Many new bans and restrictions because of the Omicron variant lead to predictions that the tourism industry will return to the difficult path like at the beginning of the epidemic.
Many of the world's main tourist destinations in Europe, North America and Asia have banned flights and visitors from Africa, after the Omicron variant is forecast to break the infection record of Delta's. This inadvertently pushed the tourism industry to face a global freeze.
Amanda Poses, an American, has been on vacation to South Africa and Botswana since December 17. She is "holding her breath" waiting for more information before deciding to cancel the trip. Chris Beyrer, another American, has similar plans later in the year. He has no intention of canceling the trip, but will change plans if developments involving Omicron become more dangerous. Poses and Beyrer are a few of the thousands of travelers who are stuck between going or postponing travel. Many others have even canceled the tour, accepting the non-refundable deposit of the room.
About 24% of the population in South Africa (pictured), which is being considered a Covid-19 hotspot, is fully vaccinated. Travelers flying to the country must present a negative PCR test result performed within 72 hours. Photo: AP
The arrival of Omicron is another blow to tourism, an industry that has struggled to recover after falling to a near standstill during previous outbreaks. Experts fear more and more travel companies will find it difficult to survive if the situation worsens. Many people may not face bankruptcy right away, but are on the brink. This is considered particularly bad, especially at a time when tourism is gradually recovering, and people are looking forward to a crowded Christmas - New Year season.
Accommodations are not only facing a drop in bookings, but are constantly having to issue refunds. Many places have difficulty in getting help from banks, such as not reducing loan interest rates. Besides, many countries have very little support for this service industry. The UK is an example. The risk of holiday chaos because of too many cancellations, the bankruptcy of airlines is a real possibility, according to predictions from CNN.
The whole world is gradually repeating the previous emergency responses to prevent the epidemic. That's what the International Air Transport Association (IATA) says is "not a long-term solution". "The way governments are responding to the risks that Omicron presents is causing anxiety among travelers. We need to use the past two years of anti-epidemic experience to find safe alternatives. ", IATA head Willie Walsh said in a statement.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on November 28 called on countries to immediately lift the "unreasonable" travel ban because of the newly discovered strain of Omicron. "We urge all countries that have imposed travel bans on our country and neighboring countries in southern Africa, and immediately and urgently reverse their decision." Mr Ramaphosa said the travel ban "will further damage economies and weaken their ability to respond to and recover from the pandemic".
Israel is one of the latest countries to impose travel restrictions on African countries due to fears of a new variant. Photo: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90
Tourism experts also said that the simultaneous closure of borders and new travel restrictions for tourists around the world made travel more difficult. This also makes them feel less confident when traveling. The African tourism industry in particular, and the world in general, is certainly heavily affected by these bans.
Robert Merlin, travel advisor for SmartFlyer, advises travelers to stay calm and wait for new information before making any changes. Merlin recommends that guests have a backup plan, closely monitoring news about Omicron, and new restrictions from countries.
Travelers should check restrictions in any destination they plan to visit before booking a tour. Make sure the place is still on the insurance list if something goes wrong. The elderly and unvaccinated children should limit travel during this time.
The new variant Omicron has forced many countries to close their borders with Africa. European Union countries have agreed to impose temporary restrictions on travel to the EU from southern Africa from November 26. Restricted countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, according to EU Commission spokesman Eric Mamer. Non-EU countries like the UK or Russia do the same thing.
The US announced travel restrictions from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi starting today. Canada announced a ban on entry to international visitors who have passed through southern Africa in the past 14 days on November 26. Canadian citizens must be tested immediately upon entry, and isolated until they receive a negative result.
In Asia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Japan... have imposed restrictions on flights and visitors from countries in Asia. Fly.
Turkey, Egypt ... are also names that extend the list of imposing restrictions because of Omicron.
