Just finished a terrific Staycation at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa. It totally exceeded expectations and both Farah and I were reluctant to leave and had the sad feeling of going home even though it was less than a half hour drive.You can see more of our staycation on Facebook here, or on the website.
Cynthia Dammerer and husband Ross joined Farah and me for dinner. It was like real life once again. It was energizing as we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. You don’t get that warm fuzzy feeling on Zoom. We’ve done staycations before, but this one really worked for us.
When we entered Covid-19 we were all dealing with a situation for the first time, and we had to be understanding when changes had to be made as knowledge of the virus grew. Once again, as we get out of this situation, we are also dealing with a new set of conditions we haven’t experienced before. So it is hardly surprising that there is confusion, and there are different ideas of what could and should happen next.
I don’t believe I’ve ever heard such confusion and contradictory statements by members of governments. Not just one government but by a number of them. One statement I’ve read from different Ministers is that leisure travel won’t happen until mid-2021. Other Ministers are champing at the bit to get life back to normal as quickly as possible. As I write, Indonesia is reconsidering their goal of opening Bali on Sept 11, 2020.
In Singapore, Changi Airport is an important part of the economy. Operating at about 12% doesn’t do it. Everyone wants to get the numbers up and start getting a better return on their massive investment. Measures that they are taking now, such as allowing more airlines to use the airport as a hub, are helpful, but real economic growth won’t happen until leisure travel is once again the norm.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili agrees with me. In a news release he stated, “In these uncertain times, people around the world need strong, clear and consistent messages.”
It is hard to go forward when you don’t know where forward is.
The newsletter is focused on the good things that are happening, such as the positive developments that have come out of the pandemic. I am not into supporting virtual events – I want to promote real events where people can meet in person where positive things can happen. People are tired of looking at each other on a screen.
I think that Thailand is taking a good approach. Thailand’s tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn states that five ministries will be working together with the aim of opening up Thailand to foreign tourism again from the start of the fourth quarter – October 1st. The “travel bubble” plans have been binned with a new approach of “twin countries” are on the table. They haven’t said what that means, but I like the fact that a number of ministries are involved as they all have vested interests that probably need to be taken care of before borders can be opened.
We like this to be an interactive newsletter – getting feedback from you. We have a poll question and an opportunity to win a staycation at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort – see Fun With Masks for all the details.
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