Conrad Clifford, IATA’s Deputy Director-General, gave the following comments in response to Singapore’s plans to ease travel restrictions.
“Singapore’s announcement is a positive step in the right direction. We understand the need for a cautious approach and look forward to seeing further lifting of quarantine requirements. This will help with the recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors.
It has been 1.5 years since the world closed its borders to international travel. A lot more is known today about COVID-19. Unfortunately, many states in the Asia Pacific continue to adopt a risk-averse zero-COVID approach and continue to shut their borders. This is not sustainable and is detrimental to both their economies and their populations.
We have seen moves around the world to reopen borders, allow international travel, and restarting their aviation and tourism sectors. Asia-Pacific risks being left behind.
A data-driven approach using vaccination and testing can manage the risk of COVID-19 when reopening borders to international travel. Singapore has shown leadership in demonstrating that it is safe to reopen international travel without quarantine. I hope other Asia Pacific states will take similar steps with their borders.”
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