Ep 80: June in Review: Delta Variant Derails Tourism Planning

Listen to this episode

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google

Podbean

View All Episodes

About This Episode

2 Jul 2021 • 35m00s

June 2021 proved to be a another difficult month for governments, citizens, companies and travel policy planners. The fast-spreading Delta variant caused previously COVID-safe countries to take stricter precautions, and worsened the situation in nations still battling to contain the coronavirus. Governmental travails impact every aspect of daily life, work and leisure throughout the region.

On the first edition of a new monthly review show, Gary and Hannah look back on 6 headline travel talking points across South East Asia, and beyond. Of course, the Phuket Sandbox and the postponement of Bali’s reopening to inbound travellers feature prominently.

We also discuss proposed moves to reboot educational travel, compare the current travel situations in Asia, North America and Europe, and analyse a new US venture by one of South East Asia’s high-profile tourism players.

And which travel operators applied before the deadline for one of Malaysia’s soon-to-be-issued Digital Banking licences?

« Next Episode Ep 81: The Current State of Airlines in ASEAN, with Brendan Sobie Previous Episode » Ep 79: South Korea Emerges As Asia's Most Exciting Travel Market, with Dr Jaeyeon Choe

View All Episodes

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Play

1 Apr 2026 • 27m31s

Ep 295: ASEAN's Energy Crisis, Godzilla Heat, Changi in Vietnam & Eurovision Asia: March 2026 in Review

March 2026 will not be remembered fondly across Asia, as a worsening energy crisis impacts all sectors of regional economies, including travel. Gary and Hannah review the most eventful month for South East Asia since Covid - and provide up-to-date analysis of the current situation, and what to expect next. We look at the increasing airline fuel surcharge rates being applied, including an eye-watering 157% fare increase announced today. In response, Thailand has slashed its annual visitor arrivals target and AirAsia is reviewing the inauguration of its Bahrain transcontinental hub in June.

Play

30 Mar 2026 • 15m57s

Ep 294: Sustainable Aviation & Tourist Entry Taxes in Singapore & Thailand, New Cruise Ports & Robot Dog Tour Guides

As we enter a decisive week for Middle East warfare and diplomacy, South East Asia is watching with deepening collective and national economic concerns. Gary and Hannah start the week in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia in search of answers to South East Asia’s big travel questions. What are the implications of the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit being cut to ‘the bare bones’? As Singapore delays implementation of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy, is now the right time for Thailand to revive its THB300 Tourism Tax?

Ep 80: June in Review: Delta Variant Derails Tourism Planning

About This Episode

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Ep 295: ASEAN's Energy Crisis, Godzilla Heat, Changi in Vietnam & Eurovision Asia: March 2026 in Review

Ep 294: Sustainable Aviation & Tourist Entry Taxes in Singapore & Thailand, New Cruise Ports & Robot Dog Tour Guides

Hannah Pearson

Gary Bowerman