Maldives 2 - RMC Asia

What is happening in our program destinations? January 2021 update from Asia and the Middle East

Destinations, Maldives, Qatar, Seychelles, UAE, Vietnam / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

2020 has been a remarkably challenging year for everyone. On the other hand, 2021 is here to bring new hope, especially to the Travel and Tourism sectors. As an active affiliate of the Hospitality sector, we at RMC have continuously kept our attention ready for any relevant news and updates especially in the countries where we arrange Cultural Exchange Programs.

Here are some of the most recent Travel and Tourism news and updates in some of our Program destinations – the Maldives, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles, and Vietnam.

THE MALDIVES

The Maldives records 10,000+ tourist arrivals in first three days of 2021: Official data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that the Maldives received more than 10,000 tourists in the first three days of 2021. Most of the tourists are from Russia, Ukraine, India, Kazakhstan, and Britain. READ MORE.

What you need to know before traveling to the Maldives: The Maldives is open to international tourists. For anyone who is planning to visit the country anytime soon, here’s what they need to know and expect if during the global COVID-1 pandemic. READ MORE.

THE UAE

The UAE achieves highest rate of COVID-19 vaccine distribution: The UAE has announced that it achieved the highest rate of COVID-19 vaccine doses distribution for medically eligible groups. READ MORE.

UAE’s Emirates and Etihad Airways to Trial Covid-19 Travel Pass: Dubai’s Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways have partnered with the International Air Transport Association to introduce a travel pass for passengers who have been vaccinated or tested negative against Covid-19. READ MORE.

QATAR

Health Ministry updates list of groups eligible for home quarantine: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health recently announced an update to the list of groups eligible for home quarantine, to be effective starting 24 January 2021, at all ports of entry to the country. READ MORE.

Qatar Airways receives 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating: Qatar Airways has become the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by an international air transport rating organization. The announcement follows a detailed audit, carried out in December 2020 READ MORE.

SEYCHELLES

Seychelles updates entry requirements of visitors: Following the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns started around the world, Seychelles reviews its entry requirements procedures and make the country more accessible for potential visitors. READ MORE.

No quarantine needed for Covid-vaccinated travelers: Tourists heading to Seychelles will no longer need to quarantine for 10 days on arrival – provided they have had a Covid-19 vaccine. READ MORE.

VIETNAM

Vietnam to receive 30M doses of COVID-19 vaccine: Vietnam will receive at least 30 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca with Oxford University this year. READ MORE.

Historical Vietnam at Glance park reopens: After a 10-year pause, the ‘Vietnam at a Glance’ tourism park reopened on 16 January just weeks before the Tet national holiday gets underway at the end of the month. READ MORE.

We at RMC are constantly monitoring the situation in the countries we arrange Cultural Exchange Programs in – the UAE, Thailand, the Maldives, Seychelles, Qatar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Our team remains optimistic about the revival of the Hospitality industry and its related sectors this New Year 2021.

For questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit our website.

What is happening in our program destinations? December 2020 update from Asia and the Middle East

Destinations, Maldives, Thailand, UAE / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

In recent months, the UAE, Thailand, and, the Maldives, have been the more active countries in terms of Hospitality and Travel activities among our nine (9) program destinations in Asia and the Middle East. To give you more information about the current situation in these countries, here are some important updates and developments about the UAE, Thailand, and the Maldives.

THAILAND

Thailand is now open to the whole world: Tourists are now welcome to visit Thailand, regardless of their countries’ Covid-19 situation. However, these travelers still need to comply with Thailand’s 14-day mandatory quarantine. READ MORE.

Thailand further eases curbs on travel: The government is easing travel restrictions for citizens from 56 countries. Tourists from several countries can travel without visas but would need a certificate to show they are free of Covid-19. READ MORE.

THE MALDIVES

The Maldives’ tourism revives over the holiday season: Tourism in the Maldives, which reopened its borders to international tourists in mid-July, is picking up with a surge in arrivals and visitors expected for the festive season. READ MORE.

The Maldives welcomes 100,000th tourist since reopening: On 6 December, the Maldives broke the record of daily arrivals since its reopening, with a total of 3,006 tourists arriving in the Indian Ocean destination. READ MORE.

THE UAE

UAE hotel industry continues to improve occupancy rate: The key hotel markets in the United Arab Emirates have reached or surpassed 50% occupancy due to strong domestic and recent international demand. READ MORE.

Abu Dhabi to re-open to foreign tourists: Abu Dhabi is planning to re-open for international tourists by January as it eases restrictive measures, looking to recover from the pandemic. READ MORE.

We at RMC are continually monitoring the situation in the countries we arrange Cultural Exchange Programs in – the UAE, Thailand, the Maldives, Qatar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Our team remains optimistic about the continuous revival of the Hospitality and Travel industry most especially in the year to come, 2021.

For questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit our website.

F&B Service internship in Asia and the Middle East

F&B Service internship opportunities in Thailand, the Maldives, the UAE

Destinations, Maldives, Thailand, UAE / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

Several Host Organizations in Thailand, the Maldives, and the UAE are looking for passionate Hospitality enthusiasts who are willing to undergo hands-on practical training as interns in the F&B Department. These companies, 4 & 5-star hotels, are in need of interns who can work for periods ranging between 6 to 12 months, and who can join the company sometimes in Q1 or Q2 of 2021.

JOB DETAILS:

Host: 4 & 5-star luxury hotels
Program: Hospitality & Business Internship (Practical Training)
Positions: Food & Beverages Service Interns
Destinations: Thailand, the Maldives, or the UAE
Start Date: between January and June of 2021
Program Length: 6 to 12 months

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

work in all areas of Food & Beverage Service operations including Bar, Restaurant, Banqueting, Room Service, Sommelier, Conference & Events
greet visitors warmly; demonstrate high levels of customer service
prepare the room and the tables for the service
interact with customers, take and serve their orders
assess customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations
assist in checking and managing stocks and supplies
maintain personal hygiene and professional appearance while on duty
assist other departments whenever necessary
other related duties under the supervision of F&B managers/trainers

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

enrolled student (for a Bachelor’s Degree, Post-Graduate Degree, Master’s Degree) ‘OR’ recently graduated student within 12-month of graduation (accepted major of study [not limited to]: hospitality & hotel management, business management, marketing, international business, restaurant management)
at least 18 years of age – college / university endorsement required
available for a period of 6 to 12 months
fluent in English (second language is a plus)

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

Provided Accommodation for a full contract duration
For Living Benefits: On duty meals, local transportation, Service charge, Officer Credit, Visa and Work Permit, Group Insurance, and Likes
Living allowance: between $ 200 to $ 450 (USD) per month

This is the perfect opportunity for enrolled students or recent graduates wanting to experience an unforgettable Cultural Exchange and Educational Travel experience. Interested applicants may send their resume to apply@rmcasia.org.

For more information about our programs and services, you can check our e-flyer 2021 or visit our website.

What is happening in our program destinations? November 2020 update from Asia and the Middle East

Destinations, Maldives, Thailand, UAE / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

Among our nine (9) program destinations in Asia and the Middle East, Thailand, the Maldives, and the UAE were the first to re-open to international tourists amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to mitigate the impact of the pandemic better, these countries are now ahead compared to some neighboring nations in terms of economic and tourism recovery.

To give you more information about the current situation in these countries, here are some important updates and developments in Thailand, the Maldives, and the UAE;

THAILAND

Thailand relaxes visa restrictions for some foreign tourists: The Tourism Authority recently announced that Thailand had eased several entry restrictions for holidaymakers wishing to visit the country. Foreign visitors can now stay in Thailand under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) for up to 60 days and can extend up to 90 days. Read more HERE.

Quarantine for tourists from low-risk countries may be reduced to 10 days: A health service panel has agreed to cut the mandatory quarantine period for tourists arriving from countries classified as low risk for COVID-19. These countries include China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand. Read more HERE.

Government: Phuket is 100% ready to welcome tourists: The Transport Ministry said that Thailand’s top foreign tourism destination, Phuket, is now ‘100% ready’ to accept international tourists arriving with the new Special Tourist Visa (STV). Read more HERE.

THE MALDIVES

The Maldives to put up more islands for tourism development: The Ministry of Economic Development declared recently that the Maldives will market new islands for tourist resort development. In fact, the government had been planning to put 20 islands on the market before the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more HERE.

Latest COVID-19-related travel rules in the Maldives: How can I get to the Maldives? Will I have to take a Covid-19 PCR test? Will I have to quarantine when I arrive? Can I travel between the islands or resorts? Are hotels open? What rules are in place? Read more HERE.

The Maldives received top Indian Ocean prizes from the World Travel Awards: World Travel Awards has unveiled its Indian Ocean 2020 winners and the Maldives maintained its reputation as the definitive secluded sanctuary to win several awards including ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination’, ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination’. Read more HERE.

THE UAE

New leisure and entertainment district in Abu Dhabi opens to the public: On November 10th, a premier property has announced the opening of Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District, the latest hospitality, leisure, and entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi. This new destination is all set to offer a wide array of food and beverage outlets, facilities for sports activities, and other entertainment and leisure offerings. Read more HERE.

Dubai’s tourism industry gains momentum with reopening of top attractions: Several top attractions in Dubai have opened their doors again to provide diverse experiences to UAE residents and tourists. As key players in Dubai’s travel and hospitality sectors accelerate efforts to revitalize the tourism industry, the re-openings further enhance the city’s position as a year-round must-visit destination. Read more HERE.

Dubai Tourism goes global with a new marketing campaign: The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has launched an international marketing campaign titled ‘Live Your Story’. The campaign will be introduced in 20 languages and is set to bring an influx of curious travelers to the emirate. Read more HERE.

We at RMC are continuously monitoring the situation in the countries we arrange Cultural Exchange Programs in – Thailand, the Maldives, the UAE, Qatar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. We are positive about the gradual reopening of business activities and tourism sectors towards the end of the year and towards the start of 2021.

For questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit our website.

What is happening in our program destinations? | October 2020 update from Asia and the Middle East

Destinations, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Qatar, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

As we welcome the last quarter of 2020, and because we thrive on positivity, we bring you some ‘good news’ about each of our Program destinations – the Maldives, Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Qatar.

Although the Hospitality and Tourism sectors are two of the very affected industries from the current COVID-19 pandemic, we still never run out of positive news to share with the world. Here are some important updates and developments relevant to our Program destinations as of October 2020:

THE MALDIVES

Based on bookings with seaplane operator Trans Maldivian Airways and a number of resorts, tourism in the Maldives is staging a gradual rebound since the island nation reopened in July.

Statistics from the Tourism Ministry has shown that an average of 628 tourists visit the Maldives daily after the nation reopened its borders to international tourists. 3,140 tourists arrived during the first five days of October, and the new arrivals average is now at 628; this is an 80 percent increase in arrivals compared to when the borders were newly reopened in July.

THAILAND

Thailand is in talks with China to establish a quarantine-free travel corridor by January to aid its tourism industry. According to the Thai Tourism Ministry, China, which accounted for more than a quarter of Thailand’s tourist arrivals before the pandemic, will be the first low-risk country Thailand will sign up for quarantine-free travel.

Meanwhile, tourism operators in Samui are planning to urge the government to help lower flight costs for tourists, while more hotels have been approved for alternative local state quarantine (ALSQ) status.

THE UAE

During a recent virtual G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting, the UAE affirmed its commitment to support international efforts to encourage tourism & improve safety of travel experience while adhering to global recommendations on the COVID-19 response. The G20 ministers discuss ways to capitalize on growth opportunities in the post pandemic phase and increase the sector’s contribution to comprehensive and sustainable development. The Group of Twenty (G20), the premier forum for international economic cooperation, brings together the world’s major advanced and emerging economies, comprising 19 countries and the European Union.

VIETNAM

Vietnam launched a CNN International TV commercial titled “When you’re ready to travel again, why not Vietnam?”. This marks the country’s commencement of its tourism reopening strategy inviting travelers to consider Vietnam for their first holiday after COVID-19. According to Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the country’s strong safety record since the start of the pandemic and its ability to provide socially distanced holiday options are top reasons for tourists to consider Vietnam for their upcoming trips.

INDONESIA

Indonesia has become the first signatory of the UNWTO Tourism Ethics Convention, the landmark created to ensure global tourism is fair, inclusive, more transparent, and works for everyone. This signals the country’s strong commitment to uphold the highest ethical principles as it expands its tourism sector. Indonesia is currently working with UNWTO to restart tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, the UNWTO conducted a virtual meeting with the Indonesian government to explore solutions for the safe reopening of Bali to international visitors.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia is reportedly planning to reopen its tourism by the first quarter of 2021. Tourism director-general, Musa Yusof, said in a local TV program that they are keen on resuming cross-border leisure travel with neighboring countries Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has won the Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Award 2020 in the “Tourism for All” category through the virtual tourism for senior citizens initiative pioneered by Taylor’s University. The PATA Gold Award is a recognition for excellence, innovation, and standards in travel and tourism. Malaysia hopes that this can inspire the industry to move forward with more sustainable and responsible initiatives in line with COVID-19 recovery measures.

QATAR

The Tourism Council of Qatar announced the launch of two new hotel and leisure destinations, opening in late 2020 and early 2021. The country is currently undergoing an extensive tourism development strategy, as it prepares ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.

Moreover, Doha has been nominated in both leading business travel and sports tourism destination categories at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2020, a global initiative that recognizes excellence in all key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

We at RMC will continue monitoring the situation in the countries we arrange Hospitality Internships and Management Training Programs in. Together with the Hospitality and Travel sector, we remain optimistic about the gradual reopening of business and tourism activities towards 2021. For questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit our website.