Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives, Vietnam, the UAE, and Indonesia are countries RMC promotes opportunities for Hospitality Internship and Management Training Programs in the Hospitality Industry in.
The respective government bodies of these six countries have been working on their own unique ways to combat the spread of the coronavirus, minimize the social and economic effects, and plan for future reopening to international travelers and tourists. Fortunately, these countries are among the good performing ones in doing so!
Here are some positive developments and important updates relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives, Vietnam, the UAE, and Indonesia.
INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS & TRADE IS IMPROVING IN MALAYSIA!
Malaysia has significantly reduced the number of COVID-19 active cases from the peaks of March and April. Moreover, as part of their efforts to restore the tourism industry, the government of Malaysia is currently looking into creating a “travel bubble” with six “Green” countries: Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. These “green areas” are countries that have essentially controlled the COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, according to Oxford Business Group, while global trade has shrunk considerably due to COVID-19, Malaysia has recently seen an unexpected rise in both its exports and trade surplus. This is another good news for Malaysia after months of efforts in controlling the global pandemic.
Stats for Malaysia as of Aug 4, 2020 (Ministry of Health Malaysia): 1 new daily case; 193 total active cases
THAI GOVERNMENT SPENDS $732 MILLION FOR LOCAL TOURISM! The government of Thailand has approved a stimulus package for domestic tourism worth more than 22.4 billion baht (about US $ 723 million). 2 billion baht will support domestic airfare and other transportation and 18 billion baht will support hotel services such as food and accommodation. Five million hotel rooms are expected to participate in this program wherein the government will subsidize 40% of the tourist’s spending at a maximum of 3,000 baht per person, with a stay at the hotel for up to five nights. This initiative is expected to help in the recovery of the tourism industry, one of the most important economic growth drivers of the Golden Temple country. The government hopes that this program will stimulate 100 million domestic tourists, in the context of slow recovery in the international market.
Stats for Thailand as of Aug 4, 2020 (Bangkok Post): 1 new daily case; 121 total active cases
TOURISM IN THE MALDIVES IS BACK ON TRACK!
The tourism industry contributes 2/3 of the Maldives’ GDP and the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed affected the country’s economy. Fortunately, the Maldives has controlled the situation pretty well and the country is one of the first to re-open borders for international tourism. In order to attract more visitors, the Maldives launched the “Rediscover Maldives…The sunny side of life” campaign. The campaign is part of the government’s initiative to promote the destination in line with the re-opening of its border. The Maldives is targeting 850,000 visitors by the end of 2020. The unique “one island, one resort” principle of the Maldives’ tourism product, which has always been sought after by visitors, and the naturally distanced geographic formation of the islands is especially ideal as the world seeks new ways to travel.
Stats for the Maldives as of Aug 4, 2020 (Maldives Health Protection Agency): 153 new daily cases; 1,719 total active cases
VIETNAM IS STILL IN GOOD POSITION AGAINST COVID-19 ECONOMIC TRAP!
According to the World Bank’s latest economic update titled ‘What will be the new normal for Vietnam: the economic impact of COVID-19’, Vietnam is still in a good position to escape the pandemic’s economic trap despite the new COVID-19 cases recorded these past few weeks. Part of Vietnam’s main priorities is making sure that they don’t get caught into the economic trap. Fortunately, the Vietnamese government was able to move faster than other countries; this gives them better opportunities not only to adapt its economy to the new realities but also to inspire others in their efforts to prepare for the post-pandemic world. Vietnam has remained to be one of the best-performing countries in terms of COVID-19 statistics. The country, which has a population of 100 million, has over 95% recovery rate.
Stats for Vietnam as of Aug 4, 2020 (The ASEAN Post): 31 new daily cases; 270 total active cases
DUBAI RECEIVES WTTC’S SAFE TRAVELS STAMP!
Despite the total number of COVID-19 infections reaching more than 60,000, there’s only around .006% death rate in the UAE. One of the UAE’s primary emirates, Dubai, is one of the earliest cities to re-open borders to international tourists. The Dubai International Airport has re-opened to international tourists on the 07th of July. Due to being one of the best performing cities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has rewarded Dubai with a Safe Travels stamp. The stamp will help travelers identify destinations and organizations around the world which have adopted WTTC’s global standardized protocols for health and hygiene.
Stats for UAE as of Aug 4, 2020 (Khaleej Times): 189 new daily cases; 5,911 total active cases
BALI WILL WELCOME INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER!
The local government of Bali, a tourism-dependent province in Indonesia, has announced to reopen its borders for international tourists starting September 11 under strict health measures. Authorities of the renowned resort island had prepared and implemented a three-phase plan on relaxing restrictions to welcome tourists to the island. The first phase started on July 9 when they began reopening local businesses and tourist spots for Bali residents. The second phase started on July 31 when they started catering to local tourists in Indonesia. The third phase, which will be for international tourists, will happen next month. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government is already in talks with neighboring countries to establish “travel bubbles” that will allow limited tourism and travel.
Stats for Indonesia as of Aug 4, 2020 (The ASEAN Post): 1,900+ new daily cases; 37,600+ total active case
We at RMC are continuously monitoring the situation in the countries we arrange Hospitality Internships and Management Training Programs in. We are positive about the gradual reopening of business activities and tourism sectors during the second half of the year and towards 2021.
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