacity of their outdoor shows. The maximum is five zones with 50 people per zone. These are all subjected to safety management measures.

CURRENT TOURISM STATUS

40 attractions, 214 hotels, and 438 tour itineraries were given the green light to resume operations with safety management measures in place. These numbers include Singapore’s 4 wildlife parks, hotels on Sentosa, and guided tours in Pulau Ubin. You will have a myriad of options to think about as you rediscover our own backyard.

With more than 200 deals and packages launched by the local tourism sector, the SingapoRediscovers vouchers will encourage more Singaporeans to see what the Red Dot has to offer. STB chief executive Keith Tan said that while F&B and retail businesses are part of their marketing campaigns, the core beneficiaries of these vouchers will be hotels, attractions, and tours.

What is nice about this program is that there are no limits in the number of vouchers you can use in a single transaction. The S$10 vouchers can be used across different visits or used up in a single staycation package.

The means as to how you use your vouchers is completely up to you!

Sources: 1 & 2