Day: February 13, 2021

Quarantine-Free Travel To Begin Next Week From Cook Islands To New Zealand

By Steven I. Green 2 weeks ago

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Cook Island Prime Minister Mark Brown recently announced a travel bubble between the two countries, with flights launching January 21, 2021. There is a catch though: it’s only going to be quarantine-free one-way from Rarotonga to Auckland for the time being, while those traveling in the other direction will still be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

“Following confirmation of the Cook Islands’ Covid free status and the implementation of strict health and border protocols, we are now in the position to resume quarantine-free travel for passengers from the Cook Islands into New Zealand,” Arden said in a press statement. “Both countries continue to take a very careful approach to managing our borders and preventing the spread of Covid remains our paramount concern. As such,

… Read More

Global View: Hospitality, Travel Cautiously Optimistic for 2021

By Steven I. Green 2 weeks ago

The New Year has seemingly brought a new wave of optimism for the hospitality and travel industries.

In the United States, the optimism seems to be especially renewed as it swore in Joseph R. Biden Jr. as its 46 president on Wednesday, along with Kamala Harris as vice president. Recently, as reported by Luxury Travel Advisor, Biden proposed a $1.9 trillion relief package targeted at combating the COVID-19 virus directly and economic relief in the form of new grant programs, enhanced unemployment benefits and direct checks to Americans. “We welcome and wholeheartedly support the provisions of [President Biden]’s COVID-19 relief proposal that will help spur the travel industry’s recovery and provide support to ASTA members, employees and independent contractors,” said Eben Peck, EVP, advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors.

It was a sentiment echoed by U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow,

… Read More