HVS Monday Musings: Granting Industry and Infrastructure Status to the Indian Hospitality Sector is the Need of the Hour

By Mandeep S Lamba and Dipti Mohan
The growth of the Indian hospitality sector, a key contributor to GDP and employment, will fuel the economy in the post-COVID world, making a compelling case for the sector being granted infrastructure status – a long-pending request by key stakeholders – and the next frontier in the sector’s growth path.

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Singapore to Ease Border Restrictions on Business Travellers

On 15 December 2020, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Chan Chun Sing, announced that Singapore would launch a new segregated travel lane for short-term business travellers. From the second half of January 2021, there will be no requirements to be quarantined upon arrival. Developed by a Singapore consortium led by Temasek, made up of Changi Airport Group, Sheares Healthcare Group, SingEx, Surbana Jurong and The Ascott Limited, Connect@Singapore is a four-star facility that allows a limited number of business, official and high economic value travellers from all countries to stay in Singapore, for up to 14 days. Located at Singapore EXPO Halls 7 and 8, the first phase of the Connect@Changi pilot short-stay facility is anticipated to launch in the first quarter of 2021 with more than 670 premium guest rooms and 170 meeting rooms that can accommodate four to 22 attendees. Upon completion, it will feature more than 1,300 guest rooms and 340 meeting rooms. These travellers are required to undergo antigen rapid tests on alternate days during their stay, in addition to tests before departure and upon arrival in Singapore. This initiative is followed by an announcement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore which authorised unilateral travel from Taiwan, beginning from 18 December 2020.

Myanmar Resumes Domestic Flights on 16 December

Domestic flights in Myanmar have resumed on 16 December 2020, as announced by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.  This is in line with instructions from the National-Level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19. Passengers will have to pass the health screening in order to board the flights. While the international flights are still banned, the resumption of domestic flights is expected to help stimulate economic activity in rural areas. In addition, the de facto head of government, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, has stated in her national address on 11 December that plans are underway for the reopening of international flights.

First Phase of the China-Laos Expressway has Opened on 20 December

The first phase of the China-Laos Expressway has officially opened on 20 December 2020. This portion of the expressway runs from Laos capital Vientiane to Vangvieng, one of the most famous tourist cities in Laos. The Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway is jointly developed by China-based Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group and the Laos government. This first smart expressway is built by China-based Huawei Technologies Company Limited (“Huawei”), who worked with its partner, Yunnan Huayuan Electronics Company Limited, to build a stable, secure, and intelligent information and communication technology platform for the expressway. Huawei’s data communication and transmission equipment will be deployed to facilitate in big data analysis, with other technical means being utilised to implement all-scenario solutions like real-time intelligent monitoring, intelligence charging and emergency response. The 5G network to be built in Laos next year will also be integrated with the smart expressway, which will facilitate Laos’ infrastructure development. Moreover, the landmark development will reduce travelling time from two-and-a-half hours to one hour, improve transportation efficiency, promotes economic and tourism development.

Thailand Fully Open for Travel and Tourists Can Apply for Special Tourist Visa

The Thai Cabinet announced that travellers from all countries can stay in Thailand for up to 90 days with the Special Tourist Visa (“STV”). Previously only available to visitors from low-risk countries, the STV costs THB2,000 and can be extended twice, with each extension costing an additional THB2,000. The extension allows tourists to stay in Thailand for up to nine months. Travellers under the STV can enter Thailand until 30 September 2021. To qualify, travellers will need to submit proof of their long-term accommodation in Thailand such as hotel reservation, rental contract or condominium ownership documents. Additionally, a proof of medical and travel insurance with coverage for COVID-19 medical treatment for the entire period of stay in Thailand should be submitted. Travellers must also present a negative Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) test result 72 hours before arrival, followed by another PCR test on landing. Upon arrival in Thailand, there will be a mandatory 14-day quarantine at an “alternative state quarantine” hotel. Through the STV, the Thai Cabinet aims to revive Thailand’s tourism industry, which contributes to around 20% of the country’s GDP.

Absolute Share Price Performance, as on 25 December 2020