TOURIST LIFE TRAVEL & TOUR

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For much of the past four decades, Menelik Palace loomed over Addis Ababa as a symbol of imperial imposition. Now, nearly two years into his term and with a Nobel Peace Prize already under his belt, the country’s reformist prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, has opened the 19th-century palace to the public and tapped local artist Elias Sime to build a public garden, slated to open midyear alongside the once-forbidding space. It’s the latest sign that something has shifted in Ethiopia’s capital — and thanks to a major expansion of Addis Ababa’s airport that’s tripled capacity and brought new routes, U.S. travelers can easily witness the change firsthand. Last year, Sime and his partner, the curator and cultural anthropologist Meskerem Assegued, opened the Zoma Museum after a 20-year planning and building process. Situated in the Mekanisa neighborhood, the museum blends Ethiopia old and new, using vernacular architecture as a backdrop for contemporary art — including some of Sime’s own pieces. In its attention to both traditional and modern influences, Zoma parallels the aims of Addis Foto Fest, a biennial photography festival that will be held again in December 2020. Until then, find work by the country’s finest artists on display at institutions such as St. George Gallery, Addis Fine Art, and LeLa Gallery. —Hannah Giorgis

by Daniel McCarthy 

The 24-hour inbound testing requirement is the single biggest barrier to the travel industry’s full recovery in the U.S., and it is time for the White House to remove the requirement for vaccinated travelers.

That’s the message in a new article from Zane Kerby, the president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), published on Thursday.

Kerby wrote that the 24-hour requirement, which was a 72-hour requirement until late last year, represents a practical challenge for many Americans and a missed opportunity for the White House, which has continuously pushed for incentives to get more Americans vaccinated (the vaccination rate in the U.S. has sat in the low 60% range for months).

“If the Administration is serious about achieving its primary policy goal of getting more Americans vaccinated, it should rescind the CDC’s testing requirement for those U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated,” Kerby wrote.

Doing that will “re-open the world to 200 million Americans (95 million of whom traveled abroad in 2019) who are already vaccinated but hesitant to risk being ‘stuck’ abroad,” he added.

The CDC has been slow to change its rules—CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told Yahoo Finance earlier this month that while it was optimistic about the decline in COVID-19 cases, a continued uncertainty has prevented it from removing requirements, including the testing requirement.

Kerby added in his message that vaccinated and boosted travelers, who are 13 times less likely to test positive for OCVID, 16 times less likely to be hospitalized, and 68 times less likely to die from getting COVID, have already “done their part…yet the inbound testing requirement applies to all.”

“The solution is simple and within our reach: exempt fully vaccinated travelers from the inbound testing requirement now,” he added.

Other countries have already started to wind down requirements.

Canada said it will remove its PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers starting on Feb. 28 (rapid tests taken the day before arriving in the country will be allowed instead). The United Kingdom also has already exempted fully vaccinated travelers from its testing

By Jesse Clark

According to national data, just under one-third of all Americans are now fully vaccinated
against the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC has indicated that fully vaccinated Americans
can now travel safely within the United States. However, the pandemic is not over, and Mayo
Clinic notes travelers should still plan to take safety precautions. But they can still get away
affordably and safely with sensible planning.

1. Get Vaccinated
   The CDC currently recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. A person is fully
   vaccinated 14 days after receiving the second dose of two-dose vaccines, such as Moderna or
   Pfizer, or 14 days after receiving a single-dose shot, such as Johnson & Johnson. The vaccine
   is available at no cost from a variety of providers, and in convenient locations like your local
   Walmart or CVS.
2. Wear a Mask
   Buses, subways and rideshare vehicles are particularly budget-friendly modes of travel, but all
   members of your traveling party, except for children under the age of two or persons who

cannot wear a face covering safely due to a disability, should wear a mask that covers the
mouth and nose when taking public transportation.
The CDC also recommends wearing masks in indoor public settings, such as restaurants and
theaters. You can save money on face coverings by purchasing a few reusable masks before
your trip instead of using disposable ones. Most cloth masks can be hand washed if you do not
have access to laundry facilities while you’re on the road.

3. Get Tested If You Are Unvaccinated
   If some of your family members are not fully vaccinated, they should take a COVID-19 test one
   to three days prior to your trip. They should also be tested three to five days after returning from
   the trip and remain in quarantine for seven days after travel. Additionally, they should avoid
   contact with people at high risk of suffering severe disease for 14 days after traveling. COVID-
   19 tests are available at no cost nationwide.
4. Avoid Large Crowds
   Fully vaccinated people can safely interact with small crowds outdoors without masks and larger
   outdoor crowds with masks. It is still recommended to avoid large indoor crowds. Travelers who
   are not fully vaccinated should continue to practice social distancing, wear masks and avoid
   large crowds both indoors and outdoors.
5. Check Travel Restrictions
   Whether you are traveling to another state or another country, check for travel restrictions
   before you plan your trip. Some locations may require COVID-19 testing, have different mask
   rules in place or may enforce quarantine requirements for international or out-of-state travelers.
6. Stock Up on Supplies
   It can be expensive to purchase supplies while you are on the road, so it is a good idea to stock
   up on items you may need, including face masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, before
   you leave for your trip. Similarly, if you need travel gear or just want a new outfit for your vacay,
   plan far enough ahead to stretch your dollar. Bigger retailers like Kohls have it all, and you can
   look for Kohls coupons and promo codes to save on everything you need for your adventure. As vaccination rates rise and infection rates fall, traveling should continue to become safer. However, it is still important to manage your risks while traveling to keep your family and those around you safe.

Source:

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Jesse Clark

Tatiana Rokou 

The Indian Ocean island destination has announced that it will be welcoming visitors from across the globe, irrespective of their vaccination status, as from March 25, 2021. Visitors from South Africa will still not be permitted to enter Seychelles for the time being until further review.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde in a press briefing this morning, Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) conference room at Botanical House following the Tourism Task Force Committee meeting. 

Visitors will now only be required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure. There will be no quarantine requirement nor restriction on movement upon entry into Seychelles. Additionally, the minimum stay in establishments upon arrival will no longer be applicable.

However, visitors will still be required to adhere to other public health measures put in place in view of the pandemic these will include wearing of face masks, social distancing, regular sanitisation or washing of hands. The new measures also give visitors access to all communal area within the hotel premises inclusive of bars, swimming pools, spas and Kid’s club. 

Minister Radegonde stated that the decision to review and relax the entry procedures in the country has been made possible in view of the success registered in the aggressive vaccination campaign that the country embarked on earlier in the year.

“The vaccination campaign has been quite successful. The government has done everything in its power to make sure that the population is protected. We have now arrived at the point where opening our borders further is the next step to allow for our economic recovery. The measures being announced reflect broadly the recommendation of our tourism partners and have been done in full consultation with and the endorsement of our health authorities.”

Commenting on the reopening of the destination, Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO, BRANDit, the Marketing and PR office for Seychelles Tourism Board in India said, “As Indians are looking for more destination choices to travel internationally, Seychelles opening up to India without any restrictions comes at a great time when people are ready to emerge out of their COVID cocoons and plan trips abroad. Being a dynamic country with a lot to offer to tourists, we are excited to motivate the trade and consumers to plan their next getaway in Seychelles”.

The small island nation off the east coast of Africa whose economy is based primarily on tourism was the first African country to launch a bold, comprehensive and effective Covid-19 immunisation campaign, in January 2021. 

The destination will continuously review the new entry measures to ensure that at all times the health and safety of the visitors and the local population are not compromised.

About the Author

Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers. 

• On October 1, Ethiopian Public Health Institute announced the presence of 76,098 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.
• Under the Government of Ethiopia State of Emergency, masks are mandatory in public where social distancing is not possible; funerals are limited to a maximum of 50 people; all other gatherings are limited four people.
• Fact Sheet – The U.S. Response to COVID-19 (Updated August 21, 2020)

Latest Updates: Effective October 2, 2020

• All passengers traveling to Ethiopia MUST present a negative RT PCR test certificate for COVID-19 before boarding a flight. The certificate validity shouldn’t exceed 120 hours on arrival from the date sample is given.
• Negative RT PCR test result is not a mandatory requirement for diplomatic passport holders while entering Ethiopia. However, diplomats are required to self-isolate for 14 days after entry.
• Children less than or equal to 12 years of age are exempted from the RT PCR test certificate requirement.
• There shall be no COVID-19 test to be done on arrival at Addis Ababa.
• A Rapid diagnostic test (RDT antibody test) will not be accepted for this purpose.
• The above requirement does not apply to transit passengers.
• https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa/travel-updates/updates-on-covid-19(coronavirus)
• https://et.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

by Daine Taylor / June 19, 2020

As demand for travel is steadily increasing, travel companies are considering the best way to resume service while keeping guests safe. In a combined effort, the leading tour operator associations; United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), and the European Tourism Association (ETOA), have collaborated to develop a unified set of health and safety standards for tour operators called TOURCARE.

The TOURCARE initiative provides guidelines for tour operators across all levels of service to help them maintain appropriate sanitation standards and adhere to WHO, CDC, and local health protocols.

“By their very nature, tour products are complex, involving many different variables that are under the watchful eye of the tour operator, yet not every element fully under their control. We felt that our members – and the tour operator industry as a whole – would benefit from one set of guidelines developed with their specific needs top-of-mind,” said USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale, ETOA Chief Executive Tom Jenkins, and CATO Executive Director Pierre LaPage in a joint statement announcing the program.

“The TOURCARE Guidelines will help our tour operator members fulfill their mission to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their passengers while continuing to provide exceptional travel experiences in destinations around the world.”

The guidelines comprises training methods and sanitization protocols for customer-facing employees, equipping them with PPE’s and facilitating social distancing whenever possible.

It also lays out steps tour managers can take to further ensure the welfare of the tour, like asking guests to disclose their COVID-19 exposure prior to departure and agree to adhere to all recommended and required health and sanitization procedures including wearing of masks, gloves, and social distancing where appropriate.

Some of the protocols are:

• Promoting frequent hand washing for all staff and passengers.
• Promoting the use of face masks.
• Exercising social distancing where viable.
• Providing and promoting the use of hand sanitizers.
• Requiring a passenger health declaration form pre-travel.

Source: TravelMarket

by Daine Taylor / April 17, 2020

As the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, travel agencies are focusing on how they could meet the needs of travelers that are concerned for their health and safety while abroad. 

African Travel Inc. held a webinar on April 9 entitled “We’ve Got Your Back,” which featured information on the updated tools and resources available to travel advisors to help them learn about, and sell African destinations.

Kevan Cowie, the director of sales for African Travel Inc., led the webinar and touted some features of the destinations they offer as being perfect for travelers who are concerned about visiting dense population centers and overcrowding.

“Only 10% of global travel goes to Africa. It’s one of the most under-crowded places that we can possibly be in, and over –crowding of tourist destinations has been something that’s been on so many people’s minds right now,” said Cowie.

“The lodgings we work with frequently have only between 12-15 rooms, for a maximum of 25-30 people in a lodge at any one time.”

The webinar shared details of the company’s newly revamped website and how advisors can take advantage of these resources to learn about, and ultimately sell Africa to their clients. Among the updates, the website features a travel alert section which is updated daily and relays information about the outbreak for each of the 17 countries in African Travel’s network of destinations.

It also features a living room safari gallery to help advisors bring the wonders of these destinations right to their homes.

“This is really where we’re going to bring to you images, reading material, videos, and of course our previous webinars. With these you can sit back in your chair at home, hook it up to your TV, and let Africa come to life in your living room.”

The company also updated its advisor resource center which provides advisors with the tools to make it easy for you to sell Africa. “This is where you’ll be able to order brochures, you’ll have links to our travel academy, and you’ll be able to find safari resources by destination or type of safari, and a whole lot more.”

African Travel also announced it is launching a revamped Agent Academy training program beginning May 1, and invites all agents, even those who have taken previous Agent Academy courses, to join and learn what new offerings are in store for African Travel.

And speaking of new, African Travel will be offering Morocco as its newest destination in 2021. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to bring that to you. You know the level of service we provide, this will be the ultimate in luxury in what is a fascinating and very exotic destination.”

While he recognizes that people aren’t traveling right now, Cowie also shared his positive outlook for a steady return to travel when the coronavirus crisis passes, citing the number of clients who have chosen to rebook with African travel, rather than cancel future trips. “95% of travelers who’ve been effected by the current situation have rebooked. In a time where so many people are cancelling, we’ve maintained a 95% rebook rate.”

“We know nobody is ready to travel immediately, but down the road…Africa is a wonderful place to [visit] and know that you’re going to be surrounded by the most amazing and incredible experiences.”

Source: Travel Market Report

COVID-19 reached global crisis levels which has left much of the world at a standstill. Now many places, as we are seeing in Europe, have begun to reopen.

Here is a country by country guide of the major destinations in Europe and their plans to reopen.

Austria

On June 16, Austria allowed EU residents, except those from the UK, Sweden, and Portugal, to enter without a medical certificate or quarantine. Those flying into Vienna International Airport can undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival to bypass the country’s mandatory two-week quarantine. 

The easing of border restrictions comes after Austria reopened restaurants and museums on May 15, as well as hotels on May 29. Austria has also implemented a process to test hotel employees for the virus in an effort to assure tourists of a safe environment.

Belgium

Belgium opened its borders for travel to and from the European Union, the UK, and Schengen countries on June 15. Belgium requires travelers from outside the Schengen area to stay home for 14 days and practice social distancing, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.

Croatia

Croatia is not allowing non-EU citizens to enter until at least July 1. Croatia has lifted restrictions for residents of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Germany, and Slovakia.

Croatia has distancing recommendations in place for things like museums and performances.

France

France lifted restrictions on travelers from the European zone on June 15, no longer requiring them to have an international travel certificate and not subjecting them to quarantine.

France started lifting lockdown restrictions in May and on June 2, further lifted restrictions to allow for the opening of many restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as swimming pools, beaches, and museums. 

Restrictions still remain in place for people entering France from outside the EU, including from the U.S., according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France. 

Germany

Germany has limited entry to residents of the EU, currently not allowing entry to citizens of most other countries, including the U.S., according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Germany.

Germany has begun lifting restrictions on things like shops, but social distancing requirements will remain in place until at least June 29. 

Greece

Greece is limiting entry to EU citizens through June 30. Travelers from certain European countries, including Italy, Spain, and Sweden will be tested upon arrival and required to stay in Athens overnight.

Starting July 1, international flights will be allowed into all airports and arrivals by sea will resume. Greece may conduct random COVID-19 tests on visitors upon arrival.

Ireland

People entering Ireland from another country with the exception of Northern Ireland is required to self-quarantine on arrival for 14 days, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ireland.

While shops have reopened, retailers have to put measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus including installing protective screens.

Italy

On June 3, Italy reopened its borders to European citizens, becoming the first country in Europe to do so. 

The country’s restaurants and most shops along with famous museums have all reopened. Some regions in the country, however, will require visitors to pre-register before coming, including Sardinia, Puglia, and Basilicata.

Netherlands

On June 1, restaurants, cafes, movie theaters, and museums were allowed to reopen with occupancy restrictions. On July 1, campgrounds are expected to open.

Travelers from outside the EU are not allowed to enter the Netherlands for non-essential travel until at least July 1. 

Portugal

Portugal currently allows EU residents to come in along with those from Portuguese-speaking destinations like South Africa, Canada, the U.S., the UK, and Venezuela – as long as there is reciprocity for Portuguese citizens, according to Visit Portugal.

Portugal has reopened shops as well as restaurants, cafes, and beaches with some capacity restrictions.

Spain

On June 21, Spain lifted border restrictions for all European Union countries, no longer requiring visitors to quarantine. Spain started easing its lockdown policies in phases including beaches and tourist attractions, which reopened on June 6.

On July 1, Spain will consider allowing people from other countries to enter based on a list of safe countries that will be drafted by the EU Commission. 

Switzerland

Switzerland opened its borders to travelers from the Schengen area on June 15 and said it will subject people from countries with high numbers of new infections to a temperature check upon arrival.

On June 6, Switzerland opened areas like amusement parks, zoos, swimming pools, and mountain cableways. On June 22, Switzerland lifted most restrictions on restaurants, but will leave the ban on large-scale events in place until the end of August.

United Kingdom

On June 8, the UK imposed a mandatory two-week quarantine for anyone arriving in the country. Travelers coming from Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man are exempt from this order.

Restaurants and pubs will open on July 4 with precautions in place. Hotels will also be open along with most retail businesses. Locals have been allowed to return to work as well as take public transportation.

–Read more on the remaining countries in the EU and their plans to reopen from Travel + Leisure.

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• Coronavirus Updates: Everything You Need to Know
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Whether you hop on a plane and trek across the globe, or rent an RV and drive across the
country, travel is a great way to experience new places. It allows you to explore new areas, meet interesting people, and get a better understanding of the world we live in. But don’t just take our word for it. Scientists have looked into the benefits of travel as well. According to a recent study, taking a trip abroad keeps you healthier and boosts your creativity! Travel is great. Who wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to drop everything and go on a trip? But even if you have the time to travel, there’s one reason people don’t travel more – cost. Travel can be restrictively expensive. So how do you trim the costs and make your dreams of getting away a reality? Take a look.
Travel off the beaten path We’d all love to spend three months in Italy, but for most people, it isn’t in the budget. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great vacation. If you are looking to get the Italian vibe without the Italian price, Croatia is a much cheaper alternative. Similarly, almost anywhere in Eastern Europe is substantially less expensive than Western Europe.

Looking for a tropical location? Consider the Caribbean instead of Hawaii. While the Caribbean is not exactly “off the beaten path,” it can be a lot less expensive than Hawaii, especially if you are traveling from the East Coast.
Travel slow Thinking about taking an extended vacation? Instead of making a bunch of stops, consider staying longer in one location. With slow travel, you choose one home base and stay for an extended period of time. You can stay at more than one location, but you should aim to spend at least a week in each location.
There are many benefits to slow travel. For one, you are able to see the location in a deeper more intimate way. You can connect with the locals and visit the hidden spots that no one knows about. Another benefit – the cost. When you book a place to stay, you will likely see lower rates the longer you stay. Vacation rentals and hotels often offer lower rates for extended stays.
Choose the right phone plan No matter where you’re traveling, you’ll almost definitely be bringing your smartphone along whether you’re using it to stay in touch with people back home, to find places to eat or stay, or for GPS. And if you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to avoid being charged overage fees by your provider. To avoid these charges and roaming fees, review unlimited phone plans to find one that can accommodate all the data you’re using.
Consider alternative accommodations If you’re used to staying at a hotel when you travel, it’s time to think outside the box. Hotels can be expensive, especially in hot tourist locations like New York and LA. There are sites that allow you to book apartments, houses, and even igloos at a greatly discounted price. In addition to saving money on your booking, these options typically come with some sort of kitchen, meaning
you can cook from “home” instead of eating out. Compare rates on Priceline
If you are planning on booking a flight or renting a car, it’s always a good idea to compare rates.
But why waste your time hopping from site to site when you can find all the information you need in one place? Priceline pulls rates from thousands of hotels making it easy to search online for the best deals, allowing you to choose the rate that’s best for you. Worried that you might miss out on a better deal somewhere else? One of the great things about Priceline is their price match guarantee. Find a better rate within 24 hours of booking, and they’ll refund 100 percent of the difference. You can save even more by using Priceline coupons and promo codes.

Travel can be expensive. We get it. But it doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. When you plan ahead, are flexible with where you want to go, and think outside the box, the price will drop dramatically. Don’t let costs get in the way of your travel dreams. The only question left is:”Where will you go?”