The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging governments to accelerate relaxation of travel restrictions as COVID-19 continues to evolve from the pandemic to endemic stage.
IATA this week called for removing all travel barriers (including quarantine and testing) for those fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine, enabling quarantine-free travel for non-vaccinated travelers with a negative pre-departure antigen test result, removing travel bans, and accelerating the easing of travel restrictions in recognition that travelers pose no greater risk for COVID-19 spread than already exists in the general population.
“With the experience of the Omicron variant, there is mounting scientific evidence and opinion opposing the targeting of travelers with restrictions and country bans to control the spread of COVID-19,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “The measures have not worked. Today Omicron is present in all parts of the world.
“That’s why travel, with very few exceptions, does not increase the risk to general populations. The billions spent testing travelers would be far more effective if allocated to vaccine distribution or strengthening health care systems,” Walsh said.
According to travelpress.com, the global airline industry association is calling for:
- The removal of all travel barriers (including quarantine and testing) for those fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine.
- Enabling quarantine-free travel for non-vaccinated travelers with a negative pre-departure antigen test result.
- Removing travel bans
- Accelerating the easing of travel restrictions in recognition that travelers pose no greater risk for COVID-19 spread than already exists in the general population.
Meanwhile, CNN reports that the European Union is recommending that vaccinated residents should not be required to undergo testing or quarantine measures when entering member states.
HOLLAND AMERICA: 75 FREE ALASKA CRUISES
Holland America Line is celebrating its upcoming 75th Anniversary in Alaska in a big way with a sweepstakes that is giving away 75 seven-day Alaska cruises. Through Feb. 13, 2022, those hoping to win a cruise for two to Alaska can enter at www.enterhal.com and no purchase is necessary. The winners will be notified around Feb. 21 and can embark on their Alaska adventure from April through September 2022.
“With this 75-year milestone, Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska longer than any other cruise line and even longer than Alaska’s been a state,” said Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, Holland America Line. “With our deep knowledge, it’s no surprise that experts and outlets have named us the number-one cruise line in Alaska. We’ve used those years to create perfectly crafted Alaska adventures that offer travelers preferred access, exclusive means of travel and immersive experiences.”
CDC ADDS JAMAICA AND ST. MARTIN TO HIGH-RISK LIST
Montego Bay shopping. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Washington Post says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week warned against travel to 15 countries and territories, including Jamaica, St. Martin, Costa Rica and the United Arab Emirates, because of “very high” risk levels of coronavirus.
The CDC urged people to “avoid travel” to Jamaica, Saint Bart’s, the Dominican Republic, Saint Martin and Guadeloupe. The agency also issued its highest coronavirus warning for Peru, Colombia, Fiji, Kuwait, Costa Rica, Mongolia, Niger, Romania, the UAE and Tunisia, the Post said.
KAYAK also found:
- More Canadians are feeling the pressures of workplace burnout
- A quarter (25 per cent) feel burnt out at their current job, with the same amount having fantasized quitting
- Almost one third of Canadians (28 per cent) feel a simple change of scenery would help combat workplace burnout
- Canadians value a workplace what prioritizes mental wellbeing
- 60 per cent of Canadians value work life balance
- Over half (52 per cent) value flexible hours and over a quarter (31 per cent) look for the ability to work remote
- Working from wherever is becoming the new normal
- Gen Z’s (38 per cent) and Millennials (35 per cent) are among the age groups more likely to take a workcation in 2022
- In light of the rise of the new COVID-19 variant, only 7 per cent of Canadians have plans to return to the office
- Albertans are eager to combat burnout and expect workplaces to value their wellbeing
- 18 per cent are planning to take a workcation in 2022
- 16 per cent plan to travel more, thanks to their flexible work schedule
- Over a quarter (27 per cent) feel a simple change of scenery would help combat burnout
To capture this growing demand for blending the flexibility of remote work with leisure travel, KAYAK is launching an interactive “Work from Wherever” Guide to help those interested in taking a workcation find the best place to go based on their personal style. The guide also features a sweepstakes where one lucky winner will receive two, Economy, round-trip Air Canada flight tickets for anywhere the airline flies, plus $7,400 in gift cards to put toward their own workcation. One Canadian company has already introduced a Work Away Benefit as a way of keeping employees motivated and excited to come to work – even virtually.
NEW FOOD FESTIVAL FOR ANGUILLA
The seafood on Anguilla is super-fresh. And delicious. -JIM BYERS PHOTO
Anguilla will present a new epicurean festival, Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE), from Wednesday, May 11 through Sunday, May 15, 2022. As the latest and most exciting culinary production in the region, ACE will bring together talented chefs from Anguilla and around the world with food-loving guests at Anguilla’s world-class resorts — Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club; Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel; Four Seasons Anguilla Resorts & Residences; Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort; Tranquility Beach Anguilla and Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts; luxury villas – ÀNI Anguilla, and Villa Alegria; and award-winning restaurants — Ember, Veya, Tasty’s, Celeste, Pimms, Salt and Stone.
During the five days of curated experiences, chefs will draw on their diverse influences, as they combine their skills and creativity with Anguilla’s fresh farm- and sea-to-table ingredients. A portion of ACE proceeds will fund the Anguilla National Culinary Team and other local hospitality training programs, and students will have a chance to learn alongside the more experienced chefs.
