New trade group urges closer government cooperation to open borders

Saturday, 20 Jul, 2020 0

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

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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.

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