We have entered our third year living with Covid-19. Barely one month ago, many had speculated that Omicron could signal the end of the pandemic and speed the world to herd immunity.
But the World Health Organisation now warns that the Omicron variant is still dangerous for the unvaccinated and has led to many deaths globally.
Furthermore, 90 countries have not even reached the 40 per cent target, while 36 countries have less than 10 per cent of their population vaccinated.
The scope for virus mutation remains among the unvaccinated, raising the possibility that more contagious and deadly variants may emerge.
This is not reassuring news, particularly for people involved in the travel and tourism industry.
The Covid-19 National Immunisation Programmes among Asean countries have brought down the infection numbers and allowed the resumption of businesses and domestic travel.
Herein lies the delicate task of containing the virus, while trying to jumpstart travel and keeping the economy growing. The recent spike in cases involving Omicron has dampened plans to open international travel, bringing a potential return of restrictive measures.
Asean countries have adopted the endemic approach of learning to live with the virus, accepting that it will not disappear any time soon.
Regardless, Asean countries must prepare for the resumption of international travel. Here are some measures to enable and facilitate international travel within the region.
THERE should be clear rules, processes and standards, as well as mutually agreed protocols that can be applied throughout the region.
SAFE and predictable cross-border travel. Coordination and harmonisation for border crossing and regional integration within Asean to restart travel and cross-border economic activities are needed.
PROVIDE safety and flexibility in travel arrangements where travel bookings are protected from changes in travel policies and restrictions that can occur on short notice. Border restrictions among countries can be complex and travellers do not want to be caught unaware since this can lead to frustration and unexpected costs.
ADOPT a standard approach among Asean countries to enable people to document certified Covid-19 status that is accepted across countries.
Travellers who have been tested at a certified lab and vaccinated in another country can provide necessary documents to curb any forged lab results.
AVOID excess disclosure of personal health information. Concerns for digital privacy can arise from contact tracing requirements when travellers need to download different health screening apps each time they enter a country, an airport, or a plane.
EASE or do away with quarantine requirements. Even if borders are described as open, travellers are reluctant to go to destinations with quarantine requirements.
SUPPORT big and small destinations as they prepare for opening up. The government, private sector and local community should come together to re-establish operations and implement new policies that rebuild traveller confidence and pay special attention to increased health and safety protocols.
GOVERNMENT support to travel and tourism businesses for them to get back on their feet again in the form of stimulus packages and incentives for travel. The survival of the tourism business will help to bring back jobs that many depend on for their livelihood.
The Asean governments should coordinate to harmonise the lifting of travel restrictions and facilitate movement across national boundaries.
Some priority measures include standardising regulations, removing onerous procedures and adopting a form of universal digital health certification. Currently, this is not happening in a fast or integrated enough manner for the return of international travel.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digitalisation into our work and life. The skills gap in the local labour market is a barrier to the adoption of new technologies.
For the tourism workforce to be future-ready, agencies connected with tourism should use the lull period during the pandemic to host free online webinars and provide training for tourism stakeholders and entrepreneurs, focusing on digital skills and post-crisis reinvention.
The writer is a professor at Taylor's University and secretary-general of Asean Tourism Research Association