Travel's Reopening and Coronavirus Recovery

The latest news about coronavirus recovery around the world and the reopening of travel and tourism in destinations around the world.

Skift Research subscribers can view the latest data about country-by-country recovery at the Skift Recovery Index. Data about public companies can be viewed at the Skift Health Score.

News Blog

Canada to Lift Last Covid, Mask Restrictions

Canada will end all entry restrictions on October 1, with major national airlines Air Canada and WestJet welcoming the change. Gone are requirements that certain travelers provide proof of vaccination, undergo pre- or post-arrival testing, or quarantine or isolate after arrival, the Canadian government said on Monday. Fully vaccinated travelers have not been subject to…

Edward Russell | 12 hours ago

Tourism

Hong Kong’s Partial Tourism Re-Opening

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at Hong Kong’s quarantine relaxation, Trip.com Group’s earnings, and the touristic pull of summer music festivals.

Rashaad Jorden | 21 hours ago

News Blog

Hong Kong to End Hotel Quarantine From September 26

Inbound arrivals to Hong Kong will not be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine from September 26. Chief Executive John Lee made an announcement on Friday marking an end to some of the strictest restrictions imposed by a country during the pandemic. Hong Kong has also replaced the requirement of a pre-arrival polymerase chain reaction…

Peden Doma Bhutia | 4 days ago

Tourism

Japan’s Big Tourism Reopening

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at Japan’s coronavirus recovery, big ideas at Skift Global Forum, and Ennismore’s co-working growth.

Rashaad Jorden | 4 days ago

News Blog

Japan to Reopen to Visa-Free Independent Tourists From October 11

It's official — Japan has finally announced that it would allow visa-free entry to independent tourists, removing the daily cap on arrivals from October 11 onwards, after almost two-and-a-half years of stringent restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the announcement on Thursday in New York while attending the UN General…

Peden Doma Bhutia | 5 days ago

Tourism

Summer Tourism Feels Squeeze From School Start Dates Moving Earlier

To fully capitalize on summer, tourism industry stakeholders will need to adjust their strategies to win over tourist traffic and dollars within a shorter period of time.

Dawit Habtemariam | 5 days ago

Travel Technology

Traveloka, RedDoorz Share New Mobile-First Aspirations for Southeast Asia

The opportunity that Southeast Asia presents for the travel industry is boundless. Time to capitalize on it.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 6 days ago

Tourism

Ukraine Tourism Chief Looks Beyond Tragedy of War to a Hopeful Tourism Future

If hope had a name, it could be called Ukraine. As the Russian aggression brought tourism development to a halt in the country, the industry's willpower to succeed is evident even amidst the war.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 6 days ago

Tourism

Disney Parks Blends Virtual and Physical Experiences to Elevate Storytelling

Disney is about to be a century old. Its focus on immersive storytelling demonstrates it's not thinking like a centenarian.

Dawit Habtemariam | 6 days ago

News Blog

Hong Kong Finally Looks to Scrap Hotel Quarantine Policy

As Hong Kong leaders acknowledge how stringent Covid policies have hammered the destination’s competitiveness, the government might soon be on its way to scrap the controversial hotel quarantine policy for inbound travelers. On Tuesday, Chief Executive John Lee said an announcement was impending and the destination would look to allow more activities in an orderly…

Peden Doma Bhutia | 7 days ago