United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
New trade group urges closer government cooperation to open borders
Newly formed regional trade association the Asia Travel Technology Industry Association has called for closer cooperation between governments and consistent policies to help kick-start international travel across Asia.
ATTIA is made up of representatives from online travel giants Agoda, Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia Group.
The group wants close collaboration to ensure borders are reopened in a coordinated and safe way.
"Movement of people is important to kick-start tourism and regional economies. The Asia region is prepared to lead the way globally in rejuvenating the travel economy post-Covid-19 pandemic," said ATTIA chair Ang Choo Pin, who is also Expedia’s senior director of government and corporate affairs, Asia.
The association has listed a set of recommendations it wants to be implemented including internationally endorsed health and hygiene guidelines for accommodations.
It also called for transparency over the reopening of borders and any agreed ‘travel bubbles,’ and a swift resumption to visa-waiver programmes.
"If we work together, we can present a unified post-pandemic position on rigorous travel criteria for Asian nations on the global stage, and unlock access to much-needed revenue and employment," Ang said.
by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel