The Australian government unveiled a A$1.2 billion ($928 million) tourism support package aimed at boosting local travel while international routes remain closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

World Business Watch: Australia unveils $928 mn tourism support package

European Union leaders will agree to work on certificates of vaccination for EU citizens who have had an anti-COVID shot, with southern EU countries that depend heavily on tourism desperate to rescue this summer’s holiday season.

EU leaders mull vaccine passports to resurrect tourism

Parked in rows with many gathering dust and cobwebs, hundreds of "tuk tuk" motorised rickshaws, tour buses and boats lie silent across the Thai capital Bangkok after suffering a twin blow from the pandemic and a lack of foreign tourists.

Graveyard of tuk tuks, buses and boats show dearth of tourists during once peak holiday season

The Lunar New Year period is usually the busiest time of the year for tour operator Scenic World in Australia's iconic Blue Mountains, with many Asian tourists visiting to ring in the new year. But in 2021 with borders closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and still recovering from the 2020 bushfires, the normally bustling cableway, the world's steepest railway and glass-floored skyway carriages are almost empty.

Blue Mountains tourism slumps without tourists from Asia

Dwarfed by a 21-storey-tall statue of the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical eagle Garuda, a tour guide on the Indonesian resort island of Bali said he was staring at a bleak Lunar New Year season as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on tourism.

Bali tour guide hopes for coronavirus defeat in Lunar New Year

Thailand's popular resort town Pattya has become a ghost town, with minimal footfall in beaches and the once lively Walking Street grinding to a halt on Tuesday (January 12).

Thailand's tourist haven turns ghost town as Pattaya's shops remain shut

Till the 1970s, Maldives was fed by sporadic tourism, mostly from the boats calling into islands while sailing through the Indian Ocean. It was only in 1972, the country’s tourism industry witnessed coming up of two resorts with 280 guest accommodation. During the 80s, the number of resorts increased to 55. At present, there are more than 160 resorts in the island country with white sand, sun and the sea.&nbsp; 
 
While the destination is known for leisure vacationing, it has also got a decent number of honeymooners and a fair number of divers that add the flavour of diversity to country’s tourism. India counts as one of the highest market sources to Maldives’ tourism. In 2019, 167,000 Indian tourists went to Maldives, which is a rise of more than 100 per cent over 2018. Improved flight connectivity from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka, and, a visa-free regime is among the several reasons that led to an increase in Indian tourists. 
 
However, more tourists mean further exploitation of the nature. But not for this country. Thanks to the government’s concrete measures, Maldives has been able to keep a check. And not just that, the resorts have come forward to minimize carbon footprints. What makes the strategy remarkable is the fact that the resorts are also engaging with the tourists and turning conservation into tourist activities thus conveying the message globally. So in a way, the hotel industry, which is generally called out for exploiting the nature is turning out to be custodians of the country's prosperity and protectors of marine assets.&nbsp; 
 
A learning lesson! 
 
Maldives is home to around 250 species of corals and 41 islands that have unique wetland ecosystems. To preserve its shores and enhance its increasing blue economy, Maldives’ Ministry of Environment is implementing the Coastal Protection Projects with support from the World Bank. The projects focus on protecting coral reef and coastal wetlands, which are rich in biodiversity and have immense recreational value and act as bulwarks against coastal erosion. 
 
The Indian touch 
 
With support from the Indian Government, Maldives has also implemented a coastal protection project at Alifu Atholhu Uthuruburi Rasdhoo. The project will provide the necessary coastal protection to an area of a length of 214 meters, facing severe coastal erosion. This area was used as a landfill previously, and with coastal erosion waste buried there has risen to the surface, contaminating the water resources and polluting the beach area. The project scope will also include beach replenishment consisting of cleaning up of waste debris and replacement of sand, and the construction of a groyne field. 
 
No mass fishing 
 
Marine life is the heartbeat of the island country. And to save the fish, the government has put a ban on mass fishing. Instead the fishermen use spears to hunt yellow fin tuna. Maldives being one of the largest exporters of tuna, this practice ensures the commercial activity stays within sustainable safety net. 
 
Sustainable indulgence 
 
While the earlier efforts made by the government works in the public front, the resorts also share the responsibility. Heritance Aarah, Maldives’ first resort to get Leed Certification for its green architecture. Maldives suffers from a unique problem. Though it produces negligible greenhouse emission, the sea is affected due to pollution from adjoining areas. And to minimize that, Heritance Resort has built a framework to create a healthy, highly efficient, cost saving green buildings. It saves around 30% of energy compared to conventional hotels of the same scale. The hot water requirement is generated through heat recovery generator. Even with water all around, it has developed a robust rainwater harvesting and saves all the water wasted in the desalination process through reverse osmosis. While these are at the infrastructure level, the resort works in demonstrating the native lives of Maldivians for tourists by creating a local village. The hotel plans to invite local school students to aware them about sustainable lives that locals earlier led and how the future generation can preserve the same.

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9438c03-7739-433f-a5c5-6a59427ec37c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maldives%20%281%29.jpg" /> 
&nbsp; 
Plastic recycling&nbsp; 
 
Pollution from plastic is a major issue that is looms large around ocean. We have seen pathetic photos of turtles getting choked from plastic bottles. To address that, Furaveri Island Resort &amp; Spa has its own water bottling plant. It recycles glass bottles and serves to the guest rooms and restaurants. The resort is also planning to bring in glass bottles for guests to carry during excursion.&nbsp; 
 
Another international chain, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island have collaborated with environmental network Parley for the Oceans. The plastic waste is collected and made into tote bags, which the guests can carry as souvenirs.&nbsp; 
 
Keeping up with the Corals 
 
In the last few years, rising sea temperature has resulted in bleaching of the coral reef around the world. And Maldives is no exception. Plenty of marine animals feed on corals and use the coral bed as their homes. At such a critical crisis, resorts like Anantara Dhigu and Seaside Finolhu are offering their guests a unique activity – Coral Restoration. The guests can enjoy going down into the ocean and planting corals. They can commemorate their anniversaries and birthdays through this and the resort shares photos of grown up corals every year as a gift. This is done by placing coral frames under the ocean. In a few years, these corals under suitable environment generally tend to regrow and spread out.&nbsp;

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e103794-8122-4574-9716-7564329a507e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maldives.jpg" />

Surgery on turtles 
 
No matter how critical the method be, guests can engage in this activity and share the responsibility. Many resorts including Coco Collection Baa Atoll have come up with ‘Save a Turtle’ through Oliver Ridley Project in Maldives. There is a full-functional marine turtle rescue centre, which operates on turtles that often choke from plastic and other hazardous elements.&nbsp; 
 
Coco Bodu Hithi Resort offers its guests to adopt a turtle. Guests on an immersive expedition through snorkelling are briefed about the plastic perils turtles face. They can now adapt a turtle and help it recover and go back to the sea by sharing the fund.&nbsp;

Till the 1970s, Maldives was fed by sporadic tourism, mostly from the boats calling into islands while sailing through the Indian Ocean. It was only in 1972, the country’s tourism industry witnessed coming up of two resorts with 280 guest accommodation.

Till the 1970s, Maldives was fed by sporadic tourism, mostly from the boats calling into islands while sailing through the Indian Ocean. It was only in 1972, the country’s tourism industry witnessed coming up of two resorts with 280 guest accommodation. During the 80s, the number of resorts increased to 55. At present, there are more than 160 resorts in the island country with white sand, sun and the sea. While the destination is known for leisure vacationing, it has also got a decent number of honeymooners and a fair number of divers that add the flavour of diversity to country’s tourism. India counts as one of the highest market sources to Maldives’ tourism. In 2019, 167,000 Indian tourists went to Maldives, which is a rise of more than 100 per cent over 2018. Improved flight connectivity from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka, and, a visa-free regime is among the several reasons that led to an increase in Indian tourists. However, more tourists mean further exploitation of the nature. But not for this country. Thanks to the government’s concrete measures, Maldives has been able to keep a check. And not just that, the resorts have come forward to minimize carbon footprints. What makes the strategy remarkable is the fact that the resorts are also engaging with the tourists and turning conservation into tourist activities thus conveying the message globally. So in a way, the hotel industry, which is generally called out for exploiting the nature is turning out to be custodians of the country's prosperity and protectors of marine assets. A learning lesson! Maldives is home to around 250 species of corals and 41 islands that have unique wetland ecosystems. To preserve its shores and enhance its increasing blue economy, Maldives’ Ministry of Environment is implementing the Coastal Protection Projects with support from the World Bank. The projects focus on protecting coral reef and coastal wetlands, which are rich in biodiversity and have immense recreational value and act as bulwarks against coastal erosion. The Indian touch With support from the Indian Government, Maldives has also implemented a coastal protection project at Alifu Atholhu Uthuruburi Rasdhoo. The project will provide the necessary coastal protection to an area of a length of 214 meters, facing severe coastal erosion. This area was used as a landfill previously, and with coastal erosion waste buried there has risen to the surface, contaminating the water resources and polluting the beach area. The project scope will also include beach replenishment consisting of cleaning up of waste debris and replacement of sand, and the construction of a groyne field. No mass fishing Marine life is the heartbeat of the island country. And to save the fish, the government has put a ban on mass fishing. Instead the fishermen use spears to hunt yellow fin tuna. Maldives being one of the largest exporters of tuna, this practice ensures the commercial activity stays within sustainable safety net. Sustainable indulgence While the earlier efforts made by the government works in the public front, the resorts also share the responsibility. Heritance Aarah, Maldives’ first resort to get Leed Certification for its green architecture. Maldives suffers from a unique problem. Though it produces negligible greenhouse emission, the sea is affected due to pollution from adjoining areas. And to minimize that, Heritance Resort has built a framework to create a healthy, highly efficient, cost saving green buildings. It saves around 30% of energy compared to conventional hotels of the same scale. The hot water requirement is generated through heat recovery generator. Even with water all around, it has developed a robust rainwater harvesting and saves all the water wasted in the desalination process through reverse osmosis. While these are at the infrastructure level, the resort works in demonstrating the native lives of Maldivians for tourists by creating a local village. The hotel plans to invite local school students to aware them about sustainable lives that locals earlier led and how the future generation can preserve the same. Plastic recycling Pollution from plastic is a major issue that is looms large around ocean. We have seen pathetic photos of turtles getting choked from plastic bottles. To address that, Furaveri Island Resort & Spa has its own water bottling plant. It recycles glass bottles and serves to the guest rooms and restaurants. The resort is also planning to bring in glass bottles for guests to carry during excursion. Another international chain, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island have collaborated with environmental network Parley for the Oceans. The plastic waste is collected and made into tote bags, which the guests can carry as souvenirs. Keeping up with the Corals In the last few years, rising sea temperature has resulted in bleaching of the coral reef around the world. And Maldives is no exception. Plenty of marine animals feed on corals and use the coral bed as their homes. At such a critical crisis, resorts like Anantara Dhigu and Seaside Finolhu are offering their guests a unique activity – Coral Restoration. The guests can enjoy going down into the ocean and planting corals. They can commemorate their anniversaries and birthdays through this and the resort shares photos of grown up corals every year as a gift. This is done by placing coral frames under the ocean. In a few years, these corals under suitable environment generally tend to regrow and spread out. Surgery on turtles No matter how critical the method be, guests can engage in this activity and share the responsibility. Many resorts including Coco Collection Baa Atoll have come up with ‘Save a Turtle’ through Oliver Ridley Project in Maldives. There is a full-functional marine turtle rescue centre, which operates on turtles that often choke from plastic and other hazardous elements. Coco Bodu Hithi Resort offers its guests to adopt a turtle. Guests on an immersive expedition through snorkelling are briefed about the plastic perils turtles face. They can now adapt a turtle and help it recover and go back to the sea by sharing the fund.

The Sustainable Maldives: A learning lesson for tourist destinations across the world

Australian fire crews were battling massive bushfires on Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, on Wednesday (December 2), which have been burning for six weeks, forcing tourists to flee the island off the northeast coast.

Bushfires threaten tourist areas on Australia's Fraser Island 

Natasha Mittal runs a travel blog and boasts of an enviable number of YouTube followers. Working at a start-up that deals with e-waste, she had realized the earth is in urgent need of good-hearted souls who can commit to minimizing carbon footprint. She practices sustainable travel and preaches the same. The good part is, she isn’t alone in her quest.&nbsp;

There are more travelers like her, despite not having a blog or a social media following, believe that the onus is on travelers who need to be cautious to make traveling as eco-friendly as possible.

A common trend that has picked up in India have the&nbsp;millennials getting jobs quite early in their career and&nbsp;investing their disposable income in unleashing their wanderlust. Their pursuit of happiness has improved the economy of tourism at offbeat destinations across India that have stayed out of reach of generic travelers for long. However, not everything is hunky dory.

With enthusiastic travelers increasing every day, there is a new menace that has popped up – our pristine lakes becoming polluted, rare flora and fauna are disappearing, nature being killed by concrete. All these indicate over-tourism. Blinded by money, dishonest merchants are seeing tourism as an opportunity to exploit the nature.

And this is where young travelers like Mittal are leading a silent movement. This breed of travelers believes in conservation of nature for our future generations and are changing the way people used to travel.

Here are a few steps that they are adapting:

Minimizing carbon footprints: One step at a time

Traveler Mayank Kanj who is planning a trekking expedition Spiti Valley next February said, “The first step is carrying your own water bottle. There are plenty of packaged bottles available, but there aren’t enough recycle bins along the roads. Even if you dump it in a bin, chances are it might end up in a pristine mountain river due to systematic flaws. When the bottle gets empty, you can always fill it from a nearby spring or café.”

If you doubt the hygiene quality, buy a packaged one, refill your own and discard the bottle at a big dhaba. Since these big restaurants need tons of licenses to operate, they tend to recycle to ensure they aren’t penalized.

The next in the list is to stop buying chips and biscuits from roadside dhabas. Instead carry the chips, biscuits, chocolates before you start from your home and pack those in your re-usable boxes. So, you don’t leave things behind. It might be a bit heavy on your shoulder but easy on the mother nature.

When ordering food and beverage during your journey at eateries, say no to reusable plates and cutleries. In case they don’t have, at least don’t use plastic cutleries and straws and you can create a huge impact over years.

Prefer homestays

Apart from personalized services, local culture and a comfortable yet traditional accommodation, staying at a homestay helps in conserving the ecology. Suresh Sharma who runs a homestay at Fagu near Shimla said,” When hotels run commercially, they source everything right from vegetables to furniture from big traders or brands who give them a wholesale price. But for homestay owners like me who have four rooms, I have to buy everything local because I don’t qualify for bulk purchases.”

And this makes all the difference. You might not be directly buying local but just by staying at a homestay, you are definitely being vocal for local.

Ask hotels about eco friendly steps

Hotels are increasingly becoming cautious about their carbon footprint. Sarovar Hotels and Resorts for example has stopped using plastic-packaged water bottles across properties in India. Many renowned groups are following the suit.

At places where you don’t find a homestay, ask the hotels what ecological measures they have taken. Some might say recycling on wastewater, recycling plastic and some might have started an organic farm fed by the wastewater.

“When you as a customer start asking the hotels about environmental measures, they start realizing the importance. Ask whether they have wastewater recycling pit, if they re-use plastic, where do they dump their waste! Once you start asking them questions, they will feel obligated. Also, hotel booking sites need to be specific. For hotels who follow the norms of minimizing carbon footprint needs to be provided a badge of honour, which makes them different from the crowd,” said Asad Hussain, president of a hotel owners’ association in North Sikkim.

Hire local guides

While Google Maps and other online resources are amazing, nothing beats local knowledge at offbeat regions be it the Himalayas or the Arabian Sea. When you hire a local guide, you support them and their community. Nobody loves a place more than one who is born there. These locals then stay at their villages and don’t migrate to big cities in search of job and thereby preserve the serenity of the place.

The new age breed of travelers like Mittal and others follow all the above checklists to ensure their expedition doesn’t exploit the environment. Also, they believe not to explore Bollywood hyped destinations and playing loud music at mountains and forest as a part of their traveling discipline.

They are dreamers but they aren’t the only one! 
&nbsp;

Natasha Mittal runs a travel blog and boasts of an enviable number of YouTube followers. Working at a start-up that deals with e-waste, she had realized the earth is in urgent need of good-hearted souls who can commit to minimizing carbon footprint.

Natasha Mittal runs a travel blog and boasts of an enviable number of YouTube followers. Working at a start-up that deals with e-waste, she had realized the earth is in urgent need of good-hearted souls who can commit to minimizing carbon footprint. She practices sustainable travel and preaches the same. The good part is, she isn’t alone in her quest. There are more travelers like her, despite not having a blog or a social media following, believe that the onus is on travelers who need to be cautious to make traveling as eco-friendly as possible. A common trend that has picked up in India have the millennials getting jobs quite early in their career and investing their disposable income in unleashing their wanderlust. Their pursuit of happiness has improved the economy of tourism at offbeat destinations across India that have stayed out of reach of generic travelers for long. However, not everything is hunky dory. With enthusiastic travelers increasing every day, there is a new menace that has popped up – our pristine lakes becoming polluted, rare flora and fauna are disappearing, nature being killed by concrete. All these indicate over-tourism. Blinded by money, dishonest merchants are seeing tourism as an opportunity to exploit the nature. And this is where young travelers like Mittal are leading a silent movement. This breed of travelers believes in conservation of nature for our future generations and are changing the way people used to travel. Here are a few steps that they are adapting: Minimizing carbon footprints: One step at a time Traveler Mayank Kanj who is planning a trekking expedition Spiti Valley next February said, “The first step is carrying your own water bottle. There are plenty of packaged bottles available, but there aren’t enough recycle bins along the roads. Even if you dump it in a bin, chances are it might end up in a pristine mountain river due to systematic flaws. When the bottle gets empty, you can always fill it from a nearby spring or café.” If you doubt the hygiene quality, buy a packaged one, refill your own and discard the bottle at a big dhaba. Since these big restaurants need tons of licenses to operate, they tend to recycle to ensure they aren’t penalized. The next in the list is to stop buying chips and biscuits from roadside dhabas. Instead carry the chips, biscuits, chocolates before you start from your home and pack those in your re-usable boxes. So, you don’t leave things behind. It might be a bit heavy on your shoulder but easy on the mother nature. When ordering food and beverage during your journey at eateries, say no to reusable plates and cutleries. In case they don’t have, at least don’t use plastic cutleries and straws and you can create a huge impact over years. Prefer homestays Apart from personalized services, local culture and a comfortable yet traditional accommodation, staying at a homestay helps in conserving the ecology. Suresh Sharma who runs a homestay at Fagu near Shimla said,” When hotels run commercially, they source everything right from vegetables to furniture from big traders or brands who give them a wholesale price. But for homestay owners like me who have four rooms, I have to buy everything local because I don’t qualify for bulk purchases.” And this makes all the difference. You might not be directly buying local but just by staying at a homestay, you are definitely being vocal for local. Ask hotels about eco friendly steps Hotels are increasingly becoming cautious about their carbon footprint. Sarovar Hotels and Resorts for example has stopped using plastic-packaged water bottles across properties in India. Many renowned groups are following the suit. At places where you don’t find a homestay, ask the hotels what ecological measures they have taken. Some might say recycling on wastewater, recycling plastic and some might have started an organic farm fed by the wastewater. “When you as a customer start asking the hotels about environmental measures, they start realizing the importance. Ask whether they have wastewater recycling pit, if they re-use plastic, where do they dump their waste! Once you start asking them questions, they will feel obligated. Also, hotel booking sites need to be specific. For hotels who follow the norms of minimizing carbon footprint needs to be provided a badge of honour, which makes them different from the crowd,” said Asad Hussain, president of a hotel owners’ association in North Sikkim. Hire local guides While Google Maps and other online resources are amazing, nothing beats local knowledge at offbeat regions be it the Himalayas or the Arabian Sea. When you hire a local guide, you support them and their community. Nobody loves a place more than one who is born there. These locals then stay at their villages and don’t migrate to big cities in search of job and thereby preserve the serenity of the place. The new age breed of travelers like Mittal and others follow all the above checklists to ensure their expedition doesn’t exploit the environment. Also, they believe not to explore Bollywood hyped destinations and playing loud music at mountains and forest as a part of their traveling discipline. They are dreamers but they aren’t the only one!

Responsible tourism is the new normal: Millennials travelers are leading the revolution

Coronavirus pandemic has forced nations to close borders and curtail tourism. The hospitality sector has taken a huge hit as people world over are afraid to go to a place where they may be mingling with unknown crowds. But there is a place that is witnessing overtourism. Welcome to Chatham Islands. The islands are off coast from New Zealand and are under the control of the country. The usually lean tourism industry is now witnessing demand that is far outstripping the supply.

Chatham Islands usually get just 2000 tourists in a year, according to BBC. But the year 2020 has been different.&nbsp;

It's well known that New Zealand is the country that is arguably credited for being the one that took comprehensive measures to curb coronavirus pandemic. This resulted in country lifting curfews and allowing public event without fear of community transmission. This factor is certain to have had an impact on the fact that one place witnessing overtourism is in New Zealand.

As per news reports New Zealanders are flocking to Chatham Islands. The usual tourism season begins from November and ends in March, that is, during the Summer months in Southern hemisphere. But this time, bookings are full till June 2021.

The islands are home to unique bird species and are also known for a colony of seals. Its beaches are serene as they are not on the usual list of popular tourist destinations. If you want a quiet escape from it all, Chatham Islands is the place to be.

International tourists will have to wait a while before they can visit these islands. New Zealand is yet to allow foreign tourists into the country. Till that happens New Zealanders have a chance to visit this neglected corner of their own country.

Coronavirus pandemic has forced nations to close borders and curtail tourism. The hospitality sector has taken a huge hit as people world over are afraid to go to a place where they may be mingling with unknown crowds.

Coronavirus pandemic has forced nations to close borders and curtail tourism. The hospitality sector has taken a huge hit as people world over are afraid to go to a place where they may be mingling with unknown crowds. But there is a place that is witnessing overtourism. Welcome to Chatham Islands. The islands are off coast from New Zealand and are under the control of the country. The usually lean tourism industry is now witnessing demand that is far outstripping the supply. Chatham Islands usually get just 2000 tourists in a year, according to BBC. But the year 2020 has been different. It's well known that New Zealand is the country that is arguably credited for being the one that took comprehensive measures to curb coronavirus pandemic. This resulted in country lifting curfews and allowing public event without fear of community transmission. This factor is certain to have had an impact on the fact that one place witnessing overtourism is in New Zealand. As per news reports New Zealanders are flocking to Chatham Islands. The usual tourism season begins from November and ends in March, that is, during the Summer months in Southern hemisphere. But this time, bookings are full till June 2021. The islands are home to unique bird species and are also known for a colony of seals. Its beaches are serene as they are not on the usual list of popular tourist destinations. If you want a quiet escape from it all, Chatham Islands is the place to be. International tourists will have to wait a while before they can visit these islands. New Zealand is yet to allow foreign tourists into the country. Till that happens New Zealanders have a chance to visit this neglected corner of their own country.

In times of coronavirus, this place is witnessing overtourism

A traditional ceremony giving thanks to the earth and a spectacular light show marked the reopening of Peru's world-famous tourist destination Machu Picchu on Sunday (November 1).

'Machu Picchu is back' -Peru reopens world-famous tourist site

The global tourism industry is finding new ways to make money amid pandemic. Watch the report to know more.

Tourism industry finds new ways to survive amid pandemic

Morocco declared a state of health emergency in mid-March and shut its borders to stop coronavirus from spreading.

Morocco's Marrakesh suffocates without tourists amid COVID-19 pandemic

The massive temples and pyramids of Teotihuacan, one of Mexico's top tourist destinations, reopened to visitors on Thursday (September 10), more than five months after closing in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Teotihuacan pyramids, top Mexican tourist draw, reopen to public

German tourists had to cut short their summer holidays in the picturesque Paris and Cote d'Azur regions this week as Germany announced new travel restrictions for those returning from the French tourist destinations.

Holidays cut short for German tourists as Paris, Cote d'Azur labeled hot spots

Holidays in popular destinations such as Bali or Hawaii are not possible this year for South Koreans due to the coronavirus pandemic. So some are bringing vacation spots into their homes by transforming their apartments into where they would've been had the outbreak not happened.

South Koreans turn homes into Bali resort, camp site amid pandemic

A Hong Kong walking tour company that introduced online tours to survive the coronavirus pandemic says it is now planning to expand its customer base overseas and adopt virtual tours as part of its permanent business.

Walk from home: HK tour company moves online to survive pandemic

Bars and beaches were busy in Nice on Wednesday, despite health authorities warning of a rise in coronavirus cases. France recorded more than 3,700 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. Health authorities say that's 1,500 more than the previous day.

Tourism returns to Nice as restrictions ease

A small glasshouse hanging over the river Amata flowing through the Gauja National Park in Latvia is the latest attraction for Latvian tourists seeking a quiet place close to nature.

Latvia lures tourists with mirror house hanging over river 

A Japanese bulk carrier that struck a coral reef off Mauritius and has leaked at least an estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil passed an annual inspection in March without any problems

Your Story: Why the Mauritius oil spill is dangerous | Japanese ship | Marine Ecosystem

Belgians who decided to take a seaside holiday at home this summer have more than the changeable weather to contend with, as authorities require face masks along the country's entire North Sea coast to defend against the new coronavirus.

Belgian tourists adapt to 'science fiction' holidays with masks at seaside

Tourists on the beach in Barcelona on Sunday (July 26) said they felt safe despite the abrupt announcement of a two-week coronavirus quarantine imposed on British travellers returning from Spain.

Tourists feel safe in Spain despite UK's newly imposed quarantine

Craving the travel experience during the coronavirus lockdown? One Taiwanese airport has the solution -- a fake itinerary where you check in, go through passport control and security and even board the aircraft. You just never leave.

Taipei's downtown Songshan airport on Thursday began offering travellers the chance to do just that, with some 60 people eager to get going, albeit to nowhere.

Around 7,000 people applied to take part, the winners chosen by random. More fake flight experiences will take place in coming weeks.

"I really want to leave the country, but because of the epidemic lots of flights can't fly," said Hsiao Chun-wei, 38, who brought her young son.

The passengers got boarding passes, and proceeded through security and immigration before boarding an Airbus A330 of Taiwan's largest carrier, China Airlines, where flight attendants chatted to them.

"I hope the epidemic ends soon so we can really fly away," said a 48-year-old woman who gave her family name as Tsai.

"I haven't been abroad for so long. Earlier, I would go abroad two to three times a year, every year. It's such a pity that this year because of the coronavirus epidemic I haven't been able to go abroad at all," another fake passenger said.

The airport is using the event to show off renovations completed while passengers have stayed away, and show people what coronavirus-prevention steps they are taking.

Songshan usually has flights to Tokyo, Seoul and several Chinese cities, and is also an important domestic hub.

Taiwan has emerged relatively unscathed from the pandemic thanks to early and effective prevention steps, but has largely closed its borders since mid-March. It has advised citizens against overseas travel unless absolutely necessary.

Craving the travel experience during the coronavirus lockdown? One Taiwanese airport has the solution -- a fake itinerary where you check in, go through passport control and security and even board the aircraft.

Craving the travel experience during the coronavirus lockdown? One Taiwanese airport has the solution -- a fake itinerary where you check in, go through passport control and security and even board the aircraft. You just never leave. Taipei's downtown Songshan airport on Thursday began offering travellers the chance to do just that, with some 60 people eager to get going, albeit to nowhere. Around 7,000 people applied to take part, the winners chosen by random. More fake flight experiences will take place in coming weeks. "I really want to leave the country, but because of the epidemic lots of flights can't fly," said Hsiao Chun-wei, 38, who brought her young son. The passengers got boarding passes, and proceeded through security and immigration before boarding an Airbus A330 of Taiwan's largest carrier, China Airlines, where flight attendants chatted to them. "I hope the epidemic ends soon so we can really fly away," said a 48-year-old woman who gave her family name as Tsai. "I haven't been abroad for so long. Earlier, I would go abroad two to three times a year, every year. It's such a pity that this year because of the coronavirus epidemic I haven't been able to go abroad at all," another fake passenger said. The airport is using the event to show off renovations completed while passengers have stayed away, and show people what coronavirus-prevention steps they are taking. Songshan usually has flights to Tokyo, Seoul and several Chinese cities, and is also an important domestic hub. Taiwan has emerged relatively unscathed from the pandemic thanks to early and effective prevention steps, but has largely closed its borders since mid-March. It has advised citizens against overseas travel unless absolutely necessary.

Taiwan offers fake flights for travel-starved tourists

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city.

Months of anti-government protest have also weighed on business activity in the Chinese-ruled financial hub, pushing many retailers to the brink of collapse.&nbsp;

Sales dropped to HK$26.8 billion ($3.46 billion), government data showed on Tuesday. They tumbled a steeper 36.1% in value terms in April and 42.1% in March.

In volume terms, retail sales in May plummeted 33.9%, compared with a revised 37.5% fall in April.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-to-take-countermeasures-over-us-ban-on-military-exports-to-hong-kong-309545" hreflang="en">China to take 'countermeasures' over US ban on military exports to Hong Kong</a>

The government said the decline in May continued as inbound tourism remained at a standstill and job and income conditions were weak although the coronavirus situation had stabilised.&nbsp;

"The business environment for retail trade remains difficult amid austere labour market conditions and the travel restrictions in place," a government spokesman said.

For the first five months of 2020, the value of total retail sales decreased by 34.8%, and 36.5% by volume, compared with the same period in 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-party-demosisto-disbands-over-security-law-fears-309598" hreflang="en">Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears</a>

Hong Kong's economy suffered its worst quarterly drop on record in the first three months of the year, while the city's biggest retailer association has estimated that 15,000 retail stores will close by the end of the year.

Hong Kong's tourist arrivals in May plunged by 99.9 from a year earlier to 8,139 visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, matching the same percentage drop in April.&nbsp;

The number of mainland visitors also fell 99.9% to 5,670.&nbsp;

Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts, which rely heavily on mainland tourists, sank 69.7% in May, compared with a 76.7% plunge in April. Sales fell 67.0% for the January-May period.

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city.

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city. Months of anti-government protest have also weighed on business activity in the Chinese-ruled financial hub, pushing many retailers to the brink of collapse. Sales dropped to HK$26.8 billion ($3.46 billion), government data showed on Tuesday. They tumbled a steeper 36.1% in value terms in April and 42.1% in March. In volume terms, retail sales in May plummeted 33.9%, compared with a revised 37.5% fall in April. Also read: China to take 'countermeasures' over US ban on military exports to Hong Kong The government said the decline in May continued as inbound tourism remained at a standstill and job and income conditions were weak although the coronavirus situation had stabilised. "The business environment for retail trade remains difficult amid austere labour market conditions and the travel restrictions in place," a government spokesman said. For the first five months of 2020, the value of total retail sales decreased by 34.8%, and 36.5% by volume, compared with the same period in 2019. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears Hong Kong's economy suffered its worst quarterly drop on record in the first three months of the year, while the city's biggest retailer association has estimated that 15,000 retail stores will close by the end of the year. Hong Kong's tourist arrivals in May plunged by 99.9 from a year earlier to 8,139 visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, matching the same percentage drop in April. The number of mainland visitors also fell 99.9% to 5,670. Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts, which rely heavily on mainland tourists, sank 69.7% in May, compared with a 76.7% plunge in April. Sales fell 67.0% for the January-May period.

Hong Kong May retail sales tumble as spending, tourism evaporate

Sri Lanka opened its first underwater museum in the southern port city of Galle on Wednesday (June 17) ahead of plans to start re-opening the country to tourism on August 1.

Sri Lanka opens underwater museum to encourage tourists to dive back in

Foreign visitors have begun to trickle back to the white sands and warm waters of Mexico's Caribbean coast as its popular beaches gradually reopen to tourism with new sanitary measures in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Tourists dip their toes in water as top Mexican beach getaway reopens

In this video, watch WION's special series- Hard Reset.

Hard Reset: Travel & tourism in a post-COVID world

Greece will be opening its borders for international tourists from June 15, as the country ended its lockdown in May to regain stability in the crippling economy.

However, the government has decided to conduct coronavirus tests for visitors arriving from high-risk areas of the European Union (EU). The tests will be specifically for the airports which have been categorized as 'high-risk' by the European Union's Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-closures-pre-travel-tests-largely-ineffective-against-covid-19-spread-eu-health-agency-301331">Also read:&nbsp;Border closures, pre-travel tests largely ineffective against COVID-19 spread: EU health agency</a>

"If you originate from an airport on the EASA affected area list, then you will be tested upon arrival," the ministry of foreign affairs said in an announcement.

"If the test is negative, then the passenger self-quarantines for 7 days. If the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days,"&nbsp; ministry added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-to-resume-international-travel-from-july-01-no-screening-to-be-done-300051">Also read:&nbsp;Greece to resume international travel from July 01; no screening to be done</a>

EASA has issued a list of high-risk airports, including&nbsp;13 in the United Kingdom, all 22 in the US and in the Ile de France region surrounding Paris; the list is regularly updated.

Greece issued a list of 29 'safe' countries, whose visitors will not be compulsorily tested on arrival. However, the government has mentioned that the visitors can be randomly tested for coronavirus during their stay in the country.

The country relied heavily on tourism, and has faced a steep decline in the economy as the tourism halted due to the pandemic.&nbsp;Greece's economy is seen contracting by up to 10% this year.

Greece will be opening its borders for international tourists from June 15, as the country ended its lockdown in May to regain stability in the crippling economy.

Greece will be opening its borders for international tourists from June 15, as the country ended its lockdown in May to regain stability in the crippling economy. However, the government has decided to conduct coronavirus tests for visitors arriving from high-risk areas of the European Union (EU). The tests will be specifically for the airports which have been categorized as 'high-risk' by the European Union's Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Also read: Border closures, pre-travel tests largely ineffective against COVID-19 spread: EU health agency "If you originate from an airport on the EASA affected area list, then you will be tested upon arrival," the ministry of foreign affairs said in an announcement. "If the test is negative, then the passenger self-quarantines for 7 days. If the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days," ministry added. Also read: Greece to resume international travel from July 01; no screening to be done EASA has issued a list of high-risk airports, including 13 in the United Kingdom, all 22 in the US and in the Ile de France region surrounding Paris; the list is regularly updated. Greece issued a list of 29 'safe' countries, whose visitors will not be compulsorily tested on arrival. However, the government has mentioned that the visitors can be randomly tested for coronavirus during their stay in the country. The country relied heavily on tourism, and has faced a steep decline in the economy as the tourism halted due to the pandemic. Greece's economy is seen contracting by up to 10% this year.

Greece will test visitors from high-risk EU airports for COVID-19

Canada will invest C$30 million ($21.8 million) to enable its provinces and territories to promote holidays in their "own back yard" because of the closure of the country's borders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-virus-cases-top-6-million-as-division-deepens-in-dealing-with-pandemic-302094" hreflang="en">Worldwide virus cases top 6 million as division deepens in dealing with pandemic</a>

Destination Canada, the country's national marketing body which usually focuses on luring international visitors, is due to announce the new funding later on Sunday, according to a statement seen by Reuters before its official release.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-vulnerable-in-england-can-spend-time-outdoors-from-monday-302100" hreflang="en">Most vulnerable in England can spend time outdoors from Monday</a>

Canada, which has had more than 7,000 deaths due to COVID-19, has closed its borders to non-essential travel since March, and it is unclear when they will be opened again. Many provinces have also shut down domestic non-essential travel.

Quebec, which shares borders with the U.S. states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, accounts for more than 60% of the Canadian death toll from the virus, and Ontario, the most populous province, has also been hit hard.

The closures have hammered the tourism industry. Some 42% of businesses in the accommodation and food sectors have reported revenue drops of more than 50%, according to an April survey https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200429/dq200429a-eng.htm of 12,600 businesses.

At the end of 2018, one out of every 11 jobs in Canada was directly tied to travel, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, but in April the unemployment rate in the tourism sector skyrocketed to more than 28%.

Tourism is "a significant economic driver and source of local jobs. It's also among one of the hardest hit sectors as a result of this pandemic," Economic Development Minister Melanie Joly, who is responsible for tourism, said in the statement.

The aim is to provide a valuable lifeline to the struggling sector during its peak summer season, Ben Cowan-Dewar, chairman of Destination Canada, said in the statement.

It is the first time Destination Canada has provided funding for domestic marketing, according to a spokesman in Joly's office. The marketing arm in each of the 10 provinces and three territories will decide exactly how they want to use the money, the spokesman said.

Canada will invest C$30 million ($21.8 million) to enable its provinces and territories to promote holidays in their "own back yard" because of the closure of the country's borders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Canada will invest C$30 million ($21.8 million) to enable its provinces and territories to promote holidays in their "own back yard" because of the closure of the country's borders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Worldwide virus cases top 6 million as division deepens in dealing with pandemic Destination Canada, the country's national marketing body which usually focuses on luring international visitors, is due to announce the new funding later on Sunday, according to a statement seen by Reuters before its official release. Also read: Most vulnerable in England can spend time outdoors from Monday Canada, which has had more than 7,000 deaths due to COVID-19, has closed its borders to non-essential travel since March, and it is unclear when they will be opened again. Many provinces have also shut down domestic non-essential travel. Quebec, which shares borders with the U.S. states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, accounts for more than 60% of the Canadian death toll from the virus, and Ontario, the most populous province, has also been hit hard. The closures have hammered the tourism industry. Some 42% of businesses in the accommodation and food sectors have reported revenue drops of more than 50%, according to an April survey https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200429/dq200429a-eng.htm of 12,600 businesses. At the end of 2018, one out of every 11 jobs in Canada was directly tied to travel, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, but in April the unemployment rate in the tourism sector skyrocketed to more than 28%. Tourism is "a significant economic driver and source of local jobs. It's also among one of the hardest hit sectors as a result of this pandemic," Economic Development Minister Melanie Joly, who is responsible for tourism, said in the statement. The aim is to provide a valuable lifeline to the struggling sector during its peak summer season, Ben Cowan-Dewar, chairman of Destination Canada, said in the statement. It is the first time Destination Canada has provided funding for domestic marketing, according to a spokesman in Joly's office. The marketing arm in each of the 10 provinces and three territories will decide exactly how they want to use the money, the spokesman said.

Canada to promote holidays at home because of COVID-19 border closures

The lagoon city of Venice welcomed back tourists on a sunny Sunday (May 24) after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Italian tourists return to Venice

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now.&nbsp;

Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

"From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/honking-cars-and-motorbikes-take-over-spanish-streets-protesting-against-the-government-300623#protestors-gathered-in-cars-and-motorbikes-300606">Have a look:&nbsp;Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government</a>

The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses.

Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-jumps-to-no-2-in-worldwide-coronavirus-cases-behind-the-us-300497">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US</a>

The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8.&nbsp;

The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July. "From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though. Have a look: Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses. Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year. Also read: Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8. The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

COVID 19: Spain plans to open tourism from July to save economy

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