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International Air Travel: Centre issues fresh guidelines; passengers to undergo mandatory 7-day paid quarantine

The MoHFW guidelines added that the passengers will have to give an undertaking that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days, including 7 days paid institutional quarantine and 7 days isolation at home. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), on part of the central government, has issued fresh guidelines for international air passengers arriving in India. The new guidelines are set to come into effect from August 8. All international air passengers will have to compulsorily submit a self-declaration form on the official online portal of the New Delhi Airport -- www.newdelhiairport.in -- at least 72 hours before the scheduled travel. The MoHFW guidelines added that the passengers will have to give an undertaking that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days, including 7 days paid institutional quarantine and 7 days isolation at home. The Ministry, however, said that 14-day home quarantine may be permitted in cases of human distress such as pregnancy, death in the family, serious illness, and parent(s) with children of the age of 10 years or below. "If they wish to seek such exemption, they shall apply to the online portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) at least 72 hours before boarding. The decision taken by the government as communicated on the online portal will be final," the guidelines stated. Travelers may also submit a negative RTPCR test report on arrival in order to seek exemption from institutional quarantine. The samples for the COVID-19 test should have been collected a maximum of 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey. The passenger will have to upload the test report on the portal for consideration.

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India unlock 3.0 guidelines: Interstate travel rules in the country

The government, as part of India Unlock 3.0, has allowed interstate travelling in the country without restrictions. However, there are some states that have imposed travelling restrictions to control COVID-19. From 1st August, India entered "Unlock 3.0", which is the third phase of easing lockdown restrictions in the country. The central government has already released guidelines for Unlock 3.0 and they offer fewer travelling restrictions than ever. As per these new guidelines, the night curfew in the country has ended and even interstate travel is freely permitted. However, the central government has also given authority to state governments to assess the spread of coronavirus and formulate policies accordingly. In line with this, several states in the country have decided to continue strict lockdown till 31 August and have imposed travel restrictions. Tamil Nadu government has decided to impose a lockdown in the state till 31 August. Interstate travelling to and from the state will be regulated, which means a valid movement pass will be required to cross the state border. Maharashtra, which has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, ha decided to extend statewide lockdown till 31 August. However, the authorities noted that they will be announcing several relaxations over the next few days. But till then, interstate travelling from and to Maharashtra will be regulated. West Bengal government had decided to impose complete lockdown on 5th, 8th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, and 31st of August 2020. The authorities have banned the use of personal vehicles for non-essential activities. Even the state borders will be tightly regulated on the days of complete lockdown, which means only travellers with a valid travel e-pass will be allowed to cross the state border. In the light of increasing COVID-19 cases, Bihar, Assam, and Chhattisgarh have extended the lockdown till 16 August, 15 August, and 6 August, respectively, while Nagaland and has extended the lockdown till 31 August. This means that interstate travelling in these states will also be regulated.

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Odisha plans to launch caravan tourism to revive Covid-hit sector

If everything goes as planned, tourists will get a slice of caravan tourism in the state with camper vans adding delight to their travel and giving them the hotel-on-wheels comfort. The Karnataka government launched caravan tourism last month. In a webinar organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), officials of the state tourism department said caravan tourism has the potential to woo visitors. “We are going to launch ‘Road Trips’ to attract tourists within and from neighbouring states once the Covid-19 situation improves. Caravan tourism can be an aspect of the ‘Road Trips’ product. Private players, mostly hoteliers and tour operators can purchase caravans to offer the service to tourists,” state tourism director Sachin Jadhav said in the Ficci event. A camper van is equipped with all the necessary facilities, including seats, converter beds, television, AC, an incinerator toilet and a shower. It also has a small kitchen with a microwave and a refrigerator. “The pandemic has forced us to redesign the concept of tourism. People may not like to travel by air and train for some months even after the pandemic comes under control. Road is the only alternative for tourists to travel with their families in their own cars or hired vehicles. This is the right time to introduce caravan tourism,” Jadhav said. Tourism department said a draft policy note would be prepared on the modalities of the proposed caravan tourism and locations where such facilities can be offered to tourists. The department said security would be provided to tourists where they halt the caravans for overnight stay. “We are ready to promote caravan tourism. The government should provide financial assistance and subsidy to hoteliers and tour operators to purchase camper vans. Since the hotel and hospitality industry has come to its knees due to the pandemic, the government should provide immediate support to us,” hotel and restaurant association of Odisha’s chairman J K Mohanty said at the Ficci webinar. Tourism secretary Vishal Dev said marine drive eco retreat, which was organised at Ramchandi beach last year, would be replicated and organised at four other beaches this year. “The maiden eco retreat was a big hit at Ramchandi beach. We will organise the event at four other locations that will be finalized soon. We plan to organise in November-December,” Dev said. The secretary said MoUs would be signed with neighbouring states—West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand—to promote interstate road trips. “Odia cuisine will be promoted and leveraged to draw tourists. We plan to conduct Odia food festivals in major cities of India,” Dev said.

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Mount Everest reopened by Nepal to boost tourism

Trekkers and climbers are once again welcome to scale Mount Everest for the autumn season as Nepal has reopened its mountains to encourage tourism activities after months of lockdown. Nepal has now relaxed its lockdown rules last week, and is looking forward to seeing more tourists for mountaineering and trekking activities, as told by Mira Acharya, Tourism Department of Nepal to a leading news agency. Reportedly, the Nepal government will allow international flights to arrive in the country from August 17. The call has been taken by the government irrespective of the rising COVID-19 cases in the country. News has it that the authorities are framing the safety rules for tourists, including the quarantine period required for them after landing in the country. The news agency has also reported that one of the biggest Nepal-based expedition organisers is getting calls from clients regarding quarantine rules. Reportedly, mountaineering experts have warned that the period between September to November can be more risky owing to lower temperature and windy climate. In the year 2019, Autumn expeditions to Everest were unsuccessful due to a block of glacial ice hanging above the dangerous Khumbu icefall which has to be crossed by the climbers before reaching their destination. Only a group of Chinese mountaineers could reach the summit from the north-Tibetan region in the year 2020 after other expeditions were cancelled.

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Uttarakhand: Valley of Flowers is now open for tourists

Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers is now open for tourists. The state government while announcing this stated that tourists from outside the state will also be allowed to visit the site. The Valley of flowers, a UNESCO World, usually remains open for visitors from June to October. However, this year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crises, the tourist hotspot was not accessible till this time. Referring to this, Joshimath SDM Anil Chanyal said that although tourists from outside the state will be allowed to visit the tourist hotspot, they will be required to upload their COVID-19 negative certificate 72 hours prior to their visit. It has happened for the first time in its history that the valley did not open for tourists on its scheduled time due to COVID-19 threat. Forest minister Harak Singh Rawat at that time said that before taking a final call on protected forests, sanctuaries and reserves, they would first consult with wildlife experts and scientists. Situated in the lap of western Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers usually remains open for tourists from June 1 to October 31, and remains covered in snow during other months. Reportedly, around 15000 visitors visited the sot last year, and now with its reopening, it is expected that it will give a boost to the state tourism. Meanwhile, the forest officials have cleared all the internal routes of the valley for patrolling, as risk of poaching looms hers. Camera traps have also been installed by the forest department in the valley, which have captured images of musk deer this year indicating the rich biodiversity of the valley.

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40% Of Destinations Have Now Eased Travel Restrictions: UNWTO

The responsible restart of tourism is underway around the world as growing numbers of destinations ease COVID-19 related travel restrictions and adapt to the new reality. According to the latest analysis from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 40 per cent of all destinations worldwide have now eased the restrictions they placed on international tourism in response to COVID-19. The latest outlook of UNWTO, recorded on 19 July, is up from 22 per cent of destinations that had eased restrictions on travel by 15 June and the 3 per cent previously observed by 15 May. It confirms the trend of a slow but continuous adaptation and responsible restart of international tourism. At the same time, however, of the 87 destinations that have now eased travel restrictions, just four have completely lifted all restrictions, while 83 have eased them while keeping some measures such as the partial closure of borders in place. This latest edition of the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report in addition shows that 115 destinations (53 per cent of all destinations worldwide) continue to keep their borders completely closed for tourism. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face. Responsible restart is possible UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly and in a way that safeguards public health while also supporting businesses and livelihoods. As destinations continue to ease restrictions on travel, international cooperation is of paramount importance. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face.” According to the UNWTO report, destinations with a higher dependency on tourism are more likely to be easing restrictions on travel: Of the 87 destinations that have eased restrictions recently, 20 are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of which depend on tourism as a central pillar of employment, economic growth and development. The report also shows that around half (41) of all those destinations that have eased restrictions are in Europe, confirming the leading role of the region for the responsible restart of tourism. Many destinations still in long-term lockdown Looking at the 115 destinations that continue to have their borders completely closed to international tourism, the report finds that a majority (88) have been completely closed their borders for international tourism for more than 12 weeks. The cost related to the travel restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19 has historic dimensions. This week, UNWTO released the data on the impact of the pandemic on tourism, both in terms of lost tourist arrivals and lost revenues. The data shows that by already by the end of May, the pandemic had led to US$320 billion in lost revenues, already three times the cost of the 2009 Global Economic Crisis.

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