USA - Even if travel activity begins to recover in June from the near-shutdown imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak, the US travel industry could lose 4.6 million jobs well before that - by the end of April. That would effectively double the national unemployment rate and potentially launch the country into a protracted recession, according to an updated analysis by Oxford Economics.

KUALA LUMPUR –The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has cancelled its Visit Malaysia Campaign 2020 (VM2020). This will include a freeze on all over-the-counter and online services for new application, license renewal of travel operating business and travel, tourist guide, tourism training institute and registration of rated tourist accommodation premises as well as spa and foot massage centre.

SHANGHAI – With inbound travel demand in the doldrums, Shanghai hotels are coming up with innovative ways of sustaining business.  Besides following the recommended procedures and protocols of the World Health Organisation and local health authorities, many are going the extra mile to differentiate themselves from others.

SINGAPORE - The American Chamber of Commerce Singapore (AmCham Singapore) has raised its concerns regarding Malaysia’s lockdown, highlighting that efforts to contain COVID-19 should be implemented in a manner that minimises the economic impact of the movement control order which prevents people from crossing the Causeway.

GENEVA – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strongly urged the governments of the world to take fast action in light of the worsening conditions in the airline industry.

DUBAI – Preparations are proceeding for Expo 2020 Dubai, with organisers finalising detailed plans to manage the impact of COVID-19’s disruption before the event launches in October.

SINGAPORE – The Singapore MICE trade continues to brace itself for a rough ride ahead. Another event, NATAS Travel 2020 which was to be held at Singapore Expo from 1-3 May, has been cancelled. National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) organises two fairs annually, NATAS Travel in Feb/March and NATAS Holidays in the second half of the year, drawing crowds of more than 110,000 each year.

Macau may be small, but it packs in a powerful punch of historical beauty, grand architecture, tantalising cuisine, luxurious treats, and exciting programmes all year round. With its tourism allure already sealed by UNESCO’s World Heritage Site stamp across over 20 historical locations, what’s left is building its business infrastructure – and the Chinese territory has definitely aced that – running full steam ahead into the new decade.

Hybrid events combine in-person attendees with digital elements that allow offsite attendees to experience meeting elements in real time. They allow for a broader reach and extended audience engagement.

KUALA LUMPUR – Hotels in Malaysia are facing a heavy drop of events with cancellations and postponements after the government announced a directive to stop international meetings till April 30.

PENANG – As travellers reckon with the temporary travel restrictions and advisories, niche tour operators see their strength in being nimble to tide through the downturn while bracing for further impact.

SINGAPORE – With many frequent business travellers forced to stay at home in Singapore, hotels around the island are rolling out staycation options to lure families and business travellers to fill up their rooms. The response has been encouraging, according to Singapore Hotel Association (SHA).

MANILA - The Philippine government has placed its capital Manila under lock down or “community quarantine” from Sunday, 15 March to 14 April. President Rodrigo Duterte announced this drastic measure in a bid to contain the dreaded COVID-19 virus, which started this month with three confirmed cases and a death, and has spiked now to about 52 confirmed cases and two fatalities.

WORLDWIDE – Global aviation has shrunk overnight due to efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak that could see most international airlines facing bankruptcy by end of May. Many airlines are desperately asking for government bailouts within the upcoming weeks.