Hotel industry and travel news from around the Asia Pacific region: Green lane travel between Singapore and Malaysia to commence on 17 August, Ho Chi Minh City considering public transport plan and more...
Green Lane Travel between Singapore and Malaysia to Commence on 17 August
From 17 August, Singaporeans and Malaysians will be allowed to travel between the two countries for business under the Reciprocal Green Lane (“RGL”) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (“PCA”) schemes. Applications for entry into Singapore must be placed by Singapore-based companies or government agencies. The RGL will allow for short-term essential business and official travel between both countries for up to 14 days via either air or land links. This is open to all legal residents in Malaysia, including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents (“PRs”) or Long-Term Pass Holders who are Malaysians. Travellers are to use the passes to apply for visas if necessary, and they must submit pre-trip health and travel declarations and declare their place of accommodation in Singapore. They are also required to pay for their swab tests upon arrival and remain isolated until they receive the results. The PCA scheme, which only covers land crossings, will allow Malaysian citizens and PRs with valid long-term Singapore work passes to enter Singapore, provided they are willing to spend at least 90 days in Singapore for work upon entry. PCA travellers will be required to serve a seven-day Stay-Home-Notice at permitted accommodations, with cohorting only allowed for up to four employees.
Bali’s “Golden Triangle” Port to Open in 2021
Construction for the Sampalan Port on Nusa Penida Island and the Bius Munjul Port on Nusa Ceningan Island, Klungkung Regency, Bali has commenced. According to Budi Karya, Minister of Transportation, the construction of the ports is to provide support for the tourism industry in Bali. Both new ports are considered part of the Golden Triangle ports (Sanur, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan/ Lembongan) which are all connected to Sanur Harbor, in Denpasar. Budi Karya has expressed hopes that the ports can be completed within nine months or mid-2021. Bali Governor I, Wayan Koster, mentioned that the construction of the ports will facilitate accessibility to the Golden Triangle area which can aid to increase visitations from local and international tourists. The plan for Sampalan Harbor is to build two levels with an area of 9,000 square-meters and a berthing capacity of 10 speedboats. The estimated development cost is IDR86.7 billion. The Munjul Bias Port will be built as a dock for speedboats and ferries, with an estimated construction cost of IDR109.6 billion. The Golden Triangle Port is expected to increase traffic to the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan/Ceningan and have an impact on the economy for the locals.
Itami Airport in Osaka Completes Four-Year Renovation
Itami airport in Osaka has reopened its north and south terminal buildings on 5 August, marking the completion of the major renovation. Kansai Airports, operator of the Itami, revealed that the new facilities offer increased opportunities to shop, eat, relax and work, enabling the airport to be more comfortable and enjoyable for travellers and people sending off passengers, as well as locals. The aim is to offer visitors a “Kansai experience” by showcasing products from the seven prefectures around Kyoto and Osaka which make up the region. The post-security retail area will feature Japan’s first walk-through commercial space in the domestic gate area, offering 31 new stores that mostly will sell exclusive Kansai-inspired products. There are also 17 F&B outlets joining the commercial space in the airport. Five new stores will also open in the pre-security area to attract locals and visitors who are not flying to the airport. Renovation work for the new terminals began in February 2016 and was scheduled for completion in July but was delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic. The work is part of a long-term upgrade on the airport, which handles about 17 million passengers per year across an extensive domestic network.
Ho Chi Minh City Considering VND400 Trillion Public Transport Plan
Ho Chi Minh City plans to spend nearly VND400 trillion (USD17.3 billion) on improving public transport and reducing the use of personal vehicles during the next decade. According to the city People’s Committee Office, the Department of Transport has submitted a plan which includes a focus on developing the bus network. By 2030, the city expects to commence operation of the Thủ Thiêm-Long Thành light rail to serve people travelling to the Long Thành International Airport, which is scheduled for completion in a few years. Other transport plans being considered are electric trams, inland waterway transport for tourism, regulating of taxi movements and operation of small buses. The authorities will solicit private investment in deploying public bicycles for rent and operating electric motorbikes and trams. By 2025, smart cards are expected to be used on all bus routes and on other public transport such as the metro, river bus and public bicycle and electric motorbike services. Cars entering the city centre are likely to have to pay toll. Approximately VND47.6 trillion (USD2 billion) will come from public funding and the rest from private investors and official development assistance.
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