COVID 19 has triggered economic devastation the world over. From bankrupt airlines to government grants, many industries and individuals have felt the economic pressure of the pandemic. It’s for this reason that as restrictions are tentatively lifted despite rising delta variant cases, tourist destinations and requests for forms such as online Indian visa applications are seeing increased traffic and attention.
The fact of the matter is that governments and businesses are being forced to reopen to claim back the losses amassed over 2020, hoping that the surge of vaccinations and decreasing hospitalisation numbers means that less damage will be done both medically and economically this time around. As previously suspended Visa services such as US visa applications begin to open their doors for applicants again, here’s how some of the top travel authorities and businesses are encouraging tourists to safely and securely travel once again.
Official Flight Corridors
As the UK sets to reopen its economy and take away mandatory social distancing, vaccinations are being encouraged through quarantine-free travel back from Amber List countries for fully vaccinated adults. This means that any fully vaccinated adult will not have to quarantine in the UK once they return from a country on the government’s Amber List of COVID threat nations.
Compensation
Countries such as Uzbekistan have announced that any tourist who falls ill from the COVID virus whilst visiting their country will get full compensation for their treatment there. Whilst these countries are usually those without free healthcare for travellers such as those outside the EU, it still symbolises a renewed confidence in sanitisation and hygiene in the nations making these claims. Whether these claims can be backed up during these early months of restriction easing, however, remains to be seen.
Discounts On Attractions
Whether you apply for Dubai visa online or a paper visa for Cypress, countries have incentivised tourists with free tickets to attractions in their destination city. Examples of discounts include the island of Sicily, where visitors can get free tickets for archaeological and tourist attractions on the ancient island as well as Japan’s “Go-To” scheme that cuts flights and tourist attraction prices for visitors.
Self-Isolation Cover
Whilst visiting the beautiful Meditteranean island of Cyrpus, visitors who test positive for COVID are being assured that their accommodation, food and drink will be covered by the country whilst they self isolate themselves.
Cutting VAT On Flights
Greece was one of the hardest-hit countries during the first wave of COVID outbreaks in Europe. A year on, and the situation is looking rather different. Flight prices to the ancient country have been cut down by more than ten percent due to a reduction in Value Added Tax on plane tickets. The country’s many resorts and hotels have reopened fully since 15th June thanks to a massive fall in COVID cases.
Free COVID Tests
Many countries have started offering rapid testing kits for free when you enter the country. Not only does this take the financial burden off the traveller for a compulsory test, but it helps you rest assured that you are not spreading the virus during your visit.
Ensure Your Insurance Policy Covers COVID
Regardless of the incentives that governments and businesses are offering, always travel safely, even if your destination does not have high COVID rates at your time of travel. Make sure that your health insurance policy covers any potential risks or losses from contracting COVID and remember that even now, travel should be conducted with the highest degree of caution.
AdminPUBLISHED ON 07 Jul 2021
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